Here comes the bride...

I am very excited about my ceremony music choices. I have had some specific song choices picked out for the longest time, and they will be done very uniquely. :) Let's just say I've had my wedding soundtrack playlist in my iPod since before he popped the question.

The typical wedding ceremony consists of the following musical parts: 

1. Prelude - Usually instrumental and played by the musicians prior to the commencement of the wedding ceremony, the prelude can start anywhere from 45 minutes to 15 minutes prior to the ceremony. Popular songs: Prelude in C (Bach), Ave Maria (Schubert), La primavera and L'inverno from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi)
2. Seating of the Family - This begins the ceremony with the seating of specials guests including grandparents and family, followed by the seating of the mothers. 
3. Processional - This is the song that plays as the attendants enter. 
4. Bride's Entrance - This marks the grand entrance of the bride! Popular songs: Bridal Chorus (Wagner), Canon in D (Pachelbel)
5. Interim - Sometimes during the ceremony, a couple might choose to play a few special songs such as during the lighting of a unity candle, or perhaps after the prayer. These songs often signify a special moment for the couple.
6. Recessional - This is the exciting part, after the married couple is announced! The recessional song celebrates the couple's new commitment as they walk up the aisle together. Popular songs: Wedding March (Mendelssohn), Ode to Joy (Beethoven), Hornpipe (Handel)
7. Postlude - Similar to the prelude music, it tends to be instrumental and is played as the remaining guests leave at the conclusion of the wedding. 

Though there are a number of traditional songs used during wedding ceremonies such as the Bridal Chorus, Canon in D, Ave Maria, the Wedding March, etc., many brides are choosing to do something different. Here are a few lovely alternatives:

• Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve)
• Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole)
• Romeo and Juliet Love Theme (Tchaikovsky)
• The Wedding Song (Peter, Paul, and Mary)
• Air on a G String (Bach)
• Here Comes the Sun (The Beatles)
• Reign of Love (Coldplay)

I think your song choices should be special to you and your groom, so that you will always think back to your special day anytime you hear those special songs play. What do you think?

Luv,

the Bride