12 Ways to Make Your Wedding Ceremony Memorable

Since I played for my first wedding in 1996, I've seen some very memorable wedding ceremonies!  Every wedding is unique, but some of our brides have really impressed us with what they have done to make their wedding stand out from the rest.  If we are still talking about it, their guests probably are, too!

The days when guests would skip the ceremony and just attend the reception are ending.  After all, the ceremony is the reason for the party!  Treat your guests to a ceremony that is filled with personal touches, and you will create memories for a lifetime (along with perfect photo opportunities).

If you are looking for ceremony music that can be completely customized for your unique tastes, please contact us (www.theclassicharpist.com or 1-877-HARP-578).  We'd love to be a part of your unique wedding!

 

 

 

How to Make Your Wedding Unique and Memorable

 

1.  Incorporate ceremony elements that celebrate your heritage.  This may mean jumping the broom, breaking a glass, wine sharing, hand-fasting, or donning crowns.  Be sure to explain the significance of the tradition to your guests, either with an announcement by your officiant or in your programs.

2.  Face your guests during the ceremony.  There is nothing more boring than looking at everyone's back!  It also makes for better pictures.  Another option is to switch the traditional bride's and groom's sides, so that when you face each other for your vows, your own family is looking at your face, rather than the back of your head.

3.  Use unconventional music for your ceremony.  As long as it is allowed by your venue and officiant, anything is possible!  I've played "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" for a couple who met at a Cubs game, and "Stairway to Heaven" for a bride whose parents used that song in their wedding.

4.  Involve your guests.  One wedding I recently played for had each of their guests light a candle and place it on the altar when they arrived.  By the time the ceremony began, the front of the church was glowing! 

5.  Children don't have to be ring bearers and flower girls!  I've seen kids serve as bell ringers, running down the aisle yelling "Here comes the bride!" right before her big entrance.  They can also be pages or train bearers if you have a long train.

 6.  Take care of your guests!  Small things such as providing bottled water and fans for outdoor ceremonies are a courtesy that will be appreciated.  You are the host, so make them feel welcome and comfortable!

7.  Theme weddings can be a lot of fun.  We've done everything from western to Renaissance to Old Hollywood glam, and one where all of the guests showed up in Lord of the Rings costumes!

8.  Don't forget man's best friend!  If you have a family member of the four-legged kind, and they are well-behaved and welcome at your venue, have them participate in the ceremony.  Dogs make great ring bearers, and can even escort the bride down the aisle!

9.  Think beyond traditional venues.  Look for old movie theatres, beaches, museums, historical homes, ski resorts, orchards, wineries, or even your own backyard.  They might not have all of the amenities of a traditional banquet hall, but you start with a blank slate and create your wedding to match your vision.

10.  Your readings don't have to be traditional!  One of my recent weddings featured the mothers of the bride and groom reading from the book "A Friend Like You".  A personal favorite was a couple who chose their readings from the Dr. Seuss canon!

11.  Personalize traditional ceremony decor.  Hand-painted custom aisle runners unrolled before the processional are a beautiful alternative to the paper versions available.  Instead of bubbles or birdseed, provide guests with streamers with your names and wedding date printed on them to wave as you exit the ceremony.  If you will have a table or altar, create a special cloth covering that you can later use in your new home.

12.  Greet your guests as they arrive, and forgo the grand processional.  When it's time, just gather everyone together to begin the ceremony.  This works especially well if you are shy and don't want all of those eyes watching you walk down the aisle!

Fort Wayne Wedding Music - Harpist for Wedding Ceremony

It is always a good time when you have a wedding ceremony where you get to play some Eric Clapton, Stairway to Heaven, and a sprinkling of a couple Beatles songs!

For Joe and Brittney, the selection of wedding music included many great rock classics such as Wonderful Tonight, Stairway to Heaven, All You Need is Love, and Something.  While many of the songs that were selected were already part of my repertoire list, a couple of them were special requests that I was able to arrange for harp just for their wedding.

As for the ceremony itself, the bridesmaids entered to Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton.  Brittney entered into the sanctuary to the song Bella's Lullaby from Twilight.  The couple had a unity candle ceremony, for which Something by the Beatles was played.  At the end of a beautiful wedding ceremony, the couple exited to Time to Say Goodbye!

If you are looking for more non-traditional music for your wedding service, we can put together a great wedding package for you!  Visit our website, Fort Wayne Wedding Harpist, for more information.

Southwest Michigan Wedding Music ~ Lakeside Inn Ceremony

No matter how well you prepare for your wedding, the weather is always unpredictable!  This is especially true on the shores of Lake Michigan, where the rain can come out of nowhere - or circle around you, or disappear all together.

Gretchen and Joel planned for an outdoor ceremony at the Lakeside Inn in Southwest Michigan.  They have a couple of options for outdoor ceremonies:  either in their garden, or on their private beach that is accessible by stairs.  This ceremony was set up in the garden, but the rain was coming!

Everyone was watching the red blob on the radar coming closer and closer, and it looked like it would arrive right around the time the wedding was to begin.  We went back and forth, trying to figure out if they could get the ceremony in before the storm began.  Other set-up options were the front porch or the dining room, but the bride decided to chance the weather.

Of course, since the harp is made of wood, it cannot get wet.  They lucked out that there is an artists' studio building right behind the ceremony site.  I was able to set the harp up inside, and put my amplifier in the door so the music would still reach the guests.  Of course, as soon as I got my harp out there, it began to rain!

The bridal party entered to "Canon in D", and the bride's processional was "Falling Slowly".  We were supposed to sing the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing", but it (as well as a few other parts of the ceremony) was skipped to get everyone back inside to dry off a little sooner.  The wedding party (along with all of the guests under their umbrellas!) recessed to the first movement of "Spring" from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.  I couldn't resist throwing in "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" during the postlude! 

A good back-up location for any outdoor wedding is a must.  It will also lower your stress levels to know that, even if the weather doesn't cooperate, you will still have a beautiful ceremony!

Jeff and I are professional harpists providing wedding music for outdoor and indoor events throughout Southwest Lower Michigan.  Visit our website:

Southwest Michigan Wedding Music

or call 1-877-HARP-578 for more information.

South Bend Wedding Music ~ Hilton Garden Inn Ceremony

Outdoor weddings can always be a bit unpredictable, especially when it comes to dealing with the weather.  In most cases, I am sure no one imagines scenes such as these when thinking about their outdoor ceremony:

The bride and groom waited for a bit, hoping that the rain would pass, but unfortunately that never came to be.  Luckily, or maybe "preparedly" the venue was able to convert the outdoor garden wedding into a beautiful indoor ceremony.  After about 20 minutes of setup time, the wedding was moved indoors and the ceremony was ready to begin!

For the family, bridesmaids, and flower girls, I played "Your Song" by Elton John.  The bride entered to Sade's "By Your Side".  The recessional was especially fun, as I got to play Guns and Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine."

Want to know how we can customize your wedding music to include non-traditional music?  Visit our website, Indiana Wedding Harpist.

Cincinnati Wedding Harpist ~ Manor House Wedding Ceremony

Teresa and Gordon had a beautiful day for their outdoor wedding ceremony at the Manor House in Mason, Ohio.  Located not too far north of Cincinnati, this is a stunning venue worth checking out if you are in the area!  They have multiple ballrooms and locations for outdoor ceremonies, and this ceremony was held under their covered courtyard.  It's still outside, but you have cover if it's raining! 

The wedding colors of clover and yellow showed up in the bridesmaids' dresses and in the Converse shoes the groom and groomsmen wore.  They used lemons, limes, and baby's breath flowers for their aisle and altar arrangements.

Music for this ceremony was a mix of popular and Broadway songs.  The prelude included "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King, "Falling Slowly", and "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic.  Immediately prior to the processionals, the bride requested that I play "Great Day" - a piece full of glissandos that is beautifully idiomatic for the harp, and announced the the assembled guests that the wedding was about to begin.

The families entered to "Try to Remember" from The Fantasticks, the bridal party to "Fields of Gold", and the bride to "Edelweiss" from The Sound of Music.  As a part of the ceremony, the mothers of the bride and groom alternated reading pages from the book "A Friend Like You" by Tanja Askani.  During the unity sand ceremony, I played "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera, and the recessional was "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz.

Their programs were also beautiful, and incorporated their colors.  Along with giving an order of the ceremony and a "who's who" of the families and bridal party, they also explained some special elements of the wedding.  The bride wore a necklace owned by her grandmother, who has been married for 64 years.  She also wore the same veil her sister wore at her 2009 wedding.  The cloth for the unity sand table was made from the train of the mother of the bride's wedding dress (married 37 years).  When you have special touches like this that include family mementos, it's a good idea to let your guests know their history!

If you are looking for a harpist in the greater Cincinnati area, please visit my website:

Cincinnati Wedding Harpist

or call 1-877-HARP-578 for information on including the harp in your wedding or event.

Winona Lake & Warsaw Wedding Harp Music

What's better than a harpist at your wedding?  How about two harpists at your wedding!  The bride was moved to tears when she found out from her mom that there would be two harpists for the ceremony.

For Shelli and Justin's big day at the Hillside Amphitheatre on the shores of Winona Lake, we played "Canon in D" for the bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearer.  Shelli entered to the traditional "Bridal Chorus".  During the ceremony we played "I Cross My Heart" for the unity sand ceremony.  Finally, the bride and groom exited to "Because You Loved Me".

If you are thinking about something special and unique for your wedding or event, why not consider a harp duet?  Visit our website:  Northern Indiana Harpists.

South Bend Wedding Music ~ Harpist for Wedding Ceremonies

Jami planned her wedding music well in advance - she booked in the summer of 2009!  It was a good thing for her that she did, since June 11th has been one of our most requested dates this year.  We were able to provide harp music for four ceremonies, but turned down more than twenty for that Saturday!

Even if the planning timelines and checklists tell you to hire your ceremony musicians 3-4 months in advance, you will find many of the top professionals are already booked by then.  As long as you have your date, time & location finalized, it's never too early to book your wedding music!

The ceremony and reception both took place at the Landing Banquet Center in South Bend.  Everything was decorated in red and black, with lots of feathers for the centerpieces and altar arrangements.  One of the groomsmen let me know when everyone was almost ready for the ceremony to begin, and I played the final piece requested for the prelude:  "Bless the Broken Road", for the entrance of the groom and groomsmen.

The bridal party followed, and they entered to the Jason Mraz song "I'm Yours".  Last down the aisle before the bride were the ring bearers, wearing cute little fedoras and t-shirts that proclaimed them to be "Bling Security"!  The bride's processional was "Hymne" by the Greek composer Vangelis (who also wrote the music for the movies Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner).  When the ceremony concluded, everyone exited to "Suogan", a Welsh lullaby, played a bit faster than usual. 

I had a ledge right behind where the harp was set up, so I was able to make a short video of the processional.  Not the greatest sound quality and unfortunately, all you can see of me is my left hand!  It does, however, give you a sense of how harp music works for within the context of a wedding ceremony.

Whether your musical tastes are traditional or not, the harp can provide all of the music for your wedding.  Visit our website:

South Bend Wedding Music

for more information about including the harp in your wedding plans.

Valparaiso Wedding Music ~ Taltree Arboretum Wedding Harpist

June 11th, 2011, was a very popular date for weddings - between the two of us, Jeff and I were playing harp for four ceremonies!  The first was at noon outside of Valparaiso, IN, at Taltree Arboretum.  They have a beautiful setting for weddings at their pavilion by the lake.  There is a lawn for outdoor ceremonies, but the pavilion is large enough to accommodate all of the guests if the weather doesn't cooperate.  It's the perfect outdoor wedding venue!

The ceremony was officiated by Tom Witham of Day of Dreams out of Chicago.  I've worked with him frequently before, and he is always very professional and creates a memorable ceremony for the couple and their guests.  The chairs were originally set up in the pavilion, but since the rain was holding off, he orchestrated getting them moved out to the lawn so the bride and groom could have a true outdoor wedding.  Of course, all of these pictures were taken before the chairs even arrived - I got there a little early!

There was no traditional bridal party, so the processional was just the families of the couple.  During their entrance, I played Bach's "Prelude in C" - it's becoming a new favorite with brides!  The bride's processional was "Canon in D".  This is a popular selection if you want something traditional or classical, but not "Here Comes the Bride".  The selection played during the unity sand ceremony was "Dedication" by Franz Liszt, and the recessional was the "Finale from Royal Fireworks Music" by Handel.

If you are interested in having harp music for your wedding in Valparaiso or anywhere in Northwest Indiana, visit our website for more information:

Northwest Indiana Wedding Music

Springfield IL Wedding Music | Villa Maria & State House Inn Wedding

Out at Villa Maria on Lake Springfield, the cicadas were thick!  The outdoor wedding ceremony went ahead as planned anyway, and the guests just kept brushing them off.  The maid of honor had to keep a close watch on the bride's veil - the giant bugs seemed to like it!

When we arrived (extra early, as always) at Villa Maria, they landed on our car and we could see them swarming around the ceremony site.  I stayed inside with the windows rolled up as long as possible!  

The bridal party entered to Bach's "Arioso" and the bride's processional was "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.  I had a cicada land in my hair during the bride's entrance, but there was nothing I could do about it then.  It was caught and was making a terrible chirping sound, and as soon as I was done playing, got it out!  Occasionally, one would land on the harp strings and make a bit of sound.  I've had my harp played by the wind, but this was the first time it was played by a cicada!  During the ceremony, a friend of the couple sang "Ave Maria" accompanied by a pianist.  The recessional was an upbeat "Ode to Joy". 

After the postlude, we loaded up the harp and drove to the State House Inn, where the reception was taking place.  I provided background music for the cocktail hour, including:

• At Last by Etta James
• Clocks by Coldplay
• I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
• In My Life by The Beatles
• My Heart will Go On from Titanic
• Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers
• What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
• When You Say Nothing At All by Paul Overstreet
• Yesterday by The Beatles
• You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
• Your Song by Elton John
• Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

Dinner and dancing music, along with uplighting, were provided by Ball Photography and DJ Service. 

Photo: Ball Photography & DJ Service

The room was absolutely beautiful - lighting makes a big impact, and the silver Chiavari chairs finished the look.  Hopefully we'll get to work together again soon!  Jeff and I would love to provide elegant harp music for your wedding ceremony or reception anywhere in Central Illinois.  Please visit our website:

Springfield Illinois Wedding Music

or call 1-877-HARP-578 for more information on having harp music for your event.

Photo:  Ball Photography & DJ Service

Chicago Harpist | Joliet Wedding Music at Pilcher Park

Deanna planned a beautiful ceremony at the gazebo in Joliet's Pilcher Park for Saturday, June 4th.  The rain held off, but it was hot!  Fortunately, the gazebo provided shade for the harp and harpist.  Guests waited under the trees until the ceremony was ready to begin, so they didn't have to sit in the sun, either!

The officiant was running late, but we were able to get started as soon as she arrived.  Other than the bride & groom, that's the only person that must be there before you can start the ceremony.  Along with hiring a professional officiant with lots of wedding experience, be sure that he or she has good directions to your ceremony venue, and confirm the ceremony time the week of your wedding.  That really goes for all of your wedding vendors, but your officiant should be at the top of the list!

This ceremony was full of non-traditional wedding music.  The bridal party (in turquoise dresses, carrying pink peonies) entered to "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts, the bride's processional was "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys, and the recessional was "From This Moment On" by Shania Twain.  I kept with the popular music theme during the prelude and postlude.

As a professional wedding harpist, I provide elegant music for weddings throughout Chicago and Joliet.  Please visit my website:

Chicago Wedding Harpist

for more information about including the harp in your ceremony or reception.

Southwest Michigan Wedding Music | Fernwood Botanic Gardens Harpist

It was a busy Friday afternoon at the Fernwood Botanic Garden.  When I arrived to set up, there was a wedding rehearsal concluding, and two more scheduled for later that evening!  Fortunately, we were all blessed with perfect weather.

While I was tuning, the groom and groomsmen wandered over, and had lots of questions to ask about the harp.  I love introducing people to the instrument - this may be the only time they'll ever get to see a harp up close - and give them a chance to try it out.  Glissandos make anyone sound like a real harpist!  After a quick game of "stump the band" with classic rock songs (yes, I do know how to play "Stairway to Heaven"!), I started the prelude music for guest arrival.

Everyone entered from the Visitor's Center and down the path to the South Vista Garden.  From there, the processional returned back towards the gazebo and waterfall on the edge of the Bauer Terrace.  I was set up on the terrace, and had a perfect view of the processional.

The families of the couple entered to "Let it Be" by The Beatles, the bridal party processional was an anonymous Italian composition, "Andiam, mio tesoro", and the traditional "Bridal Chorus" played for the bride's entrance.  She was escorted by her very pround grandfather!  After the processional, the bridal party took their places around the gazebo, and the bride & groom made their way inside where the officiant was waiting for them.

Music for the unity candle was "Come Sail Away" by Styx, which was followed immediately by "Sweet Child O' Mine" for the recessional.

Fernwood is a beautiful venue for a wedding ceremony, and we would love to provide harp music for you!  Just visit our website: 

Southwest Michigan Wedding Music

or call 1-877-HARP-578 for more information about including harp music in your wedding!

Michigan City Harpist ~ Blue Chip Casino Wedding Ceremony

I first met Debbie at a Bridal Expo last October in Merrillville, Indiana, and was excited to play for her  Memorial Day weekend ceremony in Michigan City.  Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Blue Chip Casino.  Yes, you can have a traditional wedding there without blackjack tables or slot machines in the background!  They have several ballrooms, so the ceremony was held in one, and the reception was just down the hall.

The modern design of our Venus Penti pedal harp fit in perfectly with the black, white & purple color theme, as well as the contemporary feel of the venue.

The bride requested primarily popular songs while guests were arriving, including "Through the Eyes of Love", "Only Time", and "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic.  Her maid of honor entered to Bach's "Prelude in C" ~ played that piece often over the weekend! ~ and the bride's processional was the traditional Wagner "Bridal Chorus". 

During the lighting of the unity candle, the bride requested "The Wedding Song", also known as "There is Love", and as the couple presented roses to their parents, I played Schubert's "Ave Maria".  The recessional was the traditional "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn.

As guests exited for the receiving line, it was back to more popular selections, including "When You Say Nothing at All", "What a Wonderful World", and "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera. 

Whether you are planning a traditional or non-traditional wedding, the music of the harp can fit in perfectly!  Please visit my website, http://www.theclassicharpist.com/, for more information on having a harpist for your wedding ceremony and reception.

Ohio Wedding Harpist ~ Adena Mansion & Gardens, Chillicothe, OH

What a beautiful day for a wedding.  I was thrilled to be invited to play for the ceremony at the Adena Mansion & Gardens in Chillicothe, Ohio!  Being fond of animals, I especially liked that there were several four-legged "guests."  Upon arrival at the Adena Mansion I was greeted by donkeys, a white-tailed deer, and a very friendly cat, who decided to witness the entire ceremony!

The ceremony was in a beautiful setting!  Adena Mansion provided a perfect backdrop for the wedding.  The couple stood atop the steps leading up to the Mansion as they said their vows.

I played "Sheep May Safely Graze" for the Bridesmaids and "Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride)" for the Bride's entrance.  For the recessional, I performed "Trumpet Tune."

My wife and I perform on the harp for weddings and parties throughout Ohio.  To find out more about having harp music for your event, please visit our website, Ohio Wedding Harpist, or call 1-877-HARP-578.

South Bend Wedding Music ~ St. Mary's College Harpist

I had been looking forward to this wedding ever since Caitlin told me that she had a vintage English garden theme (her fiance and his family had spent several years in England), and was encouraging all of her guests to wear hats and fascinators.  I was glad to have the opportunity to break out my peacock feathers!

The ceremony took place in the Holy Spirit Chapel in Le Mans Hall on the campus of St. Mary's College.  I've played there before, and it is a beautiful space with perfect acoustics!  The prelude was all classical music, and as with all the weddings I've played on campus, it included "The Bells of St. Mary's". 

The families and bridal party all entered to "Prelude in C" by J.S. Bach.  The bridesmaids all wore different knee-length white dresses, carried bouquets of different green & white flowers, and wore colorful shoes and fascinators.  They maintained a cohesive look, but each was able to choose a dress that she liked and pair it with a bright color.  It was a lovely effect!

"Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel was the bride's processional music.  The ceremony was a full Catholic Mass, and I accompanied a friend of the bride who served as cantor.  We did "Taste and See" as the responsorial Psalm, "Celtic Alleluia", and the Mass of Creation for the Eucharistic Acclamations.  The music for the sign of the peace was "Great Day" ~ a piece filled with glissandos! ~ and the offertory was "Andiam mio tesoro".  During Communion, everyone sang "One Bread, One Body", and the recessional was the first movement of "Spring" from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

Once the ceremony concluded, the guests walked out the front doors and across the lawn to a tent where the reception was held.  The rain held off long enough for a group picture outside. 

I am available to provide music for weddings and receptions at St. Mary's College and Notre Dame (including Basilica ceremonies).  Please visit my website, South Bend Harp Music, or call 1-877-HARP-578 to find out more about including the romantic music of the harp in your wedding day!