Top Wedding Ceremony Music of 2011

We've gone through all of the weddings we played in 2011, and have come up with a listing of the most popular music selected by the brides with whom we have worked this year.  But better than just a "top" list, we'll include not just the most popular, but all of the songs selected by our couples. 

For their own processionals, and those of the wedding party, the brides we work with tend to stay with more traditional options.  Canon in D is always a favorite!  For mid-ceremony and recessional music, however, many more have opted for less traditional and non-classical pieces.

This should provide you with some inspiration and an idea of the wide variety of music that can be played on the harp!  The number in parentheses after each song title is the number of times we've played that piece for that ceremony moment in 2011.


Bridal Processionals (the bride's entrance music):

• Canon in D (23)
• Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride) (21)
• Only Time (3)
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (3)
• Prelude in C (2)
• Hymne (2)
• Bella's Lullaby (2)
• Till There Was You (1)
• Theme of Love (1)
• Pavane Style Renaissance (1)
• Misty (1)
• Marry Me (1)
• If I Ain't Got You (1)
• Here Comes the Sun (1)
• Falling Slowly (1)
• Fairest Isle (1)
• 81 (1)
• Edelweiss (1)
• By Your Side (1)
• Bless the Broken Road (1)
• Arioso (1)
• All You Need is Love (1)
• All I Ask of You (1)

Bridal Party Processional (as the bridesmaids enter the ceremony):

• Canon in D (22)
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (6)
• Prelude in C (4)
• Fields of Gold (4)
• Sheep May Safely Graze (3)
• Arioso (3)
• All I Ask of You (3)
• Hymne (2)
• Andiam mio tesoro (2)
• Your Song (1)
• Wonderful Tonight (1)
• With a Little Help from My Friends (1)
• Trumpet Voluntary (1)
• Smile (1)
• The Prayer (1)
• Only Time (1)
• Marry Me (1)
• Love Story (1)
• In My Life (1)
• I'm Yours (1)
• Hide & Seek (1)
• Glitter in the Air (1)
• Theme from Final Fantasy VII (1)
• Fanny Power (1)
• Falling Slowly (1)
• Edelweiss (1)
• Come Sail Away (1)
• Bless the Broken Road (1)
• Ave Maria (1)
• Aria from Rinaldo (1)
• All My Loving (1)
• Air on the G String (1)

Family Processional (entrance music for parents & grandparents):

• Prelude in C (2)
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (2)
• Falling Slowly (2)
• Canon in D (2)
• Arioso (2)
• You Raise Me Up (1)
• You Are My Sunshine (1)
• Try To Remember (1)
• Suogan (1)
• Down by the Salley Gardens (1)
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow (1)
• Meditation from Thais (1)
• Marry Me (1)
• Let it Be (1)
• King William's March (1)
• Hymne (1)
• Fields of Gold (1)
• Edelweiss (1)
• Carolan's Welcome (1)
• Bless the Broken Road (1)
• Ave Maria (1)
• Aria from Rinaldo (1)

Unity candle/sand or other ceremony music:

• Ave Maria (5)
• Hymne (3)
• Fields of Gold (3)
• All I Ask of You (3)
• The Wedding Song (2)
• Unchained Melody (2)
• Marry Me (2)
• The Lord's Prayer (2)
• Come Sail Away (2)
• Aria from Rinaldo (2)
• Andiam mio tesoro (2)
• You Raise Me Up (1)
• What a Wonderful World (1)
• Come My Way, My Truth, My Life (1)
• Suogan (1)
• Something (1)
• Serenade (1)
• Romance without Words (1)
• Prelude in C (1)
• The Prayer (1)
• Only Time (1)
• O Perfect Love (1)
• I'll Be (1)
• I Cross My Heart (1)
• Great Day (1)
• Eyes on Me (1)
• Erev shel shoshanim (1)
• Deep River (1)
• Dedication (1)
• Carol Ann (1)
• Can't Help Falling in Love (1)
• Canon in D (1)
• Bless the Broken Road (1)
• Because You Loved Me (1)
• Beautiful Dreamer (1)

Recessional music (exit from the ceremony for the couple & wedding party):

• Wedding March (6)
• King William's March (6)
• Trumpet Tune (5)
• Spring from The Four Seasons (5)
• All You Need is Love (4)
• Trumpet Voluntary (3)
• Sweet Child O' Mine (3)
• Ode to Joy (3)
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (3)
• Fields of Gold (3)
• Finale from Royal Fireworks (2)
• Pavane Style Renaissance (2)
• My Heart Will Go On from Titanic (2)
• Love Story (2)
• I'm Yours (2)
• Your Song (1)
• You Belong with Me (1)
• You Are My Sunshine (1)
• Time to Say Goodbye (1)
• Throne Room (1)
• Suogan (1)
• Reverie (1)
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow (1)
• Only Time (1)
• One Love (1)
• O Perfect Love (1)
• Love Will Keep Us Together (1)
• La Vie En Rose (1)
• Hornpipe (1)
• Great Day (1)
• From This Moment On (1)
• Fanny Power (1)
• Come Sail Away (1)
• Because You Loved Me (1)
• All My Loving (1)

If you are looking for a harpist to provide unique musical selections for your wedding ceremony, visit our website ~ The Classic Harpist ~ for ceremony packages and additional information.  We'd love to have the opportunity to work with you and make your ceremony music fit your style!

11 Terms That Should Be in Your Wedding Music Contract

Throughout the wedding planning process, you will be signing dozens of contracts. No matter what product or service they are providing, all of your vendors should provide a contract to outline expectations and responsibilities for both parties.

For wedding musicians, you want to be sure that they will arrive when you expect them to and perform the way you have envisioned. Your musicians need to know the details and logistics of your ceremony venue.

There are some items that should be in your contract with all of your wedding vendors, but there are some that are specific to musicians, and you should make sure that you are comfortable with the contract and read it thoroughly before you sign.

As professional harpists, we have had the pleasure of providing the music for over 400 weddings, and would love to work with you, too! Please contact us for a price quote or for more information on enhancing your wedding with live music.

Wedding Music Contracts

1. The date, time, and location of your wedding. This should be obvious, but if you contract your musicians, and then change the time or location, be sure to notify them! Ceremony musicians often play for more than one wedding per day, so they may not be able to accommodate a time or venue change. Be sure to check with them before you make any adjustments.

2. Deposit amount and terms. Be sure that your deposit is applicable to your total fee. Most deposits will be non-refundable, since your musicians are turning down other weddings, counting on your business. Often, there will be a due date for your deposit, and if it not received by that date, you will lose your spot on the musician's calendar. Be sure to send your contract and deposit back on time!

3. Final payment amount and terms. Depending upon the total fee, you may also choose to make intermediate payments. Check for any late fees that will be added for payments not received in time. Write due dates on your calendar a week in advance so you send your payments in before they are due.

4. Overtime. Know what overtime charges will be, and if you musicians are even available to stay for overtime. If your wedding is running late, they might not be able to remain if they have another even booked after yours. Be prepared to pay for any overtime needed on the day of your wedding with cash (most musicians can't take credit cards on site).

5. Weather provisions. If you are having an outdoor wedding, this is crucial! Know what conditions are acceptable for the musicians and their instruments, and what will require a move to your back-up location. Most musicians need a flat and level surface that is dry and out of direct sunlight. As acoustic instruments are made of wood, any rain will damage them, so make sure that you have adequate shelter for your musicians, or plan on moving inside.

6. Cancellation. If you need to cancel, what do the musicians require? Usually, all cancellations need to be in writing from the person who signed the contract. Depending upon how close you are to the date, you may still be liable for the full balance due. If your musicians have to cancel (this should be only in the case of a true emergency!), what will they do for you? At the very least, they should give you a full refund and assist you in locating another comparable performer.

7. Music selections. Check for a deadline when your music selections must be turned in. If you are requesting pieces outside of the published repertoire list of your musician, give them as much time as possible to prepare. You will usually not have to make music selections at the time of contracting, especially if you are booking several months in advance.

8. Extra fees. Will there be extra charges for early set-up or arrival? Parking? Meals? Mileage? Sheet music they need to purchase? Assistants? Accompanying a singer? Be sure that everything that may attract a charge is covered in your contract.

9. Who will be my musician? For large groups and booking agents, make sure you know exactly who will be playing for your wedding - and have his or her name listed on the contract. This isn't a problem when you are dealing with individual musicians!

10. Attire. If you have specific requests for your musicians, note them on the contract. You don't want Hawaiian shirts at a black tie reception! Most musicians will dress appropriately for the occasion (check pictures of past events), but add this in if it will make you more comfortable.

11. Contact information. Make sure that your contact information as printed on the contract is correct, and that you also have that of the musician. If there is a change in your phone number, address, or email during your engagement, be sure to notify all of your vendors.

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!

Choosing the Right Harp for Your Wedding or Event

Jeff and I love tailoring our music to fit the needs and wishes of our clients, and a big part of that is the harps that we own and use.  All four of our professional-quality instruments have a unique appearance and sound.  This post will help guide you in selecting which one is the best for your wedding or event!

The two types of harps we offer are lever harps and pedal harps.  Lever harps are smaller and lighter - and much easier to transport!  They have a lever at the top of each string to alter the pitch (like the black keys on a piano). 

Our BlevinSong Lever Harp has 36 strings, and was built by Dwight Blevins in Colorado.  This harp has an Irish or Celtic style, both in appearance and sound.  I'd describe it as the "brightest" sounding harp we have.  This is the harp we use for most of our beach weddings, and it can be placed directly on the sand.  It is perfect if your venue is difficult to access (winding staircases, gravel pathways, in a tree house - and yes, I've really played in a tree house!), or if the majority of music you are requesting is Celtic. 

Our other lever harp is a Webster Laurel Leaf harp, designed and built by Bill Webster just outside of Detroit, Michigan.  With 40 strings, this harp is a little larger than the BlevinSong.  This harp is perfect for outdoor weddings, and beach weddings when the harp is not placed directly on the sand (boardwalk, platform, etc.).  It has a classic and elegant style, with carved gold leaves wrapped around the ebony column. 

All of the music marked with a "+" on our repertoire lists can be played on either the BlevinSong or Laurel Leaf harps.

Pedal harps are the type of harps you see in an orchestra.  Instead of levers on each string, they have seven pedals at the base of the instrument.  We use those pedals to set the strings for sharps and flats (like the black keys on a piano), and the pedals move discs at the top of each string by means of a rod that runs through the hollow column.

If you are interested in learning more about how a pedal harp works, I recommend the article Pedal Harp 101 at the Harp Spectrum.

Both of our pedal harps were built by W&W Musical Instrument Company (Venus Harps) in Chicago, Illinois.  The harp that we custom ordered for Jeff is a semi-grand (concert size) Penti in a matte ebony finish.  It has 46 strings, and has a beautiful modern and sleek silhouette.

The other pedal harp is a Venus Classic Concert Grand.  With 47 strings, this is the largest harp that is built.  It is hand-carved, and decorated with roses at the top of the harp and around the base.  This harp is one of the earliest instruments built by W&W, and is over thirty years old.  It is the perfect romantic instrument!

All of the sound clips on our website were recorded on the Penti & Classic harps.  The pedal harps offer the greatest musical flexibility, and all of the music on our repertoire list can be played on either of these two instruments. 

Website:  www.TheClassicHarpist.com
Toll-free: 1-877-HARP-578

10 Tips for a Perfect Wedding Processional

Order of the Processional 

The wedding officially begins with the seating of the family members.  Depending upon their mobility, some grandparents and older relatives may opt to sit earlier, and avoid walking down the aisle with everyone watching them.

Traditionally, the woman is escorted by an usher, with the man following behind them in the center of the aisle.

Order of parents and grandparents:

• Bride's paternal grandparents
• Bride's maternal grandparents
• Groom's paternal grandparents
• Groom's maternal grandparents
• Groom's parents (or father & step-mother followed by mother & step-father)
• Bride's mother/parents (or father & step-mother followed by mother & step-father)

Once the family is seated, the officiant & groom enter (sometimes they enter prior to the seating of families - your choice!).  The best man and groomsmen may enter with them, or escort the bridesmaids down the aisle.

 

Order of bridal party:

• Junior Bridesmaids
• Bridesmaids, starting with the one who will be standing farthest away from the bride
• Matron of Honor
• Maid of Honor
• Ring Bearer
• Flower Girl
• Bride

If you have other members of your wedding party, use this as a guide:  the closer you are to the bride's entrance, the greater the honor! 

  

Processional Tips

1.  Have a rehearsal.  This gives your bridal party a chance to know where to stand, when to move, and it also allows them to find the venue prior to your wedding day!

2.  Start your rehearsal with everyone in place at the front.  From there, it is easier to walk out in order, and keep everyone in place to practice the processional.

3.  If your wedding is outdoors, be sure the aisle is free of anything that could be a tripping hazard.  If the ground is muddy, consider moving inside ~ high heels sink!  You might also want to avoid using an aisle runner.  They can mask holes and dips in the ground, and are difficult to walk on if the ground is uneven.

4. If you do not have a coordinator (either provided by the church/venue or hired on your own), designate someone to get the bridal party lined up and sent down the aisle. This person should also cue your musicians when everyone is ready, so that the music you selected can be played at the right time.

 5. Place your musicians somewhere they can see the processional (the front & back of the aisle) when the bridal party is in place. If I can't see what is happening, I can't make the music fit perfectly!

6. Remind your bridal party to smile!

7. Have a designated time when each member of the bridal party starts their walk down the aisle (when the person in front of them gets to the third row, etc.).

8.  The bride does not follow tip #7.  The musicians will be watching for the last member of the wedding party to get into place, and then will change the processional music for the bride.  Listen for this change before you enter.  Your musicians have a good view of the ceremony, and will know when everyone is lined up and ready for your entrance.  Wait for it!   

9.  Kids are unpredictable.  If you are having young children in your wedding party, be prepared to be upstaged!  This can be a good thing (super cute) or a bad thing (temper tantrum).  If the kids are overwhelmed by the attention, they may not walk down the aisle the way they practiced the day before.  Have a parent close by to help them along or take them out of the processional if they just aren't able to do it.

10.  Breathe - and walk slowly!  This is the moment you've been waiting for.  Take your time as you walk down the aisle, and make eye contact with your groom.  The parents should stand to signal to the guests when they should rise for the bride's entrance.


Are you interested in having your walk down the aisle accompanied by live harp music?  Visit our website, The Classic Harpist, or call 1-877-HARP-578 for more information!

Wedding Music Terminology

When you are planning your wedding, you'll learn a whole new vocabulary! From dress silhouettes to diamond cuts, these are probably all new to you. It's no different when it comes to discussing your wedding music.

You'll hear the same words over and over - but what do they really mean? Having a good grasp on these terms will allow you to make informed decisions about the musicians you hire for your ceremony and reception. You will be able to compare packages, knowing exactly what is included.

This will also help you in putting together your wedding program!

If you feel as if you musicians are speaking a different language, a professional should be willing to help you out - that's what we've been trained to do! Feel free to contact us with any questions, or to ask about having live harp music for your ceremony and reception. We'd love to work with you!

 

Prelude ~ Prelude music is played while your guests are arriving at your ceremony. This generally starts 15-30 minutes before your ceremony is scheduled to begin. Prelude music sets the mood and creates the ambiance for your entire wedding. 
 
Processional ~ This is the entrance music. You may have several different pieces played for the different groups who will be coming down the aisle (families, bridal party & bride), or one piece for everyone.

Interlude ~ Any time for quiet reflection during the ceremony that is to be accompanied by music. This may be an instrumental or vocal solo, lighting of the unity candle, flower presentation, or other special moment.

Recessional ~ Once you have been presented and announced at the conclusion of your ceremony, the recessional begins. This music plays while the couple, the bridal party & families exit the ceremony.

Postlude ~ Usually 10-15 minutes following the recessional, this is the exit music for the guests. This may also play through your receiving line, if it will be at your ceremony.

 

Background Music ~ Any time the music is not the focus of attention, it is considered background music. This would be appropriate for your rehearsal dinner, cocktail hour, or dinner. Most musicians price wedding ceremonies as a flat rate, but have an hourly fee for background music.

Cadence ~ Once each processing group is in place, the music for them needs to come to a logical conclusion - a cadence. Finding a good place to bring a piece to a close, or to extend it to accommodate a large group or long aisle, is the job of your musicians. No need to time the processionals, just have everybody walk in at a comfortable pace, and the musicians watch and listen to end (cadence) each piece and start the next one appropriately.

Cue ~ Most weddings don't start exactly on time! Your musicians should keep playing prelude music until everyone in the processionals is lined up and ready to go. When they are set, you will need to have someone assigned to signal your musicians that everyone is ready. This can be as simple as a wave, closing the doors (for indoor weddings), or having the officiant enter. Once the agreed upon signal is seen, the musicians know you are ready to begin and will start playing the first processional selection.

Chamber Music ~ This is a general term for a small group of musicians playing together. It can be any group of two (a duet), three (a trio), four (a quartet), five (a quintet), or a small orchestra.

 

Instrumentation ~ This refers to the types of instruments that are in a group. For example, the instrumentation of a string quartet is two violins, one viola, and one cello.

Arrangement ~ Arranging a piece of music involves taking sheet music from one instrument (such as a piano) and adapting and re-writing it to be played on another instrument or group of instruments (such as a string quartet). This often involves several hours of trial and error, determining how to make the piece sound best with a new instrumentation.

Repertoire ~ A musician's repertoire is a list of songs that he or she plays. For most professional musicians, this is an ever-expanding list!

View our repertoire lists:

• Classical & Traditional Wedding Music
• Popular, Broadway & Jazz Music
• Folk & Celtic Music
• Sacred Music & Spirituals
• Jewish Wedding & Sacred Music
• Holiday and Christmas Music

Visit our website for more information about how we can help you have beautiful music for your wedding!

Chamber Music for Your Wedding

As you consider the music for your wedding, you not only have to decide upon the specific songs you would like to have played, but also the musician or ensemble that will be responsible for performing them.

Your first step should be to determine the type of music you would like to hear at your wedding. It is easier to find a group that already plays your favorite music, rather than book your musicians ~ only to find out later that they don't play the music you prefer.

Once you have a general idea of the type of music to fit your wedding, start looking at different instrumental options. Classical and traditional? Consider the harp, violin & cello trio. Do you want variety from "Canon in D" to "All You Need is Love"? Maybe the solo harp or the harp & piano duet is best. Delight your guests with something they have never seen before? Go for the harp duet!

You can also mix and match, using different instruments for your ceremony, cocktail, and dinner hours. If you'd like a combination of instruments not listed, we can likely arrange that for you, too! Contact us with your ideas, and we'd be glad to help you come up with the perfect group to complement your vision.

Here are some of the most popular ensembles we offer ~ contact us for rates and more options!

1. Harp solo ~ The majority of our weddings are for harp solo. The harp is a versatile instrument by itself, and doesn't take up very much space. It can be amplified, and works beautifully for most weddings.

2. Piano solo ~ If your venue has a piano, we can provide a piano soloist. Music ranges from traditional wedding classics to popular songs.

3. Harp duet ~ One harp is great, but two harps are impressive! We are one of the only harp duets in the country who specialize in weddings, and this is becoming a more popular choice for our couples. It gives you a fuller sound, and looks amazing in your pictures. This is something your guests will always remember!

4. Harp & Violin duet ~ This is our most popular ensemble. The violin takes the melody and the harp accompanies, resulting in a more sustained sound than the harp can create alone. This duo works well for classical and Celtic music.

5. Harp & Flute duet ~ One of the most traditional pairings with the harp, the flute carries the melody. This pair is also ideal for classical music.

6. Harp, Violin & Cello trio ~ Adding a cello to the harp & violin gives you a deeper, fuller, and more resonant sound. As the groups get larger, keep in mind that you need to have adequate space for setting up. The trio works well for classical, popular, and Celtic music. You may also substitute a flute in place of the violin or cello.

7. Harp & Piano duet ~ This group is ideal if your church requires use of their resident pianist or organist. We're happy to work with them! With this duet, music ranges from classical to jazz.

8. Harp & String Quartet ~ The largest and most impressive of our ensembles, this group consists of the harp, two violins, one viola, and one cello. It's ideal for large and formal ceremonies, and can be split up to provide continuous music in different locations.


Wedding Musicians

Unexpected Ways to Add Music to Your Wedding

1. Think Beyond Just Your Wedding Day. Get your guests excited to attend your wedding by having music for your pre-wedding festivities. Background music is perfect for engagement parties, showers, rehearsal dinners, and luncheons.

2. Music for Guest Arrival - Not just at the ceremony. Have music playing outside of your venue, so guests hear it the moment they get out of their cars. If you are providing transportation, have a strolling violinist or guitarist in the vehicle to take requests. You can also have music at the guests' hotel(s) during check-in time or for breakfast the day of and after your wedding.

3. Ceremony Elements. Extend the music for your unity ceremony by going as a couple to greet each set of parents. This is a great way to hear more of the piece you have chosen for your unity candle or sand (which usually takes about ten seconds). You can also incorporate vocal or instrumental solos to give you some time during the ceremony to just relax and enjoy. Some officiants allow you to play soft music under a reading or the vows. "Moving music" is an effective way to keep the ceremony cohesive as readers walk to and from their seats, or as the bride & groom move up to take their vows.

4. Formal Pictures. While your families and bridal party are having pictures taken, it is customary to have music playing while guests are enjoying the cocktail hour. Why leave yourself out of the fun! Have music where you are doing pictures, too. It's also a great stress reducer when you are trying to herd people and work on a tight schedule.

5. Unexpected Places. Gives a new meaning to "elevator music"! You can have musicians set up in bathroom entrances, by the coat check, or in the elevator. Guests will return to their dinner tables, and tell everyone that they need to go check out the harpist in the bathroom!

6. Kids' Room. You can make your wedding reception enjoyable for children, too, by having a separate kids' area. They can make simple instruments (egg shakers, tambourines, etc.), or you could have an early childhood music teacher come in to teach a music and movement class.

7. Thank You Notes & Favors. Send your guests home with a musical tribute to your day. You can offer CD's of your wedding musicians playing the songs you selected either as favors or enclosed with your thank you notes.

If you are looking for a harpist for your upcoming wedding, we'd love to work with you!  Please visit our website (http://www.theclassicharpist.com/) and contact us for more information.

Want the best wedding music?

Let your professional musicians pick it for you! If you don't have strong feelings about your wedding music, leave it up to their judgment. I have been playing weddings for years (over 300 of them!), and definitely have my favorite pieces. They sound perfect on the harp, and my love of this music shows in the way I perform it.

While the traditional music is beautiful, there are so many lesser-known selections that will make your wedding unique. If you have hired professionals, they will also be able to choose music that works well on their instruments, and fits your wedding theme, venue, and level of formality. I love it when a bride gives me the artistic freedom to create her wedding soundtrack!

If you have one or two selections that you must have played, your musicians should be able to recommend other pieces that work well with your choices.

When booking your musicians, ask them, "If I left it completely up to you, what music would you play for my ceremony?" At the very least, it will give you an idea of the music that your group likes to play, and they may just recommend the perfect piece of music to complete your wedding vision!

Wedding Prelude Music

This in when your wedding really begins! Your first guests start to arrive, and they are greeted by the sounds of music. For most brides, this seems to be a difficult time to plan. Since the prelude can last anywhere from five minutes to an hour, it seems like an overwhelming task to anticipate what you will need to select for this time. Hopefully, some of the answers below will help!

1. What is the prelude?
The prelude is the music played as your guests are arriving, before the processional begins. Generally slower pieces are used, to emphasize the solemnity of the occasion and help guests settle in. Sometimes families are seated during the prelude; you may also select a separate piece of music for their entrances.

2. When will you start to play?
My wedding ceremony contracts begin 15 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time of your ceremony. For instance, if your wedding begins at 3:00 PM, your booking will start at 2:45 PM. However, if you have guests that arrive early, I will begin playing as soon as I am set up and tuned. You are guaranteed at least 15 minutes of prelude music. There is no maximum time for prelude music, other than the end time of your contract.

3. What if my wedding starts late?
Most do! I always come prepared with at least two hours worth of music, so you never have to worry about running out before the processionals are underway. If you think things might run behind on your wedding day (you know your friends and family best!), you may want to arrange with your musicians and ceremony location for a longer booking. It is better to pay a little extra and have the peace of mind that they will be available for the duration of your ceremony, even if it starts significantly late. If not, your musicians may have to leave before your ceremony concludes to attend to subsequent engagements, or you will incur higher overtime fees.

4. Do I have to pick specific songs? How many?
This is a very common question! You DO NOT have to pick each and every prelude song. There is absolutely no way of knowing how long your prelude will last. I start playing when your guests begin to arrive, and don't stop until I get the cue to begin the processionals. Since neither you nor your musicians know when these two things will happen, it's not possible to determine exactly how long your prelude will last, and therefore, how many songs you will need. Give your musicians a general guideline of the types of music you would like to have played (classical? Broadway love songs? Celtic? jazz?), and leave it up to their professional judgement to pick pieces that are appropriate. Of course, if there are a few specific songs you would like to have included, be sure to mention them!

5. How do I list it in the program?
The most simple is just "Prelude", but you could be more specific and say "Harp Prelude" or "Instrumental Prelude". You won't want to list all of the individual songs (any delay in guest arrival or the processionals will make your list inaccurate), but you may say something to the effect of:

Harp prelude, including "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"


As always, if you have questions specific to your wedding, ask a professional musician for guidance. They have played for hundreds of weddings, and should be able to offer guidance both for music selection and the logistics of wedding ceremonies.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, or if you are interested in hiring harp music for your wedding ceremony or reception (http://www.theclassicharpist.com/).

Most Popular Bridal Processional Music

No song is more important to a bride than the one that plays when she comes down the aisle. I have played the harp for literally hundreds of weddings, and have compiled a list of the most popular pieces (no surprises there!) as well as some less familiar but equally beautiful options.

By far, "Bridal Chorus" from Lohengrin by Richard Wagner is the run-away favorite. Also known as "Here Comes the Bride," I perform this at approximately 45% of the weddings I play. Tradition is strong, and many brides want to walk down the aisle to the same song their mother and grandmother used.

Not far behind is "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel. Another wedding standard, this is also an extremely popular piece for the bridesmaids' entrance. This song accounts for about another 22% of my bridal processionals.

After the big two, not many songs are repeated from wedding to wedding. The only other ones that I have played for more than one ceremony are:

Hymne by Vangelis (0.07%)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (0.04%)
Trumpet Tune (0.02%)
Trumpet Voluntary (0.02%)
Can't Help Falling in Love (0.02%)

For brides that want something comletely different, many look to popular music and Broadway shows for inspiration. Some of these selections include:

Storybook Love from The Princess Bride
That Next Place
Wedding Processional from The Sound of Music
You are So Beautiful
The Prayer from Quest for Camelot
Love Can Build a Bridge
The Luckiest
The Rose
A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella
All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera

If you prefer classical music, but want something less familiar, a few pieces from past weddings include:

Pavane in the Style Renaissance by Paul Wachs
Gate at Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky
Hornpipe in G by Henry Purcell

There is really no limit except your imagination! Whether you prefer the traditional favorites, of have always envisioned walking down the aisle to a jazz standard or Celtic jig, just ask! Even if your selection is not listed in my repertoire (http://www.theclassicharpist.com/rep.html), I can learn just for your wedding. Some of my favorite pieces have come from brides' special requests. If you would like to hear these and more options for your wedding day music, please contact me (devon@theclassicharpist.com or 1-877-HARP-578).

Choosing Your Wedding Ceremony Music

One of the questions I receive most often from brides is "How do I pick my music?" All of the brides with whom I work meet with me to go over their ceremony logistics and hear a wide variety of pieces that are appropriate for the wedding. When you pick out your songs, there are several elements of your ceremony that will require music:

1. Prelude. This is the background music that is played while your guests are arriving prior to the beginning of your ceremony. You do not need to select all of the pieces to be played during this time, but you can give your musicians ideas of the types of music you would like to have played (or the types to avoid). I have played a prelude that was all songs from Disney movies, another one that was all John Denver music, and many that chose traditional classical melodies. If your wedding location does not allow popular music during the ceremony itself, it may be possible to include your favorites here.

2. Seating of the families. This is an optional selection played during the seating of parents, grandparents, and other guests of honor. If you do not select a specific piece for this time, prelude music will continue through this time up until the bridal processional is ready to begin.

3. Bridesmaids' processional. Once the families are seated, the music for the bridesmaids' entrance typically begins. The most traditional choice is Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel. However, any piece at a good walking tempo can be used. This music continues until the last bridesmaid (usually the maid/matron of honor) or the child attendants have reached the front.

4. Bridal processional. A fanfare announces the arrival of the bride. Richard Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" (also known as "Here Comes the Bride") is traditional. If you are being married in a Catholic, Lutheran, or Episcopalian church, check with your priest or pastor before selecting this piece, as it is not allowed in some houses of worship. This can really be a place to use your imagination, and select a song that has special meaning to you and your fiance.

5. Ceremony music (optional). This may include lighting of the unity candle, communion, congregational hymns, service music (Catholic and Episcopalian Masses), or instrumental solos. Be sure to have an outline of your ceremony before you meet with your musicians to select ceremony music. That way, you will know how many pieces you will need during the ceremony itself.

6. Recessional. After you have been announced as husband and wife to your guests, the recessional begins and the bridal party files out. Felix Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" is traditional, but again, this is not allowed in some churches. Always check with the person who will be performing your ceremony before deciding on specific pieces of music. This piece should be uptempo and joyous.

7. Postlude. The upbeat character of the recessional should carry over to the postlude music that is played as your guests exit the ceremony site. As with the prelude, you do not have to select specific songs for this time.

That's it! Although selecting your wedding music may seem like a daunting task, professional musicians can help you wade through the vast amount of music that is available, and help you choose songs that fit your vision of your wedding day. Ceremony music should always be customized to reflect the couple and their unique tastes. Whether you prefer the traditional wedding pieces, Broadway love songs, Celtic tunes, or jazz standards, make sure that the musicians you select can accommodate your requests. I am always happy to answer questions or offer guidance for brides planning their ceremony music. Email: devon@theclassicharpist.com.