FAQs: Selecting Music

What music is commonly chosen for the ceremony?

Choosing music for your wedding might seem like an overwhelming task. My job is to make it simple for you! You may choose to include the traditional wedding marches for the processional and recessional, or pick more contemporary selections that are meaningful to you as a couple. "Here Comes the Bride" is the most commonly used song for the bridal processional, while "The Wedding March" is the most commonly heard recessional. "Canon in D" is often heard as the wedding party processional. All three of these pieces sound wonderful on the harp, but you have plenty of other options to choose from as well. Take a look at my Ceremony Music List and Repertoire List for additional suggestions.

Do you only play during the processional and recessional?

No. I also play prelude and postlude music, and sometimes music during the ceremony as well. Here's a brief guide to the four musical interludes during the ceremony:

The Prelude: 20-30 minutes of background music as the guests are arriving and being seated

The Processional: typically includes a song for family members (usually the mothers of the bride & groom), a song for the attendants (bridesmaids, flower girl, and ringbearer), and finally a song for the bride's entrance

The Recessional: a song played as the wedding party exits

The Postlude: 20-30 minutes of background music as the guests are leaving and the bridal party is taking photos

In addition, you may choose to include music for these Optional Interludes:

Lighting of the Unity Candle

Sand Ceremony

Reading

Offertory

Communion

Chancel Solo

Can I hear a sample of each song before I decide?

You can listen to excerpts from some of these songs on my Audio Samples page. You can also email me and request a "Wedding Sampler" CD (be sure to include your mailing address). This CD includes excerpts from 25 of the most commonly requested songs for the ceremony, prelude, and postlude to make selecting music easier for you. If you would like to hear specific pieces in person and are available to meet with me, we can also schedule a complementary consultation to discuss the music.

Do you take special requests?

Yes. Special requests - any songs that are not listed on my Repertoire List - must be made at the time the contract is signed, and no less than one month before the date of the wedding. Please keep in mind that some music is simply unplayable on the harp. I reserve the right to arrange the music in order to better suit the instrument or to substitute a different piece after notifying the client. Please try to limit your requests to two songs - this will ensure that I have adequate time to prepare and perform the music at the highest professional standard possible for your wedding.

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