The ceremony itself has several parts that you’ll need to choose music for. These parts are:
Seating of Parents/Honored Guests
Attendants' Processional (can be the same piece as the Seating of Parents)
Entrance of the Bride (usually a separate piece, but can be included in the entire processional if you desire)
Interlude music where applicable - usually for Unity Candle, remembrance, communion, sand ceremony or similar event.
Recessional/exit music
After the recessional, we often play what we call “post-lude” music as guests are departing the ceremony area. Like the prelude music, we
usually choose a few pieces ourselves that are similar in style to the recessional.
Q: How do I choose my musical selections?
A: We have a list of recommendations on our Music List, which is based on most popular and traditional requests. There are descriptions
next to many of the songs, and we also have some music demos for you to listen to. All you need to do is to decide on the style or a mood of
the processional:
1. Elegant and lyrical
2. Stately and march-like
3. Contemporary/non-classical
A few examples of the Elegant-Lyrical type of processional (best for Seating of Parents or Processional of Attendants):
A few examples of the Stately/March-like type of processional (usually appropriate for the Bridal Entrance):
Here are a few examples of Contemporary/Non-Classical special request songs that we have recently played instrumentally as
processionals or recessional:
It is good to have some special music which has sentimental value for you and your family. We would be happy to find and perform it for you.
(There may be a small fee to make an arrangement of a nonstandard selection.)
Special Notes:
After accompanying hundreds of wedding ceremonies and seeing a lot of things go really well and a few things not work out so well, we
have a few suggestions for your consideration, which we hope will help in the design of a seamless ceremony:
● If your bridal party is under 6 people (including flower girls/ring bearers) and your parents/honored guests who will be part of the
processional number less than 4, then we strongly advise choosing only one piece of music to accompany all of them down the aisle. The
only advisable exceptions to this would be if the mothers will be lighting large candelabras immediately after coming down the aisle, OR if
the distance of the processional is very long (more than 150 ft).
● For those of you who lean toward the non-traditional, we highly recommend bending to tradition just slightly and using a fairly recognizable
traditional piece for the parents/attendants’ processional. Your guests will likely be listening for something they have heard before, and this
will help minimize confusion and/or astonishment. Also, if you’re using a contemporary song for the entrance of the bride, preceding it with a
traditional piece will give the contemporary song greater impact and memorability.
● When using two separate pieces for parents and attendants, many couples are inclined toward a more up-tempo selection for the
attendants; this is a fine idea, however, we advise against using a march-like piece, as it will diminish the impact of the bride’s entrance.
● Consult with your officiant to determine which points during the ceremony, if any, will require music. Most commonly, we are asked to play
a very short and lyrical piece during the lighting of a unity candle, when this is part of the ceremony. We have a number of selections that can
be logically brought to a cadence in under one minute. We will need a detailed outline of the ceremony so we know when to play any
interlude music. Or ,if you have one, a copy of a printed ceremony program is sufficient.
● For the recessional, we need to know whether we should start immediately after the kiss, or after the breaking of the glass, or after the
introduction. Most often, this is what we see:
- Pronouncement: “I now pronounce you ....”
- Kiss, followed by much applause
- Introduction: “Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. ________ !” - more applause, and we start the recessional at the apex of that second
round of applause.
Q: Which ensemble should I choose for my event?
A: Please read the descriptions below and choose the group which fits your interests the best.
String Quartet: Two violins, viola, and cello perform in a wide variety of musical styles. This group is the most effective and versatile, with an
extensive repertoire, and full vibrant sound.
String Trio: Two violins and cello or violin, viola and cello. This group is very popular, especially for smaller weddings. Not quite as loud as
the quartet, but has an extensive repertoire and is better suited for a modest budget and limited space.
String Duo: Violin and cello. This is very intimate ensemble, which can create a beautiful atmosphere, but has a limited volume. Excellent for
smaller events and spaces.
Violin Solo: Works best inside a church, since there is a very good acustics so the sound carries well.
Q: How well do the instruments project?
A: It depends on the ensemble and location. For wedding ceremonies and most outdoor events, the sound of string instruments will carry
and no amplification is needed.
Q: Will the musicians play outdoors?
A: Yes.
The quartet should always be seated away from direct sunlight and in a shaded area such as under a tree or a tent. The string instruments
cannot stay in tune in direct sunlight!
Also, we insist on performing indoors if the outdoor temperature is below 60, and above 100, or if there is any precipitation.
Q: How do I reserve the date?
A: The best way is to e-mail me or call (503)772-1868.
I will send you a contract which you need to sign and return with a 50% deposit.
Seating of Parents/Honored Guests
Attendants' Processional (can be the same piece as the Seating of Parents)
Entrance of the Bride (usually a separate piece, but can be included in the entire processional if you desire)
Interlude music where applicable - usually for Unity Candle, remembrance, communion, sand ceremony or similar event.
Recessional/exit music
After the recessional, we often play what we call “post-lude” music as guests are departing the ceremony area. Like the prelude music, we
usually choose a few pieces ourselves that are similar in style to the recessional.
Q: How do I choose my musical selections?
A: We have a list of recommendations on our Music List, which is based on most popular and traditional requests. There are descriptions
next to many of the songs, and we also have some music demos for you to listen to. All you need to do is to decide on the style or a mood of
the processional:
1. Elegant and lyrical
2. Stately and march-like
3. Contemporary/non-classical
A few examples of the Elegant-Lyrical type of processional (best for Seating of Parents or Processional of Attendants):
- “Jesu, joy of man’s desiring” - Bach
- “Canon in D” - Pachelbel
- “Sheep may safely graze” - Bach
- "Largo" by Vivaldi
- "Air on the G string" by Bach
A few examples of the Stately/March-like type of processional (usually appropriate for the Bridal Entrance):
- "Here comes the Bride"(Wedding March) - Wagner
- “Trumpet Voluntary” - Clarke
- “Rondeau” - Mouret
Here are a few examples of Contemporary/Non-Classical special request songs that we have recently played instrumentally as
processionals or recessional:
- "Memory" by Ah Doe (from The Departed)
- "The Prayer" from Quest for Camelot
- "Forrest Gump main title Feather Theme" by Alan Silvestri
- "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith
- "All My Love" by Led Zeppelin
It is good to have some special music which has sentimental value for you and your family. We would be happy to find and perform it for you.
(There may be a small fee to make an arrangement of a nonstandard selection.)
Special Notes:
After accompanying hundreds of wedding ceremonies and seeing a lot of things go really well and a few things not work out so well, we
have a few suggestions for your consideration, which we hope will help in the design of a seamless ceremony:
● If your bridal party is under 6 people (including flower girls/ring bearers) and your parents/honored guests who will be part of the
processional number less than 4, then we strongly advise choosing only one piece of music to accompany all of them down the aisle. The
only advisable exceptions to this would be if the mothers will be lighting large candelabras immediately after coming down the aisle, OR if
the distance of the processional is very long (more than 150 ft).
● For those of you who lean toward the non-traditional, we highly recommend bending to tradition just slightly and using a fairly recognizable
traditional piece for the parents/attendants’ processional. Your guests will likely be listening for something they have heard before, and this
will help minimize confusion and/or astonishment. Also, if you’re using a contemporary song for the entrance of the bride, preceding it with a
traditional piece will give the contemporary song greater impact and memorability.
● When using two separate pieces for parents and attendants, many couples are inclined toward a more up-tempo selection for the
attendants; this is a fine idea, however, we advise against using a march-like piece, as it will diminish the impact of the bride’s entrance.
● Consult with your officiant to determine which points during the ceremony, if any, will require music. Most commonly, we are asked to play
a very short and lyrical piece during the lighting of a unity candle, when this is part of the ceremony. We have a number of selections that can
be logically brought to a cadence in under one minute. We will need a detailed outline of the ceremony so we know when to play any
interlude music. Or ,if you have one, a copy of a printed ceremony program is sufficient.
● For the recessional, we need to know whether we should start immediately after the kiss, or after the breaking of the glass, or after the
introduction. Most often, this is what we see:
- Pronouncement: “I now pronounce you ....”
- Kiss, followed by much applause
- Introduction: “Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. ________ !” - more applause, and we start the recessional at the apex of that second
round of applause.
Q: Which ensemble should I choose for my event?
A: Please read the descriptions below and choose the group which fits your interests the best.
String Quartet: Two violins, viola, and cello perform in a wide variety of musical styles. This group is the most effective and versatile, with an
extensive repertoire, and full vibrant sound.
String Trio: Two violins and cello or violin, viola and cello. This group is very popular, especially for smaller weddings. Not quite as loud as
the quartet, but has an extensive repertoire and is better suited for a modest budget and limited space.
String Duo: Violin and cello. This is very intimate ensemble, which can create a beautiful atmosphere, but has a limited volume. Excellent for
smaller events and spaces.
Violin Solo: Works best inside a church, since there is a very good acustics so the sound carries well.
Q: How well do the instruments project?
A: It depends on the ensemble and location. For wedding ceremonies and most outdoor events, the sound of string instruments will carry
and no amplification is needed.
Q: Will the musicians play outdoors?
A: Yes.
The quartet should always be seated away from direct sunlight and in a shaded area such as under a tree or a tent. The string instruments
cannot stay in tune in direct sunlight!
Also, we insist on performing indoors if the outdoor temperature is below 60, and above 100, or if there is any precipitation.
Q: How do I reserve the date?
A: The best way is to e-mail me or call (503)772-1868.
I will send you a contract which you need to sign and return with a 50% deposit.
Q: How do I create the perfect wedding music program?
A: While wedding ceremonies vary tremendously, there are
certain parts that always go better with music. Unless you
are a musician, however, it can be very hard to determine
what music can and should be played. Knowing the basic
structure of wedding ceremony will help you get started in
the creative planning process.
The prelude is generally light background music chosen by
the musicians. As guests arrive and mill about before the
ceremony begins, we choose music that is relaxed and
elegant. You are welcome to indicate a few favorite pieces
and we will incorporate them. Most ceremonies don’t start
exactly on time, so we are prepared to play enough
background music to fill the necessary time until the
processionals start, rather than planning a strict “set list”.
A: While wedding ceremonies vary tremendously, there are
certain parts that always go better with music. Unless you
are a musician, however, it can be very hard to determine
what music can and should be played. Knowing the basic
structure of wedding ceremony will help you get started in
the creative planning process.
The prelude is generally light background music chosen by
the musicians. As guests arrive and mill about before the
ceremony begins, we choose music that is relaxed and
elegant. You are welcome to indicate a few favorite pieces
and we will incorporate them. Most ceremonies don’t start
exactly on time, so we are prepared to play enough
background music to fill the necessary time until the
processionals start, rather than planning a strict “set list”.
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