ENTERTAINMENT
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Music to Your Ears
usic has a powerful way of conveying feelings and emotions. You know that one song on the radio? Yeah, that song. The one that you have to stop what you’re doing to belt out the lyrics, reliving your glory days? Well, now it’s time to think about what song you want to turn on to take you back in time to your first dance with your new spouse. By working closely with the musicians or DJ, you can craft the perfect soundtrack for your special day from the prelude at the ceremony to the last dance at the reception.
PRELUDE Think of it as welcoming music that is played as your guests find their seats. You should plan for about 30 minutes of prelude music to play in the background before the first person walks down the aisle. Many couples choose selections that incorporate harmonious music, instrumental tracks or soft acoustic songs. As you pick these melodies, remember that the prelude music will be among the first details to set the mood and tone of your big day.
WEDDING PARTY PROCESSIONAL This processional is played when your wedding party and
certain family members, like parents and grandparents, walk down the aisle. The processional music not only helps build anticipation and excitement for your entrance, but also sets the tone for the entire ceremony. A classical song like “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” for example, can set the stage for a traditional Christian ceremony. If you’re planning an upbeat, unconventional ceremony, you can go the route of a modern pop song to let your guests know this wedding will be a more contemporary celebration from start to finish. Try to make sure that whatever you pick is different enough from the prelude music (which plays when guests are filtering in) so that everyone knows it’s officially time to start.
PRIMARY PROCESSIONAL The moment you first walk down the aisle is an immense one and music plays a big part in conveying the emotion that comes with it. A selection like “Canon in D” beautifully communicates a feeling of romance for both traditional and more contemporary ceremonies. The primary processional music does not have to be different from the wedding party’s processional. If there is one song that speaks to you for both, feel free to stick
WRITTEN BY Emma Sarran Webster | PHOTOGRAPHY BY Karina Sely Photography | BAND Emerald Empire Band
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