George Boyle
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, and choosing the right songs can be a daunting task. Hymns are a staple of wedding masses, with two to three hymns typically sung during the service. The hymns selected should be familiar and easy to sing, encouraging guests to join in. Couples may also opt for classical pieces, such as Pachelbel's Canon in D, or contemporary songs like 'Concerning Hobbits' from The Lord of the Rings. For Catholic wedding masses, couples can incorporate their Marian devotion by presenting flowers to Mary while a song plays.
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Hymns and prayers
Music is an integral part of a wedding mass, and hymns are a great way to involve the congregation and create a sense of unity and joy. Typically, there are two to three hymns sung during a wedding mass. The first hymn is usually sung near the beginning to set the tone and help everyone feel a part of this special occasion. The final hymn is chosen to reflect a mood of celebration and is sung before the final blessing. An additional hymn may be included while the paperwork is being signed or just after.
When selecting hymns, it is important to consider the familiarity and ease of singing for your guests. Choosing well-known hymns with simple tunes will encourage everyone to join in. You can seek guidance from the vicar or organist at the church, who can also advise on the capabilities of the organist and the type of organ available.
- "All Things Bright and Beautiful"
- "Be Thou My Vision"
- "Ave Maria"
- "Alleluia" (Mass of Christ the Savior or Mass of Restoration)
- "God So Loved"
- "Prayer of St. Francis" ("Make Me a Channel of Your Peace")
- "O God Beyond All Praising" (Gustav Holst)
- "Toccata" from Symphony for Organ No. 5 (Charles-Marie Widor)
- "Butterfly Waltz"
- "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman"
- "Come to This Wedding"
- "For the Beauty of the Earth"
- "At Cana's Wedding"
- "O Lord of All Our Life Below"
- "Gloria in excelsis" ("Glory to God in the Highest")
- "Panis Angelicus" (for Communion)
- "How Great Thou Art"
- "Be Not Afraid"
- "Water Music: Air"
- "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"
- "Moonlight Sonata"
- "On Eagle's Wings"
- "Jerusalem"
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Classical music
Processional Music
The processional, or the bride's entrance, is a moment many dream of, and the music should match the grandeur of the occasion. The warm tones of the cello or the soft sound of violins building in melody can create a beautiful and memorable atmosphere. Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major" is a popular choice, with its simple elegance and classical charm. For something more modern, Morricone's "Gabriel's Oboe" from the film "The Mission" is a wonderful choice, while Handel's serene and celestial music is another exquisite option. Bach's "Wachet Auf" is a great organ favourite for a church ceremony as guests are arriving and taking their seats.
Hymns
If you're having a religious ceremony, hymns are a lovely way to involve the congregation and break up the readings and vows. Parry's "Jerusalem" is a reliable choice, as is "I Was Glad," which has been used in many coronation and royal wedding ceremonies. For something more familiar, "Ave Maria" by either Franz Schubert or Bach/Gounod is a beautiful and popular option.
Signing of the Register
The signing of the register is a moment where you can incorporate longer, soothing pieces. Franck's "Panis Angelicus" is a famous setting with soaring soprano lines and a recognisable melody. Fauré's choral classic "Cantique de Jean Racine" is another contemplative choice, and John Rutter's "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" is a beautiful sacred offering.
Recessional
For the recessional, or the couple's exit, you can choose something more upbeat and celebratory. Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" is a classic choice, originally from "A Midsummer Night's Dream." For organ music, Widor's "Toccata" from Organ Symphony No. 5 is a high-spirited option.
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Catholic wedding masses
A Catholic wedding mass is a beautiful and sacred ceremony, centred around two pivotal moments: the Exchange of Consent and the Nuptial Blessing. The couple's vows of faithful love are witnessed and blessed by God, mirroring the selfless love between Christ and the Church.
Planning the Ceremony
Engaged couples are encouraged to collaborate with the celebrant and parish staff to tailor their wedding liturgy. This includes selecting Scripture readings, Prayers of the Faithful, and musical choices to create a profound and personalised experience. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony provides a general outline for the wedding Mass, ensuring a smooth and meaningful ceremony.
Involving Non-Catholic Guests
If you have non-Catholic friends and family attending, there are thoughtful ways to include them in the ceremony. You can provide mass booklets or handouts detailing the order of the mass, responses, and actions like sitting or kneeling. This helps non-Catholic guests follow along and participate more fully.
Music and Hymns
Music plays a crucial role in a Catholic wedding mass. Couples can select hymns, songs, and instrumental pieces that hold special meaning for them. Popular choices include classical favourites like Pachelbel's Canon in D, Handel's Water Music Suites, and Widor's Toccata from Organ Symphony No.5. For a contemporary twist, consider Howard Shore's 'Concerning Hobbits' from The Lord of the Rings or Édith Piaf's 'Hymne À L'Amour'.
Honouring Mary
A beautiful tradition involves honouring Mary, a model of faith and trust in God's will. Couples can bring a bouquet of flowers to Mary's shrine and pray, usually after the exchange of vows and rings or after communion. This devotion adds a sacred dimension to the wedding mass, reflecting the couple's faith and seeking Mary's intercession for their marriage.
Post-Mass Formalities
After the wedding mass, the witnesses, typically the best man and maid of honour, along with the priest, sign the Marriage record. This usually takes place in the vesting room or in the presence of the congregation, but not on the altar.
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Prelude music
If you're looking for something more contemporary, Howard Shore's 'Concerning Hobbits' from The Lord of the Rings is a 21st-century wedding favourite. Filled with sweeping string lines and a lilting waltz theme, it's a perfect match for a room full of excited guests.
For something a little different, you could choose instrumental songs from your favourite movies or TV shows. For example, 'Storybook Love' from The Princess Bride or Concerning Hobbits from The Lord of the Rings.
If you prefer soft rock, you could choose songs like Jack Johnson's "Better Together," Dave Matthews Band's "You and Me," or Bruce Springsteen's "I'm on Fire."
Finally, if you're looking for sacred or Christian pop, you could consider "Your Love is Extravagant."
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Organ music
Guest Seating and Processional
It is common to have one or two processional songs for the wedding party's entrance, with a different song sometimes chosen for the bride's entrance. Two or three songs are often played as guests are being seated, with instrumental pieces being the most common choice for this part of the ceremony. Some suggestions for the processional include:
- 'Bridal Chorus' from the opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner—a traditional and well-known wedding piece.
- 'Air from the Water Music' by George Frideric Handel—a sedate and elegant choice.
- 'Trumpet Voluntary' or 'The Prince of Denmark's March' by Jeremiah Clarke—a slow, stately, and grand option.
- 'Gabriel's Oboe' or 'Nella Fantasia' by Ennio Morricone—a religious ceremony favourite.
After the Readings or Sermon
The organist often plays a piece after the readings or sermon while the wedding party moves towards the chancel for the vows. Some popular choices include:
- Works by Bach, such as 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' or 'Wachet Auf'—the latter is a great favourite for guests' arrival.
- 'Canon' by Pachelbel.
- 'Rhosymedre' by Vaughan Williams.
- 'Ave Maria' by Schubert—a nice choice for couples with a Roman Catholic background.
Unity Candle-Lighting Ceremony
For a unity candle-lighting ceremony, a short and quiet composition is appropriate. Some suggestions include:
Works by Bach, such as numbers 16, 20, or 27 from the list provided by the Office for Religious & Spiritual Life.
Recessional
For the recessional, couples often choose celebratory and high-spirited organ music. Some options include:
- 'Wedding March' from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Felix Mendelssohn—a classic wedding piece often paired with the Bridal Chorus.
- 'Toccata' from Widor's Organ Symphony No. 5—a lively choice to send guests off with.
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Frequently asked questions
Some appropriate songs to be sung at a wedding mass include "Ave Maria", "Be Thou My Vision", "God So Loved", "I Have Loved You", "Prayer of St. Francis", and "Where Love is Found".
The Gloria, or "Glory to God in the Highest", is said or sung at nuptial masses. However, some churches omit the Gloria from weddings, except for those that occur during a regularly scheduled Sunday Mass.
Hymns with familiar and simple tunes are appropriate for weddings as they encourage everyone to join in. Some examples include "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "For the Beauty of the Earth", and "For the Joy of Human Love".
Some contemporary songs that can be played at a wedding mass include "Concerning Hobbits" from The Lord of the Rings, "Moonlight Sonata", and "On Eagle's Wings".
It is important to consider the capabilities of the organist and the type of organ available. Consulting with the church's vicar, organist, or music director can help guide your musical selections.
