Lyla Dejesus
The organ's bold, rich sound has been a staple of wedding ceremonies for hundreds of years, with its deep, echoing tones setting a timeless and sophisticated vibe. While traditional pieces such as the Bridal Chorus and Wedding March remain popular choices, couples are increasingly opting for modern songs played on the organ, such as All You Need Is Love by The Beatles and A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. Whether you're a couple looking for the perfect song to walk down the aisle to or an organist in search of new repertoire, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from classical and romantic to upbeat and joyful.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a wedding song
Choosing the perfect wedding song can be a daunting task, but it's also an opportunity to showcase your style and taste. Here are some tips to help you select the right music for your special day:
Consider the Venue and Theme
The type of wedding venue and theme you've chosen can guide your music selection. For example, a church or religious wedding may require you to select from a list of songs appropriate for the religious institution. In contrast, a civil ceremony in a garden or vineyard offers more flexibility, allowing you to get creative with your musical choices and instruments.
Choose Songs that Hold Special Meaning
Your wedding song should reflect your relationship and personalities. Consider songs that have played a significant role in your journey as a couple, such as a song from a concert you attended together or a tune that holds a cherished memory. You can also draw inspiration from your favourite books, movies, or TV shows and consider hiring a band to create elegant, instrumental versions of songs from these sources.
Determine Your Preferred Style and Genre
Discuss your musical preferences with your partner and identify genres or artists where your tastes overlap. You can then explore wedding song suggestions within those genres or artists to find something that resonates with both of you. If you have different musical tastes, consider doing a cover of a classic or pop song to find a middle ground.
Seek Inspiration from Various Sources
Don't be afraid to seek inspiration from family and friends, the internet, or even celebrity weddings. Your loved ones may remember songs that have impacted your life or hold a special meaning for you. Additionally, browsing wedding song suggestions online or looking at what songs celebrities chose for their first dances can spark ideas for your own wedding.
Tempo and Danceability
When choosing your wedding song, consider the tempo and whether it will be comfortable for dancing. The song should be slow enough to allow for a romantic, comfortable dance but not so slow that it feels like a funeral march. You can always check the beats per minute (BPM) of a song to ensure it's suitable for your first dance.
Practice and Enjoyment
Dancing in front of a crowd can be nerve-wracking, so it's essential to practice dancing to your chosen song beforehand. Ultimately, your wedding song should be something you enjoy and feel comfortable with. Whether it's a traditional ballad, an upbeat tune, or a unique cover, ensure it reflects your style and brings you joy.
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Organ song suggestions
Organ music is a beautiful addition to a wedding ceremony. The instrument's versatility means it can be used to play a variety of songs, from gentle and romantic to grand and celebratory.
If you're looking for gentle and romantic, Johann Pachelbel's "Canon in D" is a great choice. It's a soft, flowing melody that builds and builds, making it perfect for the bride's entrance or any other part of the ceremony. Another beautiful option is Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria", often played during the quieter moments of a ceremony, such as a candle-lighting or unity ceremony.
For something more upbeat and celebratory, there are the classics: "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn, often paired with the "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner, and Purcell's "Trumpet Tune". If you're looking for a modern twist, try Steve Allen's jazz number, "This Could Be The Start Of Something Big", or Ravel's Bolero. For a truly grand processional, consider "Triumphal March on 'Nun Danket Alle Gott'' by Siegfrid Karg-Elert, a magnificent, flamboyant piece based on a hymn tune.
If you're a fan of Bach, you could consider "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", originally written as part of a choral cantata but later arranged as a piano solo. Another option is the Adagio cantabile movement from Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata, for which an organ transcription is available.
For a regal feel, try "Trumpet Voluntary" by Jeremiah Clarke, or for something truly unique, Percy Whitlock's "Fanfare", or Edward Grieg's "Wedding Day at Troldhaugen".
Finally, if you're looking for a fun modern tune to play as the couple recesses, you could consider a mashup of two songs, starting slow and romantic and breaking into something energetic to surprise your guests!
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Playing the song
If you are an experienced organist, you may already know a few wedding pieces. If you are new to playing the organ, it is a good idea to speak to the person who will be playing on the day and ask for their recommendations and what they feel comfortable with. You should also consider how much time they will need to learn a new piece.
If you are the one getting married, you may want to think about how you would like to be feeling when you enter the room, and what atmosphere you would like to create. For example, you may want to feel like royalty, in which case "Trumpet Voluntary" by Jeremiah Clarke is a great choice. Or, you may want to feel like you are in a fairy tale, in which case a classic like "Here Comes the Bride" (Bridal Chorus) could be the one for you.
If you are an organist, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with some of the classic wedding songs, such as "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn, "Bridal Chorus" from the opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner, and "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel. You could also try more modern songs such as "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, and "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran.
If you are looking for something a little different, you could try Percy Whitlock's Fanfare, Edward Grieg's Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, or Karg-Elert's "Nun danket alle Gott". For a grand and flamboyant piece, try Siegfrid Karg-Elert's "Triumphal March on 'Nun Danket'".
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Song structure
The structure of your wedding song on the organ depends on the type of wedding you are planning to have, the vibe you want to set, and the couple's preferences.
If you want to stick to the traditional wedding song structure, you can start with the bridal entrance, for which songs like "Here Comes the Bride" (Bridal Chorus) by Richard Wagner, "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel, or "Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring" by Bach are popular choices. The next part of the wedding is the candle lighting or unity ceremony, for which "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert is a good choice. This is followed by the exchange of rings, for which you can play "Schubert, Gounod", or "Arcadelt's". The exit song can be "Handel's Hallelujah" or "Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance".
If you want to explore other options, you can play modern songs such as "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, or "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran. You can also play a mix of old and modern music, such as "Trumpet Voluntary" by Jeremiah Clarke, followed by "This Could Be The Start Of Something Big" by Steve Allen, or Ravel's Bolero.
If you want to stick to the classics but explore options other than the traditional ones, you can consider songs like Percy Whitlock's Fanfare, Edward Grieg's Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, or Paul Manz's works for Lutherans. You can also play an organ version of the Wedding March by Mendelssohn or Wagner, or Purcell's Trumpet Tune.
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The wedding ceremony
Playing the organ at a wedding ceremony is a great responsibility and honour. The music you play will set the tone for the entire ceremony, accompanying the bridal party as they enter and exit the church and creating a celebratory atmosphere.
Choosing the Music
Firstly, consult with the couple to understand their preferences. They may have specific songs that are meaningful to them or a certain atmosphere they wish to create. You can suggest traditional wedding pieces, such as the "Bridal Chorus" from Wagner's opera Lohengrin, or more unique arrangements like "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach. If the couple is undecided, you can recommend music based on the pace and length of the procession or recessional. For instance, if the bridal entrance is short, you may only need a part of a song, or a slower, more lyrical piece like an orchestral suite.
Repertoire and Practice
Once you have an idea of the couple's preferences, you can select pieces that fit their vision. If you are unfamiliar with a particular song, remember that learning a new piece takes time and practice, so be sure to communicate this to the couple. You can also suggest alternatives that you are more comfortable with or already know. It is also important to consider the number of songs and their length. For instance, if there are too many vocal songs, the ceremony may start to feel like a vocal recital.
Performance
On the day of the wedding, be prepared to adjust your playing based on the pace of the ceremony. For instance, if the bridal entrance is quicker than expected, you may need to adapt your playing to match their pace. Be mindful of the length of the songs and the timing of the ceremony. You may need to play more than one piece during the signing of the registers or while photographs are being taken.
Popular Wedding Songs for the Organ
- "Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Felix Mendelssohn
- "Trumpet Tune in G" by Jeremy Bankson
- "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" by George Frideric Handel
- "Adoration" by Florence Price
- "Voluntary on Hymn to Joy" by Michael Burkhardt
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular organ songs for weddings include:
- “Here Comes the Bride” (Bridal Chorus)
- “Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn
- “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
- “Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke
- “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert
- “The Wedding March”
- “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
Some classic organ songs for weddings include:
- “Bridal Chorus” from the opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner
- “Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Felix Mendelssohn
- “Water Music” by Handel
- “Alla Hornpipe” from the Water Music by Handel
- “Adagio cantabile” movement of Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata
- “Voluntary on Hymn to Joy” by Michael Burkhardt
Some modern organ songs for weddings include:
- “This Could Be The Start Of Something Big” by Steve Allen
- Ravel's Bolero
- “Final” from Symphony I by Vierne
- “Adoration” by Florence Price
Some tips for choosing organ songs to play at weddings include:
- Considering the length of the song, as walking down the aisle doesn't take very long.
- Choosing a song that matches the atmosphere the bride wants to create.
- Asking the organist for recommendations and what they feel comfortable playing.
- Allowing enough time for the organist to learn the song.
