Ceremony Music


Wedding Ceremony Music Planning

1. Prelude Music begins 20 minutes before the processional, before the bride arrives for the ceremony. This allows guests to be seated and it gives them a chance to relax and reflect. The prelude music sets the mood for the ceremony so soothing, peaceful musical selections that set a romantic and elegant tone are recommended. We can make appropriate selections and we can also perform any particular music you want played during this time.

  • suggestions

  • Brandenburg Concerto No 2, 3
  • Meditaion from Thaiis
  • Wachet Auf
  • Alleluja Exultate Jubilate
  • Mozart Andante Piano Concerto No. 1
  • Vivaldi Four Seasons
  • Handel Water Music Suites

2. Family Entrance Seating of grandparents and parents. If there is a unity candle, the mothers light the side candles before sitting down.

3. Attendants' Processional Officiant, groom, and groomsmen enter from the side (or aisle, if no side entrance) and walk to the front. Bridesmaids, flower girl, ring bearer walk down the aisle.

TIP: For very small weddings with only one or two attendants and one or two family members to seat, you can use one piece (Canon in D) for the Family Entrance and Attendants' Processional.

4. Bride's Processional A separate piece to highlight your moment!

5. Lighting of Unity Candle / Sand Ceremony If you are lighting a unity candle or doing a sand ceremony,we can fill in the silence with a short, quiet piece. This is also a good place to put a vocal solo if you're having one.

  • Handel Air
  • Traumeri

Episcopal/Catholic mass ceremonies: As with the unity candle, music at these points will fill the silence.

Presentation of Gifts / Offertory - A short, quiet piece is good for this.

Communion - Music while guests are taking communion. This is the best place to put a vocal solo or full-length (3 - 4 min.) piece you really like.

  • Ave Maria
  • Panis Angelicus

6. Recessional Wedding party exits.

  • Entrance of the Queen of Sheba
  • Mendellsohn Wedding March
  • Marriage of Figaro Overture
  • Ode to Joy
  • Rondeau

7. Postlude Music begins immediately after the recessional and continues until your guests have left the ceremony site.

Music for all occasions. . . enhance your special day with String Quartet Music by one of Chicago's most requested Music Providers. Parkwest Strings...music for your Chicago wedding or special event.