Bridal Gathering

Not many people think about it, but the music you select for your ceremony is an incredibly important part of your wedding day. Ensconced in tradition, playing certain songs during certain parts of the ceremony helps set a tone.

When choosing your ceremony music, consult the organist of the location in which you are getting married - he/she has performed for numerous weddings and will have lots of ideas. Don't hesitate to check out wedding CDs from your local record store or Web sites such as Amazon.com. But be sure to check with your minister/rabbi/officiator for approval of all songs. Some churches and synagogues will not allow secular music to be played.

If you hire singers or instrumentalists, ask for references. Figure out which times during the ceremony are appropriate times in the ceremony for special music or solos. According to one wedding planner, some appropriate times might be after the grandmothers are seated, after the mothers are seated, after the blessing of the marriage by the parents, during the unity candle ceremony or after the declaration of the marriage.

Here are some songs to consider for ceremony music:

Prelude - sets the tone for the entire ceremony