If you’d like your ceremony to have a timeless, traditional feel, there are several musical pieces that will help you set the tone! For the most part, this means classical music (no words) or hymns (can be sung or played without vocal accompaniment).
Some of the selections we hear fairly often are also church appropriate (depending on the specific rules of your venue). Additionally, most of these songs are fairly versatile and can be played on a variety of instruments. Be sure to find a sample that uses your instrument of choice to ensure you love the sound – a single piano sounds very different than an organ and a choir, for example. We’ve labeled our samples below by instrument, so that you can keep track.
Canon in D, Pachelbel – Harp
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Bach – String Quartet
Air on a G String, Bach – String Quartet
Ode to Joy, Beethoven – Organ
Hornpipe from Water Music, Handel – String Quartet
Trumpet Voluntary, Clarke – Organ
The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Handel – String Quartet
Spring: Allegro from Four Seasons, Vivaldi – Piano
Bridal Chorus, Wagner (Here Comes the Bride) – String Trio
Wedding March, Mendelssohn – Piano
Photo courtesy of Joy Neville Photography