With the choice of wedding music CD's now available, not to mention easily accessible music available on the internet, there is no excuse for lacking inspiration for your choice of wedding music.
Consider the atmosphere you are aiming to create with each piece of music; stately and regal for the entrance of the bridal party, meaningful and romantic during the signing of the register, triumphant and joyful for the recessional.
There are a number of pieces associated with weddings, which instantly evoke the right atmosphere, but don't be afraid to choose something different that really means something to you as a couple. Remember that if you are getting married in a venue licensed for weddings, the music for your civil ceremony must not have any religious connection.
Before the service, the music needs to set the atmosphere of the wedding. Therefore you need to consider if you want it to be upbeat and cheerful or more elegant and relaxed. A good option is usually a wedding harpist or string quartet. If live music is not for you, or budgets won’t stretch that far, choose pre-recorded piped music, which gives a hearty start to the wedding. When choosing the processional wedding music for the start of the ceremony, check how long it takes for the bride to walk down the aisle to ensure that the music isn’t too short, or far too long.
The signing of the register takes at least three to four minutes and therefore you want a piece of music which will last approximately five minutes long. The signing music should be calmer and more relaxed so it contrasts with the more upbeat and celebratory recessional music. It is popular to use a classical piece of instrumental music, perhaps by a string quartet, or alternatively you could pick a modern piece with meaningful lyrics.
It is important to get your recessional music just right. It rounds of the wedding ceremony and whether the music is chosen to accompany you as you march victoriously out of church, or glide serenely along on your husband’s arm, it sets the atmosphere for the rest of the day. Your photographer will be taking photos straight after the ceremony so you want everybody to look like they are enjoying themselves, and music is a great way to give them that feel good factor after they have been sitting quietly throughout the ceremony. Again, live music is ideal, or perhaps a pre-recorded modern piece which is meaningful to you and your groom.
Due to legalities, religious material cannot be used during a Civil Partnership or Civil Wedding Ceremony, so traditional popular religious hymns are out of the question. Do ensure that your readings and any music you intend to use have been approved by your Registrar. Different Registrars will have slightly differing views - but do be cautious of any religious connotations - for example the song "Angels" by Robbie Williams will be denied at a Civil Wedding for its religious (angelic) references. If you are unsure whether or not a particular piece is permissible, or if you feel that your Registrar is unreasonably preventing you from having a particular piece, you can consult the General Register Office on 0151 4714803.
If you are having a Civil Ceremony it can be a challenge to find a meaningful piece of music that doesn't have religious content. Look to instrumental versions of film soundtracks for some great classics that all your guests will recognise:
Having performed at your ceremony, most musicians will charge very little extra to play during your drinks reception too, or may even include it in their basic package. We would always recommend using a professional musician to play at your wedding, but if you are happy to take the risk there is no reason why a student at Grade 5 upwards wouldn’t be capable of performing.
Tired of boring old wedding bands? Get EVERYONE up and dancing with the Blue Lion Band... all your favourite music without the cheese. These young and professional musicians guarantee get the party up and jumping! More info
Bathsheba's Wedding was the only Ceilidh & Barn Dance Band to be finalists in the Guides for Brides Awards 2018 They are best known for providing a first-class ceilidh at a mid-range price. More info
Based in Oxfordshire, Marilla Strings was established in 1993. We offer a String Quartet and a String Trio. We will create the perfect atmosphere for your wedding with our wide range of styles and extensive repertoire. More info
The D'Aranyi String Quartet, a group of professional Oxford-based musicians, provides a range of classical and light music for occasions such as weddings, receptions, dinners, corporate functions, conferences and parties. More info
Experienced, classically-trained musicians for weddings and special events in the Cotswolds, Oxford and surrounding counties. Perfect string quartet music for your civil or church ceremony and wedding reception. We play at venues big and small. More info
Fabulous Wedding Violinist Hayley provides beautiful music for your ceremony and reception. All musical requests accommodated! Perfect for your wedding day. String Quartet also available, as seen on TV! More info
Multi award-winning, professional string quartet, trio & duo. Every wedding is unique and individual. Add a little "Ariella Magic" to your day! Get your ears smiling with our huge range of music, suitable for all ages! More info
Gemma is a wedding singer available to perform music for the wedding ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and your very first dance as husband and wife during your evening reception. Singing styles include Opera, Classical Crossover and Pop More info
Hugely experienced and professional string quartet, trio, or duo for your special day. Great repertoire covering all musical styles. We are happy to recommend music which sounds perfect for church or civil ceremonies. More info
Absolute are a 5 to 7 piece Rock, Pop and Irish party band that has built up a priceless reputation over the past 7 years and has now become one of the most sort after wedding and event bands in the country. More info
The WooHoo Band are a premium 3-14 piece band specialising in high-energy music for weddings - at a sensible price. We pride ourselves on having a "cooler-than-average" song list that is never cheesy, & focuses squarely on filling your dance floor. More info
Tired of boring old wedding bands? Get EVERYONE up and dancing with the Radio Kings Band... all your favourite music without the cheese. More info
Over the Threshold are one of the country’s leading professional Wedding bands for hire. The band are available across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire, and nationwide for Weddings, Parties, Festivals, Corporate Events and Functions! More info
Saxophone player based in Oxford available for Wedding Receptions, Special Occasions and Events in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire. More info
The Wigornia String Quartet comprises leading freelance musicians from around the Midlands. One of its many assets is the musical breadth & diversity of its players, all of whom perform regularly with other ensembles & in other musical settings. More info
Isis String Quartet and Isis String Trio are based in Oxford and available for weddings in Oxfordshire and throughout the South of England. The perfect wedding music in Oxfordshire. More info
Wedding organist/pianist, based in Storrington & covering West Sussex. 25yrs happy experience at making couples' Big Day special with Ceremonial/Classics/Showtunes. 'Warm organ tones + the sparkle of the piano = a Marriage Made with Music!' More info
Groove Allstars are the North of England’s elite wedding band, consisting of a collection of top session musicians.Having just won The National Wedding Industry Award 2017 for best band in the North and Yorkshire we can guarantee a night to remember. More info
String quartet, perfect for your wedding breakfast music/reception music on your wedding day, based in Banbury Oxfordshire More info
Emer Shearer is a harpist from Belfast who has has performed at weddings and functions across Northern Ireland for 10 years. She has been awarded a Performance Diploma by the London College of Music [DipLCM]. More info
Tamilla Thomas offers beautiful violin music for your wedding day. Whether you're getting married in a church or registry office, she is able to design a bespoke programme to put the finishing touches on your special day.Wedding music in Bristol More info
