We've been listening to all kinds of CDs of potential wedding music, trying to find our favourite pieces to arrange for the ceremony. I phoned the vicar yesterday to check that the resident organist was available and thankfully he is on that day. There's also a choir attached to the church that we can choose to have, both have fees of course.
There are quite a few pieces of wedding music that we need to choose. I've been quietly obsessing about what to have played whilst I walk down the aisle, but we need a couple of pieces before that whilst people wait, the processional, then two or three hymns, then something to keep people entertained whilst we sign the register. Joe suggested Robbie Williams for that bit -I think he was joking – then finally the recessional.
Once we have our shortlist, I need to get back to the organist and see if they are happy to play them no point setting our hearts on an obscure Bach movement only to find that it's unplayable, so we need to keep an open mind. We could always find another organist, but if we did that, we still have to pay the resident organist fee.
I like the idea of a choir, neither of our families are great singers, and one of the hymns that we want to incorporate isn't particularly well known. At least if we have a choir we can be sure that it will sound wonderful!
Specialist wedding musicians
There's also the option of getting other musicians involved, there are several advertised in the Wedding Organizer who specialise in performing at wedding ceremonies. A string quartet would be beautiful in the church and could also entertain the congregation whilst they wait. There are some fabulous soloist singers out there that can make a real difference to the feel of the occasion too. Sarah had one at her wedding that made her Mum weep, but for good reasons! I'm sure that these professionals will be able to make some great suggestions with all of the experience they've had. Quite a few of them send out a sample CD of their performances to give an idea of the kinds of things they're good at.
Joe is fretting about getting the Order of Service sheets sorted out, but there's no point until we've made sure that the vicar and organist are happy with our choices. There may be fees that need to be paid for the music, and if we decide to have a video made there will be an extra fee on top.
Mum is excited about the church bells, so I need to see if they're included in a package with the organist and choir. Bell ringers are a skilled bunch, so we need to check that they'll be available on that day too. No matter how much he insists, Joe's rugby mates will not be adequate substitutes!
Potential hymns and other wedding music
Here's our shortlist
Wedding music for when the guests arrive:
Potential music for the bridal procession:
Wedding music for the recession down the aisle:
Wedding music short list for the signing of the register:
Our favourite hymns for during the wedding ceremony
- Praise My Soul
- I Vow To Thee My Country
- Amazing Grace
- Lord Jesus Christ
- Lord of TheDance
- Morning Has Broken
- At the Name of Jesus
- O Jesus, I Have Promised
- Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
- Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
- Give Me Joy In My Heart
