Ceremony Music

[DJ Craig]

Recently, a Canadian bride emailed to ask about ceremony music for her upcoming wedding. Here is our correspondence:

Hello Dj Craig,

I just read an article by you on the web pertaining to creative ceremony music and was really pleased with your opinions.

I am tired of hearing the same old forgettable ceremony music at all my girlfriends weddings. Seeing as I am going all out and very special and unforgettable on all other aspects of my wedding, I want to do the same for the ceremony.

My problem is the processional. What I would really like to have is the "My weakness" song by Moby (last song on play). The song really moves me and always brings me to good tears. What do you think, and how could I present it (for instance there are children sining in it: should I wait till the flower girl? or have children open the whole thing? etc..).

I was even thinking of combining that song with the Dinah Washington song "What a difference a day made", maybe for when I enter, which is another song that really gets to me. What do you think and how would I combine the songs?

Thank you so much for your time,

J

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Hi J,

I'm glad you found my article helpful.

"My Weakness" is an interesting choice. it is unique, beautiful and completely appropriate and I see no reason why you shouldn't use it. Especially if it speaks to you. It's introspective and spiritual, just the kind of song I'd like to have at a ceremony. I had one bride use "God Moving Over The Face Of The Waters" by Moby for part of her processional. What's most important is that you like it.

Because it doesn't make a huge impact right away, I think it needs to be played a bit just to establish itself. Start it at :58 or 1:10. By 3:04 it is basically over. That gives around 2 minutes of useable music.

You could use it for your wedding party and have it continue for you depending on how long that will take. Or go with Dinah for your walk.

Most walks to the altar don't take longer than 30 seconds so you may want to wait for Dinah to start singing before you start your walk. To get the timing right, you may need someone there to mix the songs live as the moment unfolds.

Basic song editing, if you need it, can be done with free, downloadable programs like Audacity.

Cheers,

DJ Craig

[tabi_w]

I am wondering for the reception what kind of music should I play. I didnt know if I should be flexible with the music because some of our families are religious or should I play my own music since it is my wedding.

[DJ Craig]

(You have posted under the subject of "Ceremony Music" but are asking about Reception Music so I will assume what you wrote is what you mean.)

That sounds like a delicate situation.

You could do both, incorporating music for them and for you. The line between religious and spiritual music can be a fine one. I wonder if there is some middle ground, songs that is are not overtly religious but that wouldn't be offensive.

Or you could start with "their" music and maybe later incorporate other songs. Talk to your fiance and other family members and ask how they would feel about this. Then use your best judgement.

Wedding DJ

[DJ Craig]

I have often had mixed feelings about this choice for the Bride's walk down the aisle. Sure it is "traditional" but so what?

There are so many other songs that can be played that not only allow you to put your personal touch on the ceremony but also give your guests a unique experience as well.

Part of the problem is the cadence of The Bridal Chorus. It is not conducive to a slow, measured walk. It was, after all, written for a play in which a wedding takes place- not an actual wedding!

Then there are the arrangements- most I've heard (and I've heard lots of them) are pompous, grandiose and stuffy. I used to say that in all my years of searching, I'd yet to hear a "good" version of it.

That changed recently when a client brought something to my attention. Jonathan Cain, the keyboardist from Journey, released a solo album that includes a version of "The Bridal March" that is actually quite listenable. The drawback is that the album was released a few years ago- somehow I missed it, and is currently out of print.

You can get a preowned copy from amazon.com but it is a bit pricey. Apparently these are somewhat of a collector's item.

Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIyXWm_cw2E

Another version that I like, although not quite as much, is The O'Neill Brothers "Bridal Chorus (Here Comes The Bride)"

Sample it here: http://www.amazon.com/Bridal-Chorus-...3984491&sr=1-1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-v954XTZF8

This one is available as a download for only .99!

Happy Hunting!

The Wedding DJ