The Role of Music in the Catholic Wedding

If you are having a Catholic wedding, there are a few things to consider regarding the music. It is wise to ask your parish if they have a reference as to what services are available through the musicians at your local parish, and find out the cost. This is, of course, if you choose to use the musicians at your parish. Keep in mind, that some parishes will require you to use their musicians, or pay a fee to the organist for performing a wedding at the parish using outside musicians.

Music in the Ceremony

Most parishes will be open to your music selections but do check with the priest and the organist/choir master to make sure that your decisions are within the rules of the parish.

The wedding will usually start with music being played by the organist and instrumentalists, as the guests and family members arrive. Most organists will allow you to choose selections beforehand, or the organist may have a set number of pieces that you can choose from for this part of the ceremony.

The bridal march is also something that can be chosen. It is important to make sure that, if you have chosen a piece that isn’t a part of the standard organ repertoire, it is available to be ordered and played by your organist.

The traditional service will start with an opening hymn, then a scriptural reading, followed by a sung or a spoken responsorial Psalm, and then followed by another reading. The Priest will give a short homily, and then perform the marriage ceremony. After the marriage ceremony is performed, communion will be taken.

Communion is another point in the ceremony when it is nice to have something played, or a vocalist sing. This can be either a hymn or a piece of music of your choice. This is a good time to have friends or family members sing for your ceremony, but still want the parish cantor to perform the rest of your ceremony. It has become popular for the newly married couple to present flowers to the image of Mary while Franz Schubert’s, or Charles Gounod’s, Ave Maria is performed. Lastly, there will be the music that the couples recess to. Just as with the processional, the recessional music will be decided upon in advance with the organist.

Cost of Musicians

Remember that charges are usually based on what region you live in. It is always proper practice to have the father of the bride, or the best man, pay the musicians before the ceremony. This will alleviate any awkwardness after the ceremony of trying to obtain payment for services rendered.

The best way to make sure that you aren’t getting completely overcharged is to check the rates for musicians – typically an organist and a vocalist – with the American Guild of Organists http://http://www.agohq.org/home.html . Each of the AGO’s local chapters will be able to offer information on the going rates.

It is important to realize, that while the music isn’t necessarily a tangible part of your wedding, it will be some of the most memorable moments of your ceremony. So, make sure not to disregard the professional training and education of the musicians involved in your ceremony, as well as the cost associated with having their experience and talent.

For the Processional

“A Rose Is Gently Blooming” – Johannes Brahms
“Air on the G String” – Johann S. Bach
“Aria, Bist du bei mir” – Johann S. Bach
“Concerto in D Minor” – Tomaso Albinoni
“Largo” – George Frederic Handel
“Rhosymedre” – Ralph Vaughan Williams
“Sheep May Safely Graze” – Johann S. Bach
“Sonata in G Minor for Flute and Organ” – George F. Handel
“Toccata in E Minor” – Johann Pachelbel
“Violin Concerto in A” – Franz Joseph Haydn
“Water Music” – George F. Handel

For the Bridal March

“Air” – George F. Handel
Bridal Chorus” – Richard Wagner
“Canon in D” – Johann Pachelbel
“Spring” – Antonio Vivaldi
“Trumpet Tune” – Henry Purcell
“Trumpet Voluntary” – Jeremiah Clarke
“Trumpet Voluntary” -John Stanley
Wedding March” – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Hymns During the Ceremony

It is best to choose hymns that are appropriate for the ceremony, as well as those hymns that have special meaning to you and your family. It is almost entirely up to you what hymns you want. If you are unsure, ask your organist, or cantor, and they can assist you.

For the Recessional

“Allegro Maestoso” – George F. Handel
“Brandenburg Concerto No. 1” – Allegro, Johann S. Bach
“Brandenburg Concerto No. 4” – Allegro, Johann S. Bach
“Coronation March” – Sir William Walton
“Hornpipe” – George F. Handel
“Spring” – Antonio Vivaldi
“The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” – George F. Handel
“Toccata” – Charles-Marie Widor
“Trumpet Tune and Bell Symphony” – Henry Purcell
“Wedding March” – Felix Mendelssohn