For the full wedding mass, here are the spots that typically need to be filled:
PRELUDE MUSIC (STARTS 15-30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE BRIDE'S ENTRANCE)
instrumental or vocal tunes or string quartet or piano or other instruments
classical music and/or pop/jazz standards/ballads/love songs (Frank Sinatra, big band, new-age music, Enya, Kenny G, Jim Brickman, music from 'Amelie', 20's/30's/40's tunes, Gershwin & Cole Porter, ballads from 70's/80's/90's, modern ballads, any of your favorites, etc.)
instrumental song, look also at the tunes above for bridesmaids
currently, my favorite is 'Lascia ch'io pianga' from Handel's 'Rinaldo' -- some say it's a little dramatic...but I think your walk down the aisle is supposed to be at least a little dramatic!
ADDITIONAL SONG DURING THE CEREMONY, IF WANTED/NEEDED
A) Unity Candle (if done)
good place for a short-ish song, either instrumental or vocal
it's good because it's happening in tandem with the movement of the ceremony--it's not a solo performance in the middle of everything.
If you, however, have a song and a vocalist that you would love to highlight, now is the time
B) Song after the homily
this sometimes feels awkward--stopping and watching a performance
If you, however, have a song and a vocalist that you would love to highlight, now is the time
C) Song before/after vows
this sometimes feels awkward--stopping and watching a performance
If you, however, have a song and a vocalist that you would love to highlight, now is the time
D) Song for presentation of flowers to Mary
this is a lovely tradition in many cultures. The movement of the bride and groom to the Mary shrine is nicely accompanied by a sung or instrumental tune. Possibly a Marian tune:
to Disney's "Fantasmic" and "Spectromagic" themes!
to Barry White's "You're My First, My Last, My Everything"
to Frankie Vallie's "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You"
I have a large email network of singers and instrumentalists. If you'd like to think about adding some strings or a flute or a trumpet or a classical guitar or professional singers or anything else, let me know!
[And to the haters out there: bless your little hearts!]