"Mary and "John's Wedding"
Sample Wedding Set List
An example of a song for every part of the wedding ceremony, why it works and what you need to bear in mind when choosing your music
You're not sure what parts of the ceremony you need music for.
You don't know what style of music you want when you're walking out of the church.
You've got lots of ideas for songs you'd like to have at your wedding, but wondering if some of them are a little too unique, and you'd like a few tried-and-tested old reliables.
You'll (probably!) only ever have to do this once in your life, so why not ask the professionals for a little help? I'm going to talk you through a sample wedding programme that a bride and groom chose in consultation with me.
These are all in the video above too so you can hear them and get the short version of this blog post!
Entrance - The One
This modern classic from Ireland's very own Kodaline has surged in popularity at weddings in recent years. The devotion expressed in the lyrics, and its adaptability as a solo piano tune, make it ideal as a poignant backdrop to the bride's slow walk up the aisle.
How long?: roughly two minutes (but musicians can adapt on the day if the procession takes longer or shorter than expected)
Other examples: All of Me, Canon in D, Can't Help Falling in Love With You, Thinking out Loud
What to consider: Choose a piece or song that is very personal to you, or something that you've always associated with "wedding music". Don't worry about it not being a "piano song" - it's always possible to rework a song to make it more "wedding-like"!
Psalm - In Christ Alone
Another modern choice for this programme (and another Irish writer in Keith Getty), In Christ Alone is a beautifully written hymn in which the singer details how their faith in Christ is based on His birth, death and resurrection. This slots in perfectly after the first reading.
How long?: any (the psalm is always played in full)
Other examples: Here I Am Lord, The Hiding Place, On Eagles' Wings, The Lord is my Shepherd
What to consider: The piece chosen here must be a hymn, although it doesn't have to be sung.
Lighting of the candle - How Great Thou Art
This timeless hymn is normally played in a grand and strident manner, but its slow and stately pace allowed it to be reworked as a soft and tasteful piano interlude as the candles were lit. The lighting of the candles happens twice in the ceremony: once after the greeting, where the couple each light a candle, and once after the exchange of rings, where they take the candles they lit and use them to light the marriage candle). The same piece may be used for both occasions.
How long?: one minute
Other examples: A Thousand Years, Comptine d'un autre été, Fields of Gold, My Lagan Love, Songbird
What to consider: There's a lot of variety in terms of what songs or pieces you can choose, as long as the music is played serenely.
Signing of the register - River Flows in You
This exquisite and intricate composition by Yiruma is full of emotion. Its reflective character allows for the congregation to consider the depth of commitment the bride and groom are demonstrating to each other while they wait for the documents to be signed.
How long?: three minutes or more
Other examples: Concerning Hobbits, How Long Will I Love You, Rule the World, She Moved Through the Fair, You're Still the One
What to consider: Again, you can choose almost anything you like here, but your choice can be a little more lively than the lighting of the candle.
Recessional - Always Remember Us This Way
This is a more subdued choice than I would typically select for a recessional, where the bride and groom exit to tumultuous applause! Nevertheless, the song's lyrics capture the passion of the singer and lover, and it ties up the ceremony by declaring that, when all is said and done, the happy couple will always remember each other as they are today - filled with love for one another.
How long?: three minutes or more
Other examples: Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Marry You, Take My Hand, This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)
What to consider: This should be the liveliest piece or song you choose - the ceremony is over, you are officially married and it's on to the celebrations!