A Wedding Day can be one of the most precious days of your life.
I want you to have the utmost confidence in me, so that the music for your special day is one element that you don't have to worry about. Below are some suggestions for the number of pieces that you might incorporate into your particular ceremony. Bear in mind, these are just suggestions - if you have some ideas for a song or piece of music that you would like played during your wedding ceremony, let me know! Have a look at my Repertoire page for other pieces that may be of interest to you. |
Sacred Wedding
1: Entrance/ Processional 2: Lighting of the Candles 3: Responsorial Psalm 4: Gospel - Alleuia 5: Lighting of the Marriage Candle 6: Offertory Procession 7: Holy Holy (Optional) 8: Mystery of Faith (Optional) 9: Sign of Peace (Optional) 10: Communion (approx. 2 songs) 11: Signing of the Register (approx. 2 songs) 12: Exit/ Recessional |
Civil/Humanist Ceremony
1: Entrance/ Processional 2: Lighting of the Candles 3: Piece / Song after Readings 4: Lighting of the Marriage Candle 5: Signing of the Register 6: Exit/ Recessional |
Below is a list of the parts of the ceremony where music occurs. Here are some suggestions of pieces that I usually play at these times. However, these are just suggestions and if you would prefer something different please see our Repertoire Tab or let me know if you have any of your own suggestions.
Bridal Entrance/Processional:
This is the "Walking up the Aisle" music. I have played A Thousand Years by Christina Perri or Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley in the past. Other suggestions include From This Moment, Make You Feel My Love or Songbird.
Lighting of the Candles -
Typically this part of the Ceremony happens immediately once the Bride is up the aisle so very often the Processional music can continue through this part. Otherwise a very short instrumental piece would be suitable, Eleanor Plunkett or Ag Críost an Síol.
Responsorial Psalm:
The Psalm must be a hymn which comes between the two Readings. There are a number of options for you in this area:
Gospel Acclamation:
I typically perform an Irish hymn called Mo Ghrá'sa Mo Dhia as an Acclamation. However, if you have a particular Alleluia that you prefer, just let me know and I can accommodate you.
Lighting of Marriage Candle:
A very short piece of music is all that is necessary here as this step doesn't take a very long time! A short Irish Air or an instrumental version of a pop song would be perfect here.
Offertory Procession:
A very short piece of music is all that is necessary here as this step doesn't take a very long time! I have often sung 'As I Kneel Before You' at this point in the ceremony but any instrumental piece would also be appropriate here.
Sign of the Peace:
Another short piece of music can accompany the Sign of the Peace as it can sometimes take a long time but this is optional. It can be either a hymn such as The Peace Prayer or an instrumental piece such as Sí Bheag Sií Mhór.
Communion:
Usually at least 2 songs are required for Communion, depending on numbers attending. The Prayer is one popular choice at this point as well as Amazing Grace. If you are hoping to keep a Sacred theme throughout the ceremony at this point you could use a Pslam as a second Communion hymn. However, you could also choose a popular song to finish off Communion but make sure you double check with your Celebrant.
Signing of the Register:
The length of this section can vary usually depending on the photographer so I tend to have 2 or 3 pieces prepared, just in case!
Depending on your own preferences you can choose Popular songs or Instrumentals or a combination.
I have sung Songbird by Eva Cassidy or Can't Help Falling in Love with You by Elvis at this point.
Exit Music/Recessional:
This is the last piece of music you will hear from us during the ceremony! As you exit the church I play the Recessional. It tends to be quite personal for each couple so this one is completely up to you! In the past, I have performed Best Day of my Life by American Authors, Marry You by Bruno Mars, The Time of my Life by Bill Medley, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri or Everything I Do by Bryan Adams.
Again, these are all just suggestions so it's up to you what you want on the day. Have a word with your Celebrant as well, just to run the songs and pieces by them.
I am also available to sing or play the “parts of the mass”, like the Amen, the Holy Holy and the Mystery of Faith but these are optional. If couples prefer, the Celebrant can say them as prayers.
This is the "Walking up the Aisle" music. I have played A Thousand Years by Christina Perri or Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley in the past. Other suggestions include From This Moment, Make You Feel My Love or Songbird.
Lighting of the Candles -
Typically this part of the Ceremony happens immediately once the Bride is up the aisle so very often the Processional music can continue through this part. Otherwise a very short instrumental piece would be suitable, Eleanor Plunkett or Ag Críost an Síol.
Responsorial Psalm:
The Psalm must be a hymn which comes between the two Readings. There are a number of options for you in this area:
- Sing a Song to the Lord's Holy Name
- Cloud's Veil
- Eagle's Wings
- O God You Are My God
- Hiding Place
- Mo Ghrá Thú a Thiarna (The Irish version of Hiding Place)
Gospel Acclamation:
I typically perform an Irish hymn called Mo Ghrá'sa Mo Dhia as an Acclamation. However, if you have a particular Alleluia that you prefer, just let me know and I can accommodate you.
Lighting of Marriage Candle:
A very short piece of music is all that is necessary here as this step doesn't take a very long time! A short Irish Air or an instrumental version of a pop song would be perfect here.
Offertory Procession:
A very short piece of music is all that is necessary here as this step doesn't take a very long time! I have often sung 'As I Kneel Before You' at this point in the ceremony but any instrumental piece would also be appropriate here.
Sign of the Peace:
Another short piece of music can accompany the Sign of the Peace as it can sometimes take a long time but this is optional. It can be either a hymn such as The Peace Prayer or an instrumental piece such as Sí Bheag Sií Mhór.
Communion:
Usually at least 2 songs are required for Communion, depending on numbers attending. The Prayer is one popular choice at this point as well as Amazing Grace. If you are hoping to keep a Sacred theme throughout the ceremony at this point you could use a Pslam as a second Communion hymn. However, you could also choose a popular song to finish off Communion but make sure you double check with your Celebrant.
Signing of the Register:
The length of this section can vary usually depending on the photographer so I tend to have 2 or 3 pieces prepared, just in case!
Depending on your own preferences you can choose Popular songs or Instrumentals or a combination.
I have sung Songbird by Eva Cassidy or Can't Help Falling in Love with You by Elvis at this point.
Exit Music/Recessional:
This is the last piece of music you will hear from us during the ceremony! As you exit the church I play the Recessional. It tends to be quite personal for each couple so this one is completely up to you! In the past, I have performed Best Day of my Life by American Authors, Marry You by Bruno Mars, The Time of my Life by Bill Medley, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri or Everything I Do by Bryan Adams.
Again, these are all just suggestions so it's up to you what you want on the day. Have a word with your Celebrant as well, just to run the songs and pieces by them.
I am also available to sing or play the “parts of the mass”, like the Amen, the Holy Holy and the Mystery of Faith but these are optional. If couples prefer, the Celebrant can say them as prayers.