Centuries ago, the word dream meant “to dream” as we know it. Spelled d-r-e-m-e-n, it also meant “to make music.” The music a couple chooses for their wedding ceremony doesn’t simply entertain or provide atmosphere. The music calls everyone present to dream.
Statue of a beloved pet
Having officiated at more than a hundred weddings and written more than a hundred love stories, I’ve been trusted with more than a hundred dreams. Sometimes a couple’s choice of music might never be considered by another couple and yet be perfect for the couple who chose it. I’m reminded of the bride who had lived through more than her share of hardship. She walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of Florence + The Machine’s Dog Days Are Over. Even without the lyrics, those who knew the music knew the bright future it symbolized for that bride.
Musician, vocalist, DJ Shawn Santanello of Massachusetts
On my show, Weddings with Zita https://www.youtube.com/zitatvnetwork , I’ve interviewed both DJs and musicians. I leave it to the professionals to advise couples about their overall choices since the venue, the weather, the time of day, power sources, sand, wind, water and other factors can influence decisions. My thoughts on ceremony music come from a different place. When I am asked, here’s what I tell my couples.
PROCESSIONAL
This part of your ceremony sets the stage for what is to come. Your choice of music can be classical, country, pop, music from a movie, or an original composition. As a practical consideration, be sure to talk with your DJ or musicians to ensure the length of the music works well with the number of people who will process down the aisle and the length of the aisle itself. Just remember that whatever you choose, this music opens the curtain to the ceremony. The music should evoke feelings connected with the words: Anticipation, Possibilities, Transformation, Magic. Here are a few of my favorites.
THE FEATHER SONG (from the Forrest Gump soundtrack)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEY3o00LRHI
HALLELUJAH ( Vitamin String Quartet tribute to Jeff Buckley / instrumental)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-jMGvvMoAg
ONCE UPON A DREAM (from Sleeping Beauty / instrumental)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnwGKKiZers
ENTRANCE OF THE BRIDE / or BRIDES / or GROOMS
You are separating from the past. This is true even if the two of you have lived together for years. The wedding affirms your shared vision of the future. This part of the ceremony is best described with the words: Trust, Tender, Thoughtful, and Sacred, in whatever way you define that word. A few of my favorites:
STORYBOOK LOVE (soundtrack from The Princess Bride)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVAA7crk8g
CANON IN D (Pachelbel)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es_3F3TLJS0
CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE (Elvis Presley / instrumental)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RKpirorIp8
MARRY ME (Train / instrumental)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtQvIjx7184
A THOUSAND YEARS (Christina Perri / instrumental – The Piano Guys)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgaTQ5-XfMM
ENDLESS LOVE (instrumental)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh3gFM06PEE
RECESSIONAL
In the ancient world, a person’s ability to survive depended on being accepted by the community. In fact, a person labeled “tabu” meant he or she had been banished from the village, a fate worse than death. Community support was a key to happiness. In today’s weddings, that support is reflected in the recessional music.
Simply put, your recessional music as an audio version of your shared vision of the future. The transformation has occurred. Thirty minutes earlier, you entered sacred space as two individuals. Now you leave that space as a couple, united in a way that your family and friends recognize and affirm. You have the support of your community. This part of your ceremony is best described with the words: Happy, United, Welcomed, Transformed, Future. Here are a few of my favorites:
YOU ARE THE BEST THING (LaMontagne / vocals)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ3xTjvj9tw
STAND BY ME (vocals)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwECLf_6Fsg
HERE COMES THE SUN (Beatles / instrumental)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOVMtxag9Dk
In my early conversations with every couple, I ask about the feeling they want their ceremony to convey. Responses span the gamut from sweet to solemn. What is universal is their desire to be seen as a couple. As you think about your ceremony music, remember that it will call everyone to dream. Your music is a gift to everyone who hears it.
