Suggestions for wedding ceremony music

It's interesting:
"Just as the happy couple wanted, this is a lovely, small, intimate gathering of close friends and family – so could someone please tell me why I’m here. Oh, that’s right, to make a speech, so here goes …"

While most brides think first of the music that will be played at the reception, the music you choose for your ceremony is also important. It tells your guests who you are as a couple. You may want a special music choice to be played or sung during the ceremony. For your walk down the aisle, you can keep it predictable with Pachelbel's Canon or mix things up with a choice that reflects the two of you. Remember to consider prelude, processional, ceremony and recessional music choices.

1. Classical

   • Classical doesn't actually have to be boring. Step away from Pachelbel's Canon, and you'll still find many wonderful choices, such as Monteverdi's beautiful harmonies, Johann Sebastian Bach or Vivaldi. Choosing a classical piece also means a higher likelihood you'll be able to find live musicians for the ceremony. You can choose to have a simple piano solo or have an ensemble create a masterpiece.

   Country and Bluegrass

   • Country and bluegrass may not initially sound like a fit for a romantic wedding ceremony, but you can actually find some beautiful songs, particularly in bluegrass. Look for artists like Alison Krauss or Emmylou Harris, both of whom create delightful bluegrass. Alison Krauss's "When You Say Nothing At All" is a great romantic choice, as are any number of covers by Emmylou Harris, such as "Save the Last Dance For Me." The "O Brother, Where Art Thou" soundtrack also has a number of bluegrass artists, perfect to get you started. "You are My Sunshine" from the soundtrack is a nice, upbeat song choice.

   Swing

   • Put a little swing in that step with east coast or west coast swing. East coast is a bit more relaxed than west coast but both are fun. Look for songs from Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Glenn Miller and Fats Waller, to give you a little inspiration. You could try "Isn't it Romantic" by Ella Fitzgerald or "My Man" by Billie Holiday. Another beautiful choice is Fats Waller's "I've got a Feeling, I'm Falling," which also happens to have been sung by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

   Caribbean

   • If you're having an outdoor summer wedding, getting married on the beach or just want to add a livelier touch to the music, consider using calypso or reggae beats. Take a little time before the wedding to listen to some different styles. While some reggae is better suited to a reception, there are quite a few songs with a gentler tempo, perfect for a walk down the aisle.

   Lyrical

   • If you have a favorite song, consider using it for the processional. Many songs can help create the mood. You could do a fun song and encourage the bridal party to dance down the aisle, as has been proven popular by many recent wedding videos. You could also try a more romantic touch, such as having the doors open to the bride as Etta James "At Last" begins.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: down aisle, Ella Fitzgerald, wedding ceremony, Alison Krauss, Billie Holiday