Verna Stephenson, Coordinator of Music

vernabuc@bellnet.ca

(705) 645-5713

Office Hours:  Wednesdays & Thursdays

Music at Your Wedding

The music performed at your wedding is an important aspect of the ceremony.  Music is powerful and emotional, and the music you choose can greatly enhance the occasion.  We would be happy to help you choose an appropriate selection of music for the various elements involved in the ceremony.

Please contact our organist at least one month in advance of your wedding date and time.  A meeting should be arranged to choose your music, at which time the organist can play a variety of options for you to choose from.

The organ is particularly beautiful for wedding recessionals and processionals.  The piano is another wonderful option.  If you wish to incorporate other instruments, please speak to the organist at your initial meeting with regard to making these arrangements. 

Musical Elements of the Ceremony

·         The Prelude

A musical prelude is played before the ceremony begins and while the guests are arriving (approximately 15-20 minutes).  It is intended to create an atmosphere of joy and reverence.  The prelude music is typically chosen by the organist, but special requests can be accommodated.

·         The Processional

The processional music is played as the wedding party enters the sanctuary of the church.  It is chosen to express beauty and a sense of occasion (while still being comfortable to walk to!).  The “traditional” wedding march by Wagner (generally known as “Here Comes the Bride”) is seldom played as there are many other choices that are more appropriate and more beautiful for a church ceremony.  When you meet with the organist, a number of options will be played for you so that you can choose a piece that appeals to you.

·         Signing of The Register

The ceremony is complete and the wedding party can start to relax!  Guests are invited to take photographs.  The music at this point in the service is intended to be quiet and relaxing.

·         The Recessional

The recessional music is played while the newly married couple leads the bridal party out of the sanctuary.  It is celebratory in nature and is played until most of the guests have left the sanctuary.  Again, the “traditional” Wedding March by Mendelssohn can be played, but there are many other wonderful pieces to choose from.

Other Considerations

·         Soloists

Occasionally, couples wish to include a vocal solo in their ceremony. The soloist can either choose to bring his/her own pianist or make arrangements to rehearse with the organist at a mutually convenient time.  The music itself must be delivered to the organist at least 3 weeks prior to the wedding and must be in the key in which the soloist will sing.  Please note that it is illegal to photocopy music, and therefore only an original copy may be used. 

A solo will need to be thoughtfully placed in the ceremony.  The minister and organist can help you with this.  For example, although soloists are often asked to sing during the signing of the register, this is a time when guests are more likely to want to focus on the wedding party.

Please consider your choice of solo carefully (ie. something more than just a “love song”).  There are songs suitable for weddings that are not necessarily suitable in a church environment.  These can often be incorporated more effectively into your reception or dance.  Please consult with the minister or organist with regard to your solo music selection.

·         Hymns

The hymn book used at Bracebridge United Church is called Voices United.  If you wish to include a hymn in your ceremony, there is a section of Wedding hymns in Voices United, as well as a section of Praise hymns that are all very appropriate for a wedding ceremony.  Some couples have a favourite family hymn that they wish to include.

·         Playing of CDs

While we prefer that all music during your ceremony be live music, we do appreciate that on occasion a couple may wish to play a CD as part of your ceremony.  If so, you must discuss this with the minister when planning your ceremony and then it will be your responsibility to meet with the Church Administrator prior to the wedding for instruction on the operation of the sound board.  A designated member of the wedding party will then be responsible for this during the ceremony.

We look forward to sharing your special day with you! 

In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to call the church if you have any further questions.

Congratulations!