Timing Your Wedding Ceremony Music

I frequently receive the question: "How long is the processional music?" It's an excellent question because it's crucial that the music start and end at the right times to ensure the ceremony is well-coordinated and runs smoothly. Some brides are naturally curious about the duration of our songs or whether we have recordings of our versions. Occasionally, we are invited to attend the rehearsal so the bridal party can practice their walk and synchronize it with our music.

Good News!

These solutions aren't needed. As live musicians, we can visually determine when to switch songs and when to conclude the processional music. We simply wrap up the music smoothly once the processional is over. There's no need to worry about cues, walking speed, or practicing step counts. Just walk down the aisle at a comfortable pace. We'll handle the timing. As you enter, smile! Relish the moment, feel the love surrounding you, and let us manage the timing.

LET THE CEREMONY BEGIN

1. Cue the officiant: The officiant's entrance, along with the groomsmen, is the final event before the processional begins. This serves as an excellent cue for us. The event planner ensures everyone is lined up. The officiant enters and takes their position. The officiant does not walk down the center aisle, as that is reserved for the bridal party and bride. In a traditional ceremony, the officiant and groomsmen enter from the side rather than down the aisle. These are customary practices, but you are not bound to follow them.

There is no special music for the officiant or groomsmen. Once the officiant is in place, the first processional song starts, typically for the bridal party. We do not require a cue from the event planner or a friend. Upon seeing the officiant (and groomsmen) in place, we begin the first processional. Personal note: We have had many wedding planners cue us to start the music for the bridesmaids at the wrong time.

ENTER THE ROYAL ENTOURAGE

You can choose any music you like for the bridal party. Options include Pachelbel's Canon, Golden Hour, Theme from About Time, and I Can't Help Falling in Love. We continue playing until everyone is comfortably positioned at the front. This music can accompany the entrances of parents, grandparents, bridesmaids with groomsmen escorts, flower girls, ring bearers, and even unique participants like "flower grannies" or a ring-bearer dog! We've seen it all. However, I suggest that the first processional include only the bridesmaids (and flower girl/ring bearer), as they are part of the "Royal Entourage." We believe there should be a sense of awe and wonderment at this point in the ceremony. Again, we wait for all of the bridal party to enter and be settled, including the flower girl who may be scattering rose petals. This can take some time.

Timing this during the rehearsal isn't necessary, which is a relief. We simply finish the song and prepare the music for the bride. With all our sheet

music on iPads, switching songs takes about 2 seconds. However, I recommend a longer silent interval before the bride enters.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE After a tasteful pause that doesn't induce anxiety, we commence the bride's processional. We end the song when the bride and her escort reach the officiant.

A NOTE TO ALL OF THOSE WHO ARE PROCESSING

I suggest that you, the bride, share this brief motivational speech with your entourage during the rehearsal, encouraging them to imagine this as they practice their entrance.

As you walk down the aisle, take your time. Smile, remain calm, proceed at a relaxed pace, and cherish the beauty and love of your family and friends that surround you.

ENTER A WHOLE NEW WORLD

Here's an important tip about recessional music: it should start right after the pronouncement. Although this seems simple, it can become unexpectedly complicated if the officiant speaks too much. Once the newlyweds kiss and are introduced to the guests, the joyful music should commence.

It's essential to prevent the officiant from speaking after the music begins. A trend is emerging where officiants stop the music to make announcements about photos or the cocktail hour, disrupting the recessional. This interruption ruins the photos and the overall joyful atmosphere. If announcements about upcoming events are necessary, make them before the kiss so the exit can proceed smoothly without unscheduled "marching orders".