The Ceremony

Prelude

The music heard while guests are seated is known as the prelude.  Typical preludes last 30 to 45 minutes before the beginning of the actual wedding time and processional. Music selections will set the mood for the wedding, whether it is religious, elegant, or romantic.  If the wedding is in a church you may wish to have music appropriate to permit guests to pray, reflect or have light conversation. 

The prelude serves several functions.  It announces to the guests that the ceremony will begin shortly, it sets the tone for the wedding itself, and it is a cue to the wedding party that the event is about to be under way.  At many weddings the prelude is a time when guests may greet each other.  Weddings often serve as reunions for families and friends, so I will play at a volume that allows for quiet conversation.

The Processional

This is the usual and traditional processional order. This can be modified without a doubt, but is a good basic starting point for planning your music.

Seating of the mothers/grandmothers

This is the signal that the bride is ready and the processional is about to begin.  Sometimes special music will be played for the mothers, sometimes not.  If special music is to be played, I ask to have a cue when it is time for the mothers to enter. When I also play the processional for the attendants, I will ask to speak with the wedding party before the wedding and let them know that I will finish the tune for the mothers even after they are seated, so there may be a short wait, even a dramatic pause (silence) of 10-15 seconds before the attendant's processional begins.   

If I am not playing the processional, it is important to speak with the other musicians and request that I be allowed to finish the tune for the mother’s, and to allow the dulcimer to “ring out” and go silent.  This is a special day, and should not be rushed!

Attendants’ processional

Not as dramatic as the Bride’s processional, but definitely the beginning of the ceremony. It is customary for no other guests to be seated once this processional has begun.  If the wedding party is large this tune may go on for several minutes. I will be prepared to play for as long as it takes, however, eye contact with the wedding director is important at this point so I will know when to end this segment and prepare to play for the bride's entrance. 

Bride’s processional

As the, bride you will want a grand entrance!  Therefore, it is common for a separate piece of music to be played for the bride, or perhaps the same tune as the attendant's in a different key.  There should also be a noticeable increase in volume when the bride enters.

Interlude/prayer/meditation/communion

During this time I will be prepared to play some quiet music.  It is imperative to have someone reliable giving cues, especially if I do not have a direct line of sight to the wedding party.

The Recessional

The recessional should a joyous and celebratory time!  Music should be upbeat and happy.  At this point the wedding party will leave the church in the reverse order of the processional:

Bride and groom exit, flower girl and ring bearer exit, maid of honor and best man exit, bridesmaids exit.  Usually ushers will come and escort the mothers and grandmothers from the church. Then, the minister will signal that it is ok for the congregation to exit.

The Postlude music begins after the Recessional and will be played until all guests have exited.  This music should be joyful and triumphant!

Susan is an experienced musician available for weddings, receptions, parties, etc.