Floating Ribbons Ceremony Decorating idea

I loved the idea of tying ribbons to the tree branches for the ceremony. They floated and drifted in the breeze throughout

 the entire ceremony, providing a dynamic and very colorful background.

Let’s Do Something Different for Ceremony Music

Rhonda is a very creative bride who planned and decorated her entire wedding by herself. She came to me saying she didn’t want anything you normally hear at weddings so we came up with the following ideas. The wedding was held on the grounds of the Billingsley Mansion in Upper Marlborough Maryland and was absolutely gorgeous.

Seating of the Mothers

Reverie composed by Carlos Salzedo in remembrance of Gabriel Faure. This is a beautiful calming piece that most harpists who play in the Salzedo style will have in their repertoire.

Entrance of the Bridesmaids

Dance of the Sacred Spirits by Gluck. Perfect for bridesmaids as there are several places in the music where you can stop playing without difficulty, resulting in a smooth transition into the bridal processional music.

http://www.dcharpist.com/html/repertoire.html

Bridal Processional

Gymnopedie no. 1 by Erik Satie A very ethereal, reflective almost atmospheric piece. Satie used the term furniture music to describe some of his pieces meaning that they could be used for mood setting background music. This piece was published with the following poem.

Recessional

Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel. There is a story about King Solomon, God gave Solomon the gift of talking to birds. One day Solomon noticed that the Lapwing was missing. The Lapwing returned and told Solomon that she and visited a foreign land knows as Saba which was ruled by an immensely rich and beautiful queen, who sat on a gold and silver throne. Solomon was curious and sent an invitation to this lovely queen to visit him. The Overture “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” is taken from one of Handel’s great operas, Solomon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqwj0uq9edo

Planning Your Ceremony Music

Prelude

Prelude music provides a welcoming atmosphere for your guests as they are being seated. I like to start my prelude music one half hour before the ceremony starts. Music from various genres, classical, love songs and jazz standards can be mixed to appeal to the various age groups of your guests.

Processional

The processional marks the official start of the wedding ceremony. Stately and flowing, this music sets the stage for the beautiful bridesmaids and the solemnity of the event. Pachelbel’s Canon in D is a very popular choice; Bach’s Jesu Joy, or The Largo from Vivaldi are also suitable.

Bridal Processional

This is the incredible moment that is etched in everyone’s memory; pick something that is beautiful and meaningful for both of you.

The traditional choice is Wagners ‘Bridal Chorus’, but there are many other options as well. The ‘Entrance of The Queen of Sheba’ by Handel and Gustave Holtz’s’ Jupiter’ from his suite ‘The Planets’ are two of my favorite bridal processionals.

Interlude

This is a moment for quiet reflection. A time when no words are spoken for a minute or two, such as lighting a unity candle, memorial candle or presenting roses to parents. Impressionistic music from Debussy, Faure or New Age music is perfect for an interlude. I feel it’s more appropriate that the lyric’s to a popular song is not playing through everyone’s thoughts, their attention should be completely focused on you.

Recessional

Let the celebration begin! The pronouncement of husband and wife is the signal for applause and joyous recessional music. Top selections are Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary or my favorite, Mendelssohn’s Wedding March.

Looking for stylish wedding favors?

I just returned from the Wedding MBA conference in Phoenix Arizona where I discovered Kate Aspen wedding favors. She has stylish favors for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, all the celebratory events in your life. What a lovely way to say thank-you to those who share your joy.

 

http://weddingessentials.kateaspenshops.com