Practical side of the ceremony music help.. pls

I am giving two- one of pre-ceremony music (guests) and one of ceremony music. I have one entrance song- 4 signing songs (just play whatever is needed) and one exit song x

I would imagine whatever makes it easier for your venue?

Where we are getting married they have a speaker system all over the downstairs so can plug the iPod in and have music while everyone is arriving and waiting for me. Then CD stuff for walking down the aisle , signing register, walking back up aisle. Then back to iPod for music through the meal.

Hrm I need an awful lot of music!

I didnt think about that. Perhaps its best to speak to your venue and see what their protocol is. I will be doing that myself shortly ?

Thanks guys

xx

In the end, we had about 10 tracks on 1 CD. We gave a list of the music and track number to our co-ordinator and told him what music was played at what time. The first CD we did didnt work in the CD player at the venue so ended up making a new one 2 days before. This one was only tested the night before the wedding. It all went without a hitch. (thankfully)

Our registry office suggested 3 songs for seating, 1 song for procession, 3 songs for signing and 1 for leaving.

We put it all on one CD with a piece of paper outlining what each song (or group of songs) was for - so the coordinator knows when to stop it.

Thanks quys

been really helpful

This is my typical routine when I do ceremony music.

Background music is playing at least half an hour before start time of the ceremony.

Have a quick chat to registrar or minister as they all have slightly different ways of starting. I usually negotiate a signal with them that they will indicate to me when they want the background music to fade so they can do an intro and get everyone stood up.

Processional....can be a different tune for bridesmaids and bride, but most commonly is one tune. I watch for the bride arriving at the registrar, give her a second to rearrange herself, then fade the music down

Signing.... always have three ready as this can be either 2 minutes or 10 depending on photographs

Recessional..... tend to play the whole song as some guests will remain in the room chatting for a few minutes. Sometimes I continue with some background music until all guests have left.

Hope that helps.

I'm giving the venue a cd for every section to ensure no track c**k ups! They did advise to bring them down prior to wedding to check they play ok etc etc

Wedding ceremony music can be quite confusing at times, especially as all venues have different routines and work in different ways. At most weddings there is music while the guests wait, for the bridal entrance, during the signing or the registers and on the exit and there might be spaces for a couple more songs after. Its usually easiest to give one CD with all the tracks on and then ask someone you trust to be responsible for playing the right songs at the right time.

You need to talk to whoever is going to be in charge at your venue on the day to find out exactly how it is done there. You'll also need to run your song choices by them as some venues can be quite picky about what is allowed - for example, you can't play any religious music at a civil ceremony!