Wedding Music Archives | Wedding Journal

Wedding Ceremony Music – What Should We Choose?

Margaret Connolly — Fri, 03 May 2024 11:17:03 +0000

While you might have the perfect first dance song all lined up, choosing the right music for your wedding ceremony might not be so easy! Here are a few helpful suggestions.

From walking down – and back up the aisle – as well as the musical interlude when you sign the marriage license, you’ll want to put consideration into the music used during your wedding ceremony.

When it come to choosing your music for this part of the wedding day it’s important to consider the overall atmosphere you want to create. Think about the theme of the wedding, your preferences, and the emotions you want to evoke.

Traditional, classical music can create a formal and elegant ambience, while contemporary or upbeat music can bring a more modern and lively feel to your wedding ceremony. It’s also essential to consider the timing of the music and how it will complement different parts of the ceremony. Ultimately, choose music that resonates with you and reflects the love and joy of the occasion.

Here are five examples of classical pieces from classical musicians commonly used in traditional wedding ceremonies:

1. “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
2. “Bridal Chorus” from Wagner’s opera “Lohengrin”
3. “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert
4. “Wedding March” from Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
5. “Air on the G String” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Also Read: Wedding Speech Tips & Templates For The Whole Bridal Party

Some popular contemporary musicians whose songs are often used for ceremony music include Ed Sheeran, John Legend, Adele, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift. Their heartfelt and emotional songs are perfect for setting the mood during special moments.

1. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
2. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
3. “All of Me” by John Legend
4. “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles
5. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
6. “At Last” by Etta James
7. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
8. “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
9. “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding

These songs are often chosen for their romantic and emotional qualities, making them perfect for setting the tone during a wedding ceremony. Remember, this list is not exhaustive and these are just a few suggestions to get you thinking about this part of the wedding. Whatever music you select, make sure that it resonates with you and your partner, as it will add a special touch to your day.

Meet Wedding Singers & Musicians At The Wedding Journal Show in Belfast. Click Here To Book Tickets

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11 Fun Ways To Entertain Your Wedding Guests While You’re Getting Your Photos Taken

Linda Stewart — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:15:11 +0000

The wedding’s done and dusted, and you’ve arrived at your venue. Now it’s time for the fun to start!

It can be a long day for your guests, with a lot of waiting around after arriving at your venue, especially if your photographer has taken the bride and groom off for a photo session.

So don’t let your guests sit around twiddling their thumbs!

Here are some great ideas for ways to keep them entertained while they’re waiting for the bride and groom to join the party!

Hire A Singer

Get the mood going before you arrive and entertain your guests with a sweet musical interlude. We love wedding singer Jamie Brown’s romantic versions of some very well-known classics – contact CT Entertainment to find out more!

Light Up A Cigar

It’s time to kick back and relax, so why not offer your guests a cigar? After all, it is a special occasion! This cool cigar bar idea comes from Look Events NI.

Cocktails And Jazz On The Terrace

Who doesn’t love to chill out with their friends and family, cocktail in hand, listening to a cool jazz band? Keep it classy on the terrace! You can find a huge array of musicians with wedding entertainment experts Entertainment Nation who will match you up with whatever style of musician you need for your big day.

Roll Out The Red Carpet

If your wedding reception is movie-themed, why not roll out the red carpet and have some fun with it? Get a trusted friend with a knack for photography to capture images of your friends and family posing on the red carpet as they arrive. You can hire your very own red carpet from SBD Events.

Hire A Photobooth

Don’t under-estimate the fun your guests will get from dressing up in silly hats and wigs and snapping themselves having fun – and it gives them a fun memento of the big day to bring home! You’ll have a hit on your hands if you hire a photobooth like this one from Munster Photobooth.

Entertain The Kids

If you’ve a lot of children coming to your party, the day could be a long one for them, so why not come up with some ways to keep them having fun? You can hire a small soft play area and ball pit from Party Town Marquees which should go down well with your littlest guests.

https://www.weddingjournalonline.com/suppliers/room-dressing-and-wedding-details/sbd-events/

Pimp Your Prosecco

Even better than a drinks reception – this lovely idea from Look Events NI for a Pimp Your Prosecco bar where your guests can personalise their own drinks!

Hire A Cellist

You may have something big planned for the evening, but don’t forget about the musical accompaniment to the earlier part of your day. A string quartet or harpist is always lovely to have playing in the background when your guests arrive. Or we love this refreshing duo who will perform a romantic wedding setlist- The Cellists.

Offer Caricatures To Your Guests

We love the idea of having an artist walking around offering caricatures to your guests that they can take home and frame to remember your day. Mick O’Dell of Inkwell Cartoon and Caricature offers a caricature booth which is perfect for weddings!

Hire A Fun Camper Van

No, really! Gino the camper van is not only a cool means of transport but doubles up as a campervan photobooth which comes decorated with flowers and bunting, complete with state-of-the-art DSLR photogaphy equipment and a selection of props, so that your friends can hop in, strike a pose and make some memories. Available from The Quirky Camper Booth.

Keep Them Sweet

Everyone loves a candy cart! Keep them coming back for more with a range of childhood classics with a candy cart like this cute one from Sweet Life NI.

Sprinkle A Bit of Magic

Why not hire a wedding magician who can go around entertaining your guests with off-the-cuff card tricks and sleight of hand, like Carl Campbell?

Still searching for the perfect entertainment for your big day? Check out our musicians and entertainers HERE.

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25 First Dance Songs Your Guests Won’t Expect

Kobault — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:50:31 +0000

It’s time to pick the song you will dance to as a newly married couple, and it’s a choice you’ll want to feel is right to your unique relationship.

But there are so many options available! And you want to surprise your guests with a song they wouldn’t think off, one that they will always remember as your first dance.

The WJ Team have compiled at list of 25 songs your guests wouldn’t expect as a first dance song. Find your perfect choice here!

Harvest Moon – Neil Young

Written by Canadian singer, Harvest Moon is a tribute to his wife, and is about the tale of falling in love and it becoming everlasting.

California Stars – Billy Braggs and Wilco

A dream all about sleeping under the stars and dreaming big!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen

Guaranteed to get everyone on their feet with any song from Queen if we’re honest!

Heroes – David Bowie

This groovy number from the late singing legend David Bowie, will have everyone grooving along with you!

Flightless Bird – American Mouth

While not everyone is a fan of Twilight, this lullaby from the movie is the perfect choice for a slow and romantic dance.

Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys

A song with a bit of edge and about undying love for one person – perfect for a swaying first dance.

Better Together – Jack Johnson

One that can be overlooked as a first dance, this number holds great lyrics and carries a happy tune for a whimsical couple!

https://youtu.be/u57d4_b_YgI

Grow Old With You – Adam Sandler

Give your guests a laugh by dancing along with these cute lyrics from Adam Sandler’s movie The Wedding Singer.

Young And Beautiful – Lana Del Rey

Leave an impression with your guests with this dramatic ballad used in the adaptation of The Great Gatsby.

I Do – ABBA

Couples with a great sense of humour will have guests laughing and singing along with this hit song from ABBA.

Die A Happy Man – Thomas Rhett

This romantic song about finding happiness with the one you love is a great choice for a first dance.

Ends Of The Earth – Lord Huron

A slow starter that builds up to a tempo perfect for twirling around that dance floor!

Born To Be Yours – Kygo and Imagine Dragons

For the couple who prefer to freestyle alongside each other, this is the one for them!

The One – Kodaline

This song interprets a relationship when they know they’ve found the right person for them and sticking it out even when times are hard – perfect for a wedding.

Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap

Get everyone onto their feet from the beginning with this irresistible number!

Your Man – Josh Turner

Fans of country music will love this number one hit with an tune easy to sway with!

Grow Old With Me – Tom Odell

It says it all in the title really. And it’s a great tune.

Wanted – Hunter Hayes

This country ballad is highly romantic, and perfect for that slow and loving first dance.

Rule The World – Take That

For a song that offers more room for ballroom dancing, this is it. Waltz your way to the stars.

Today – Willamette Stone

Used in the film If I Stay, this song provides a mixture of Indie and Classic, and is all about how today is the greatest day. Need we say more?

Not With Haste – Mumford and Sons

This Celtic sounding ballad is all about loving without hesitation, with a great tempo for slow and fast dancing.

Some Type Of Love – Charlie Puth

This song is about growing old with someone and being there for each other through everything.

Forever Starts Today – Tim Halperin

This lesser known song is perfect for a first dance, just look at the name of the title!

You Got The Love – Florence and The Machine

Start as you mean to go with a classic dance hit!

Speechless – Dan and Shay

This number one hit has the best chorus.

The post 25 First Dance Songs Your Guests Won’t Expect appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Meet Rhian Hanson Harpist at The Wedding Journal Show

Kobault — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 14:34:52 +0000

Wondering what music to play on your wedding day? Whether the ceremony and/or reception, Rhian Hanson Harpist can bring atmosphere to the occasion with her musical talent.

The harp is a dramatic instrument, visually stunning with angelic tones that will create an unforgettable atmosphere for you day. Nothing rivals the emotions that live music evokes.

Picture yourself walking down the aisle to a song or piece of music chosen by you, which has real sentimental meaning for you and your fiancé and the spine tingling magic of hearing it brought to life on the harp. This is how extraordinary memories are made.

Visualise your friends and family sipping drinks at the drinks reception and the gentle resonance of the harp soothing your guests creating a warm and relaxed environment.

Imagine dining for the first time as a married couple and enjoying the beautiful sound of the harp accompanying your wedding breakfast. The harp is the perfect addition to part or all of your special day. Rhian boasts an eclectic repertoire from popular classics like Pachelbel’s Canon in D and the Bridal March to more contemporary artists like Coldplay, John Legend and Kings of Leon.

If you are looking to book a harpist Rhian is the consummate professional. Know you are in safe hands booking a harpist who has over 20 years experience playing with the countries leading orchestras and who regularly plays with the Ulster orchestra.

Rhian has a star studded CV and has toured with the likes of Il Divo, Katherine Jenkins and Josh Groban. Rhian is very at home playing at high profile venues like the Ritz, Claridges, the Culloden and Galgorm to name but a few. Rhian will be offering a 15% discount on all confirmed bookings at the Wedding Journal Show.

Don’t miss out on booking this amazing harpist for your special day.

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