Ceremony Programs

THE PRELUDE: As guests are arriving, the musicians play about a half an hour of music. This is called the Prelude. A tasteful variety of classical music sets the stage for the ceremony. Though our experienced Music Director can select all the music for the prelude, she is more than happy to incorporate your requests as well.

THE PROCESSIONAL: The processional marks the official start of the ceremony. Though ceremonies can include a single processional, it is common to have two, three, or even four. If yours is a large wedding party‚ such as two mothers, two grandmothers and grandfathers, ten bridesmaids and ushers, and three flower girls‚ it is often a good idea to have more than one processional. You may, for example, want one for all the parents and grandparents, another for the bridesmaids, ushers, flower girls and ring bearers, and yet another for the bride. Each processional is accompanied by a different musical selection: perhaps a very slow and lyrical piece for the parents, a sweet gentle piece for the bridesmaids, and a very royal and grand piece for the bride. You might prefer, however, a grand and royal piece for each processional. Whatever your needs, we will cater to your style and taste to create the image you choose for your wedding.

For smaller wedding parties—one mother, two bridesmaids, one maid of honor—two processionals will suffice. A single processional works beautifully for the simplest scenario—a bride and her maid of honor.

THE CEREMONY: During the ceremony we can provide a brief interlude of quiet, reflective music performed before, after or between several readings. In addition, music is well suited to candle lighting, communion, presentation of gifts, and rose ceremonies. The officiant can help you decide appropriate places to include music, or may suggest a simple ceremony with no music at all.

THE RECESSIONAL: After you are married, you, your wedding party and your guests will be escorted out of the ceremony area to very upbeat recessional music. A postlude can be played after the recessional if more music is desired.

Sample Ceremony Music Programs

String Quartet

Prelude: Musicians will select a variety of classical music and play some Jewish music.
Bridal Party Processional: (groom with parents 3 bridesmaids, 4 ushers) Handel, Water Music Suite, Air
Bride's Processional: (bride with parents) Vangelis, Hymne
Recessional: Handel, Queen of Sheba

String Quartet with Trumpet

Prelude: Musicians will select a variety of classical music
Mother's Processional: (2 mothers) Charpentier, Te Deum w/trumpet
Bridesmaids Processional: (6 bridesmaids) Pachelbel, Canon
Bride's Processional: Clark, Trumpet Voluntary w/trumpet
Interlude: (between readings) Bach, Arioso
Recessional: Mouret, Rondeau w/trumpet
Postlude: Handel, Hornpipe
Coctail Hour: Mix of classic and non classical music

String Trio

Prelude: Musicians will select a variety of classical music
Bridal Party Processional: (3 bridesmaids) Pachelbel, Canon
Bride's Processional: Wagner, Bridal Chorus (Here comes the Bride)
Interlude: (after 2nd reading) Bach, My Heart Ever Faithful
Recessional: Mendelssohn, Wedding March
Postlude: Beethoven, Ode To Joy

String Trio with Trumpet

Prelude: Musicians will select a variety of classical music. Trumpet will play on a few pieces during preludes.
Parent's Processional: (2 couples and groom) Purcell, Trumpet Tune (no bridesmaids)
Bride's Processional: Clark, Trumpet Voluntary
Interlude: (after 1st reading) Barnby, O Perfect Love
Interlude: (after ivy Ceremony) Bach, Sheep May Safely Graze
Recessional: Handel, Water Music Suite, Hornpipe

Flute Quartet

Prelude: Musicians will select a variety of classical music. Bach, Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring will be the last piece performed before ceremony
Bridal Party Processional: (grandma/son, 2 parents, mother/son, 7 bridesmaids/ groomsmen, maid of honor): Vivaldi, Winter from Four Seasons
Bride's Processional: Mozart Flute Quartet in D, Adagio
Interlude: (Unity Candle) Handel, Water Music Suite, Air
Recessional: Mozart Flute in D, Rondo
Postlude: Scott Joplin Country Club Rag

Flute Trio

Prelude: Musicians will select a variety of classical music.
Mother's Processional: (2 mothers, 4 grandmothers/grandfathers): Bach, Sheep May Safely Graze
Bridal Party Processional: (4 bridesmaids) Pachelbel, Canon
Bride's Processional: Wagner, Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride)
Interlude: (after 1st Reading) Schubert, Ave Maria
Interlude: (after 2nd Reading) Telemann Sonata, slow movement
Offertory: Bach, Arioso
Communion: Bach, Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
Recessional: Mendelssohn, Wedding March

Violin Duet

Prelude: Musicians will select a variety of classical music.
Bridal Party Processional: (1 ring bearer & 1 flower girl) Handel, Bourree
Bride's Processional: Haydn, Andante Grazioso
Recessional: Haydn, Allegretto
Reception: Musicians will select a variety of classical music from the violin duet repetoire.

Violin and Cello Duet

Prelude: Musicians will select a variety of classical music.
Bride's Processional: Clark, Trumpet Voluntary
Recessional: Beethoven, Ode to Joy