Expert advice on creating a wedding music timeline. Creating a wedding ceremony music timeline can help ensure that the music flows seamlessly throughout the ceremony and creates the perfect atmosphere for the occasion.
Our recommendations
Prelude: up to 5 songs
Processional: 1 or 2 songs (1 song for both the wedding party and bride or 1 song for wedding party, another song for bride)
Signing: 1 classical song, or 2 pop songs
Recessional: 1 song
Here are some steps to help you create a wedding ceremony music timeline:
Start with the prelude
The prelude music is played as guests arrive and take their seats. Choose music that sets the tone for the ceremony, but avoid any music that is too loud or distracting. Plan for approximately 15 minutes of prelude music. We like to start the music after the guests have arrived, as this gives your guests a few minutes to chat before the ceremony starts. When we start to perform, it provides an organic cue that the ceremony is about to start, and guests will naturally take their seats.
What happens during the prelude?
Besides the guests entering, the prelude is also the time where the groom, groomsmen and officiant will enter. Typically, they enter from someplace off to the side, and this happens during the prelude. Also in a traditional wedding ceremony, the mothers enter at this time as well.
The ceremony begins
Choose music for the processional
The processional music is played as the wedding party walks down the aisle. Choose music that is appropriate for the occasion and matches the tone of the ceremony. In general, the processional music is performed for the wedding party (bridesmaids, maid of honor). Plan for approximately 2-3 minutes of processional music for each entrance.
Select music for the ceremony
Consider incorporating music into different parts of the ceremony, such as the lighting of candles, the exchange of rings, or the signing of the marriage license. Choose music that is meaningful to you as a couple, or music that is appropriate for the occasion. Plan for approximately 2-3 minutes of music for each part of the ceremony.
Plan for the recessional
The recessional music is played as the wedding party exits the ceremony. Choose music that is upbeat and celebratory, as this is a joyful moment. Plan for approximately 3-4 minutes of recessional music.
Coordinate with the wedding officiant: Discuss the music selections with your wedding officiant and make sure they are comfortable with the choices. They may have specific requirements for the music played during the ceremony, so be sure to confirm any guidelines or restrictions they have.
Communicate with your musicians
Once you have created your wedding ceremony music timeline, communicate it clearly to your musicians so they can plan accordingly. Make sure they have all the necessary information, such as song titles, artist names, and timings, so they can seamlessly transition between songs. We can often tweak or adjust your selections to create an even more beautiful and seamless ceremony.
Remember, creating a wedding ceremony music timeline is just a guideline, and you should feel free to make adjustments as needed. With careful planning and communication, you can ensure that the music for your wedding ceremony is perfect for your special day.
What string ensembles do you offer?
The solo violin
The smallest bowed string instrument in the violin family is the violin. It is also the quietest instrument, but that does not mean that it cannot produce a sound. Don’t forget that violin soloists regularly perform with a 50-100 piece orchestra, in a large hall seating 2000 or more people, and the solo violin can be heard over the entire orchestra, and at the very back of the concert hall. How? This comes down to the skill of the violinist, and positioning. This is why at wedding ceremonies for example we often are quite picky about the exact spot where our violinists and ensembles perform, no matter if the string ensemble is outdoors or indoors a single violinist is a great choice.
Duo d’Amore’s solo violinist is a great option for those who want live music but have a smaller budget. The solo violinist performs classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and intimate dinners.
The solo cello
Like the solo violin, a solo cellist is a great option for slightly smaller wedding ceremonies and receptions. Larger than the violin, it is very resonant, and can play an equally wide range of music. Clients that hire the solo cello and solo violin for weddings and events often have a guest list of under 50, but not necessarily so.
The violin and cello duo
The violin and cello duo, or string duet, is made up of one violin player and one cello player, and is our most requested string ensemble for hire. Having both the violin, which is able to play soaring melodies, and the cello which is able to anchor and often accompany, while having an even larger sound it is no wonder that this is our most popular string ensemble. I like to imagine that the violin is like the right hand of the piano and the cello is the left had of the piano, together they can play almost anything, and that is another reason that it is our most popular ensembles.
Duo d’Amore’s violin and cello duo is a popular choice for weddings. The duo consists of a violinist and a cellist who play together, creating a beautiful, harmonious sound. The duo’s repertoire includes classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and dinner parties.
What size of group/event would you recommend for a violin and cello duo string ensemble?
The short answer is we often recommend the violin and cello duo for between 50-150 guests, but when mic’s, we have performed for over 600, so it all depends. The more that we know about the type of event that you are hosting, the easier it is for us to recommend a string ensemble that will sound the best and fit with the wedding or special event that you are planning. Contact us here https://duodamore.com/contact-us/
The String Trio
The string trio is made up of the violin and cello, with the addition of a third filler instrument, such as a violin or viola.
What size of group/event would you recommend for a string trio ensemble?
This larger string ensemble is suited for events with over 200 guests, and larger venues in general. With a slightly larger sound than the violin and cello duo, but not as large or rich sound as the string quartet, the string trio fits right in the middle of the string ensembles that we offer in Banff, AB
String quartet wedding ensembles
Our string quartet is the largest wedding ensemble that we have for hire. The string quartet has a long and rich history, dating back to the classical period of music in the 18th century. Additionally, during this time, composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven wrote some of the most famous and enduring string quartet works. In the 19th century, the string quartet continued to be an important genre, with composers such as Schubert and Brahms producing some of their most notable works in this format. Also, during this time, the string quartet also began to be used for more private, intimate occasions such as weddings. For all of these events, timing and tempo are crucial and we would be happy to consult with you on planning any one of these.
What types of music do you perform?
From classical to pop, Top 40
Whatever the type or size of event Duo d’Amore, has an ensemble and the right music options to make your event memorable. And, we have hours of classical music, from the baroque period with composers such as Bach and Handel, the classical period with Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven to the Romantic period with Elgar and Brahms, just to name a few. We have over 5 hours of classical music, and our repertoire is always expanding. Here are some of our most requested songs for our string quartet and ensembles:
- Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Johann Sebastian Bach
- Air on the G String by Johann Sebastian Bach
- Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn
- Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke
- Ave Maria by Franz Schubert
- Spring from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi
- Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner
- The Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns
- Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Pop, Top40 and beyond, custom arrangements
Also, Duo d’Amore is also fortunate to have an incredibly large collection of pop string arrangements. Like our classical music repertoire it is always expanding. If there is a song that you would like for your event, let us know, as we can likely custom arrange it. Here is our current list:
- A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
- Perfect by Ed Sheeran
- All of Me by John Legend
- Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
- Marry Me by Train
- Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
- You Are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
- At Last by Etta James
- I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
- Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
What cities and areas do we serve?
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Banff
- Canmore
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Winnipeg
- Toronto/GTA
- Peterborough
- Saskatoon
- Mississauga
- Oakville
- Burlington
- Hamilton
- Niagara
- London
- Kitchener
- Waterloo
- Cambridge
- Caledon
- Vaughan
- Owen Sound
- Collingwood
- Ottawa
- Gatineau
- Wakefield
- Kanata
- North Gower
- Montreal
- Halifax
- Charlottetown
We hope you have enjoyed our expert advice on creating a wedding music timeline. Read wedding and event reviews here
