Traditional in-church wedding services cultivate a sense of worship. In these settings, songs that direct attention to the glorification of God are favored over those that provoke secular meditation or that reflect romantic aspects of love. (Note: In these cases the music selection may have to be approved by the minister or priest.) Garden weddings and less strict church weddings can sometimes offer a larger range of musical choices. No matter the type of wedding ceremony, Ms. Frankel will help to elevate the ceremony to a more spiritual plane. Placement The most basic ceremony musical setup involves three types of songs: preludes, processionals, and recessionals. Prelude music is light, ambient and sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. It usually begins when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes prior to but no later than 20 minutes before the beginning of the ceremony. Next is the processional, which accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party -- family, bridal party and finally, the bride. The same song can be used for each, but changing to another selection when the bride enters adds drama and highlights this impactful moment. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the recessional plays. As the name implies, this music accompanies you as you recess (that is, make your exit) and is traditionally bright and lively -- a reflection of your joy. Of course there are many other moments which can be highlighted by music as well as Other selections that depend upon the order of the service. It is common to have music in between readings to add variety and flow. You may also want a song right after the sermon or your exchange of vows and rings. Many couples choose to add interludes during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting or register signing. You might also want to include a postlude, which is a selection played while guests exit the ceremony. For Christian services, you may choose to have a song during offertory and communion. Traditionally for Catholic Masses, the parts of the Mass are sung as well. Please read the brief note regarding church services below. A note about Church Services: Always be sure to call the Church first to find out their protocol for wedding music before making other arrangements. Brides planning a Catholic wedding ceremony (and some other denominations) need to consult with the musical director of their church/venue before selecting musicians. It is common practice for the church to require that you utilize their "in house" musicians, and some will not allow you to bring in "outside" vendors. If the church has a regular organist, you may have to pay for them whether you use them or not. (This has to do with the union rules of the American Guild of Organists.) A church may want their organist and cantor to perform the liturgy music, but will let an outside singer perform approved solos for the ceremony with prior approval. The church will often have an "approved" list of musical selections allowed, so it's good to ask about this as well.