Before we get thick into wedding season, as a working musician who is privileged to play for you lovely folks who are about to tie the knot, I’m often asked to play in the ceremony and help with song choices! If you’re like my gorgeous wife and me, you’ll have almost too many choices, which can be a problem in itself! Songs that make us laugh, cry and sing along…. songs from when we met and songs we’ve grown to love together along the way.

However, some couples don’t have music so up front and centre in their lives, which is fine! However, at some point in the wedding planning discussions, comes the question, “what shall we do about the ceremony music?”!

If it’s some meaningful music and lyrics you’re after, then you’re going to need songs that your chosen musician can sing at the appropriate moments in the proceedings! Church ceremonies tend to be longer with hymns etc and a chance or two to have someone play a song. However, venue ceremonies that take place on site generally take about 30 minutes, with the local registrars / celebrants prevailing over the legals and spoken word. These ceremonies are more and more popular with everyone staying at the same place all day. Some of my regular and favourite Cotswold venues are Norton Grounds, Mickleton Hills Farm, The Barn At Upcote, and Primrose Hill Farm.

As for the music segments, you’ll likely require one for entry, two maximum for signing the register part way through and one final exit song. I would suggest that you both really have a good think and don’t EVER be embarrassed when talking to your musician/s about song choices, they will not laugh! You should hear some of my most personal and important song choices that mean something to me… or maybe you shouldn’t!

After video calls or in person meetings with couples, I generally find that if they have had a proper brain storm about songs, we are a hitting the ground running with ideas. So, pour yourselves a glass of something nice, launch your favourite streaming service on the speaker and make some notes. You might want to print off this little 2 page cheat sheet that I’ve created to help you get started.

It’s a possibility that not all your songs will work for whatever setup your musician has, so having lots of options is a great starting point.

I hope this is helpful and good luck… and remember, all this planning is supposed to be FUN!