A lot of brides ask us about music for the ceremony. Whether it’s how many songs to choose or what music is available. We hope this short blog post goes some way to answering these questions.
Pre Ceremony whilst Guests are seated
Approximately 5 songs (15 minutes)
For most wedding venues, your guests will be seated around 10-15 minutes before the ceremony is due to start. Some venues leave it a bit more last minute, some even call guests in earlier. But as a guide it’s usually about 10-15 minutes. If you have booked JAM Duo to play for your wedding then we will have arrived at least an hour before your ceremony is due to start and so will always be ready to play for this moment.
We like to start playing a little before the guests arrive into the ceremony room as walking into music creates the perfect ambience for your guests and also signifies the start of a different part of the day. A lot of venues will have served welcome drinks prior to this, or in some cases the bar might have been open. Whilst drinks are not allowed in the ceremony room (at least not for a legal ceremony) this doesn’t stop your guests enjoying a relaxing drink as they arrive for your wedding.
Having music playing as your guests enter the ceremony room creates the perfect ambience to start the formal part of your wedding day.
The Bridal Entrance
1 song or a blend of 2
The entrance of the bride is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the wedding day. For most brides this is the moment they are most excited for, and perhaps most nervous about. Choosing the right music for this moment is one (of many) big decision you will need to think about.
When you choose JAM Duo to provide music for your ceremony not only can you choose any song you like but we will ensure our arrangement is timed to perfection and ends beautifully at the point you arrive next to your groom.
There is plenty of inspiration on our listen page but unlike a lot of musicians we do not restrict our couples to a repertoire list. We can literally play anything of your choice regardless of whether we have recorded it or played it before. Part of your booking with JAM Duo includes access to our online client form where you can list all the music you would like throughout your day.
Another advantage of live musicians is that we can blend two or more songs together for a more personal bridal entrance. A lot of brides will choose one song for their bridesmaids to enter to and then have this seamlessly merge into a second song for the moment the bride walks down the aisle.
Signing of the Register
2 or 3 songs work perfectly here
Towards the end of the ceremony the bride and groom will be invited to sign the register. Even in a celebrant lead wedding there will usually be a certificate signing. Whilst the couple are signing the register and having photographs taken with close family members and the bridesmaids this is a perfect moment for some music to be played.
Never underestimate the power of music. Whilst the guests will normally chat amongst themselves, having some music playing at this point stops there being any awkward moments of silence and helps everyone to relax.
Once again you can choose any songs of your choice for this point in the day.
The Couple Exit
1 upbeat song
After the signing of the register, the couple will make their first journey as husband and wife as they leave their ceremony. This is a big moment and one likely to involve cheers and applause from your guests. Some weddings incorporate the confetti shot at this moment, others have that separately. Either way it’s a great moment for a meaningful up beat song.
When JAM Duo are playing music for your ceremony we can really create the perfect moment with an impactful performance of your favourite song. With our Bose PA system, no matter whether we are indoors or outside, we can ensure the music will be loud enough to create the right mood above your guests applause.
Inspiration for your Ceremony Music
If you head over to our listen page you will find over 300 professionally recorded tracks of JAM Duo playing. These are some of the more popular songs we are asked for. We are always adding new songs and are delighted to find new songs to play.
