Making all of the necessary arrangements for a wedding Mass can seem like a daunting task. One of the biggest challenges that couples face is often the planning of Catholic wedding music, and understanding how it fits in to the various parts of the ceremony. We'll break down the liturgy into five parts and explore how music is a part of each.
Entrance Procession
Once your guests have all arrived, the parents and grandparents have been seated, and the bridal party is in place, it is time to begin. Choosing the music to accompany you down the aisle is an important decision. Do you really want to have "Here Comes the Bride" or "Canon in D" simply because it seems that everyone else uses them? So many other great pieces of classical and contemporary instrumental music exist that are appropriate for wedding processions. You could stick with the traditional organ accompaniment or opt for something more subtle, like a harp and violin duo. Maybe a string quartet. However, you want this moment to reflect your individuality. The music you choose here really will set the tone for the rest of the celebration. See the Online Music Planner for specific recommendations.
Scripture Readings - The Liturgy of the Word
Hopefully, you have received during your wedding preparations a booklet containing a list of suggested readings. Typically, you are to pick two readings that will be read by friends or family members of your choosing and also a Gospel passage which will be read by the Priest or Deacon.
Musically, we are concerned with one important event that happens at this point in the Mass- the Responsorial Psalm. The Psalm is actually a sung reading and should be the responsibility of the cantor you have hired to sing. Your planning booklet will also contain recommendations for the Psalm, but not all of them have good musical settings. You might want to get some music recommendations from your cantor or parish music director rather than just picking blindly from the list. A good contemporary Psalm for weddings has been written by Rory Cooney entitled, "Every Moment in Your Eyes". It's a good choice, as it blends the two main themes of the day- the love a husband and wife have for each other and the love that God has for us.
Rite of Marriage
The most important actions for the couple about to be married all happen at this time during the Mass. Music plays only a minor role, amid the exchanging of vows and sharing of rings.
However, if you choosing to include the tradition of the Unity Candle during the Marriage Rite, it might be nice to have some soft, instrumental music to accompany that moment. You might also choose to have a short, sacred piece of music sung during this time. The Unity Candle is not a required part of the nuptial Mass, so if you do include it, it is best to not draw out the action longer than necessary. Two minutes of music at the most should be sufficient. If you (and your cantor) don't have a particular song in mind for the lighting of the Unity Candle that has special meaning for you, just go ahead and ask you musician to pick something quiet and tasteful to play.
Liturgy of the Eucharist / Communion
From this point out, Mass continues much the same as it would on any given Sunday morning. As we prepare to celebrate communion, bread and wine are brought forward from the congregation (don't forget to pick two or three family members or friends to do this). During this time of preparation is the perfect time to feature a special vocal solo or instrumental piece. Because there is not much action going on, other than the priest preparing the altar, the congregation is free to put their full attention on the music. If you have one piece of music that is extra special to you on this big day, I would recommend including it here, during the Preparation of the Gifts.
During the actual time of communion itself, the Church prefers that will all join together in the singing of a hymn. In order to avoid the awkwardness of people having to hunt around for hymnals and look up page numbers, your best bet is to plan a song that is very familiar- something that most of the congregation will be able to sing from memory (at least the refrain.) For Catholics, a communion song like "One Bread, One Body" or "Take and Eat" might be good choices. Feel free to pick something that is well known in your particular parish. If there will be a mix of various Christian denominations in attendance, you could choose a common hymn like "How Great Thou Art" or "Amazing Grace". In lieu of congregational singing, you could also pick to just have some reverent, meditative instrumental music played during communion.
After communion, it is traditional in many places for the bride to place flowers before a statue of Mary and offer some short prayers. If you have a strong Marian devotion, you should definitely make this tradition part of your ceremony, but it is not required. Almost always, "Ave Maria" is sung during this time, although another Marian song such as "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman" would be just as appropriate.
The Concluding Rites
Congratulations! You did it. After the priest offers a final blessing on the bride and groom and the entire congregation, you can walk proudly down that aisle with a smile on your face, and into the rest of your lives.
Your recessional music should be festive and joyous, but don't worry to much about choosing just the right piece. In my experience, most everyone will be too preoccupied to pay much attention to the music at this point, so just go with something that lends to the celebratory atmosphere.
With a little bit of planning, this day will be one you always look back on with the fondest of memories!
For some specific music recommendations and other tips on choosing the music for your wedding Mass, visit Catholic Wedding Songs and listen to dozens of possibilities!
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