User:Jasarthur
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James Arthur Weinberg, MME, is a professional music instructor and [1] wedding musician in Nashville, Tennessee, with over 20 years of experience. This article on Wedding Music has been updated to reflect current customs. If you have suggestions, please email Mr. Weinberg at James@OrganistOnTheRoof.com
A contemporary American church wedding ceremony typically begins with 20-30 minutes of prelude music. This generally includes reflective pieces such as Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring". Use of string quartets and harps have in modern times increased in popularity, sometimes replacing the customary organ. After the prelude, the bridal party (bridesmaids) proceeds down the aisle, followed by the bride -- often escorted by her father. They arrive at the church altar where the groom, groomsmen and minister are assembled. This bridal march is accompanied by a processional tune. For over 100 years the most popular processional has been Wagner's Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin (1850), often called "Here Comes The Bride." This has been historically played by an [1] organist. Since the televised wedding of Princess Diane to Prince Charles, there has been an upsurge in popularity of Jeremiah Clarke's "Trumpet Voluntary," aka The Prince of Denmark's Marche, formerly attributed to Clarke's teacher, Henry Purcell.
During the service there may be a few hymns, especially in liturgical settings. Optional solos and a short piece for the lighting of the Unity Candle may also occur. At the end of the service, the bride and groom march down the aisle to a lively recessional tune, the most popular tune being Mendelssohn's Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream (1826). Another popular choice is Widor's Toccata from Symphony No. 5 (1880). The ceremony concludes with an instrumental postlude as the guests depart.
After a photography session, a catered meal and dance ensue, known as a reception. Convention dictates the newlyweds first dance together, then with each other's new in-laws; then they separate to dance briefly with each of their guests. Some receptions offer couple dancing with a live band, but the more common trend in the United States is to hire a DJ to play popular recorded songs, often chosen by the couple.
