Wedding Singer
“If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it……”
William Shakespeare
Deirdre performing as a wedding singer in Malta
Getting married is one of the most important events of your life. On your ‘big’ day you want the wedding singer and church music to be taken care of by somebody with experience. Having performed as a professional singer for many years, I bring expertise and the highest possible musical standards to this crucial element of your wedding day. I realise how important the right choice of music is. To this end I’ve compiled a list of secular and church music that is varied, ranging from classical to traditional to popular. There is something there for everyone! I will provide you with this and help you choose the best music, tailored to YOUR taste. Your wedding ceremony will be so unique that your guests will talk about it for a long time after your special day. Deirdre Shannon
Music for your Wedding Singer
The following are some guidelines regarding the choice and selection of music for your wedding. Whether you are having a civil service or a Christian wedding, I’m happy to guide you in the choice of music that is right for you.
Music for Church Weddings
The celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage is a wonderful occasion for a couple, their families, friends and the wider Christian community who gather to witness this public declaration of love and commitment. Music has the power to convey the unity of the congregation gathered in faith and love where words alone may fail to express. Reflective songs that bring out the meaning of the Christian celebration of Marriage are most desirable. This sacrament is usually celebrated in the context of the Eucharist and therefore the usual principles for making music choices apply. If the church celebration takes place as a Service (Liturgy of the Word) we can apply the same principles leaving out the music that occurs only in the context of the celebration of a Mass, namely the Eucharistic Prayer, Acclamation and Communion Song.
Church Weddings in more detail….
Entrance Procession
An instrumental piece is most commonly played to accompany the procession of the wedding party through the church. This piece can be extended to include the candle ceremony which is currently very popular. Instrumental example: Irish air – Tabhair Dom Do Lámh – Harp Classical – Arrival of the Queen of Sheeba – Organ Classical – Pachelbel’s Canon – String quartet/Harp/Organ
Glory to God
This payer can be more effective when brought alive through song, though it can lengthen the ceremony.
Liturgy of the Word
The Responsorial Psalm after the first reading from scripture should be sung where possible.
Marriage Ceremony
It is good to allow time for reflection after the homily and before the Marriage Ceremony itself. Do not be afraid of silence at this time. Taking time for music around the wedding ceremony itself will help everyone to appreciate the richness of what is being celebrated.
Preparation of the Gifts
The music as the gifts of bread and wine are brought forward and prepared for the celebration can be either instrumental or lyrical.
Eucharistic Prayer
The Eucharistic Prayer is the central prayer of the Mass that is prayed by the priest on behalf of all present. The prayer has three important acclamations that can be sung by everybody if desired.
Communion Songs
Songs at this time can accompany the communion procession. Song example: Classical – Schubert’s Ave Maria Webber’s Pie Jesu
Signing of the Register
Non religious songs can be sung here. A song and an instrumental piece is a nice balanced combination here. Personal favourites can be chosen here.
Recessional
A joyous song or an instrumental leading the couple and wedding party out of the Church. Song example: Morricone’s Nella Fantasia Instrumental example: O’Carolan’s Concerto – Harp Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary in C – Trumpet/Organ
