Church Wedding Music

Choosing church wedding music.

When deciding on church wedding music a little creativity can go a long way. Music should set the scene for rejoicing new love and will often reflect the religious beliefs of the couple, giving thanks or expressing love for a God and each other. The most appropriate way to do this may vary hugely with each couple, although well established traditions within all the major religions can do all the choosing for you.

Some couples like to follow tradition to the letter, whilst others prefer to add their personal stamp or diversity on the day’s music. Many things are possible, but care must be taken not to offend any church goers. Music has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years and indeed in the Western world the first examples of medieval choral music were performed by monks. In medieval times the augmented 4th interval, or ‘Tritone’, which is fundamental in contemporary Jazz and popular music, was known as the devil’s interval and thought to possess demonic qualities. Needless to say the playing of this interval at religious occasions was avoided at all costs and whilst this is no longer particularly a concern, placing a rock band at the altar or singing hymns in an unconventional style may be considered grossly offensive and inappropriate by guests and ceremony leaders alike. People’s religious sensibilities can be very sensitive so take care! Of course if you are having a medieval themed wedding it is probably not the best idea to hire a jazz band either!

Choose one of the links below for more information on music within specific religious traditions. If you are a couple not bound by tradition you have more options. Other reasons for musical choices might include popular songs that have been significant to the couple during the relationship or songs that were dear to friends or relatives who could not be there on the day. Songs with the theme of love are clearly appropriate, but take care not to choose something that is tasteless out of context. ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ might have been the song that led to that magical first kiss, but this might not sound quite so good in church!

Whatever style you decide to go for, we at lastminutemusicians.com hope we can help make your special day a memorable occasion and perhaps provide your church wedding music.