Marriage is like Music

Marriage is like music; some high notes, some low notes – But always a beautiful song!

Throughout history, people have used music as part of ceremony as a way to enhance the meaning, a way to share dances together, and generally as a way to help commemorate a special occasion.

Over the years, music has changed so much! Though there are certain songs that seem to endure. Think of Palchelbel’s Canon in D. Wikipedia tells us that Johann Pachelbel, a German Baroque composer, created the composition somewhere from 1680 to 1706. It is said that while it was popular at the time, it went out of style for centuries. A 1968 arrangement and orchestral recording by Jean-Francois Paillard gained popularity over the next decade and in the 1970s the piece was becoming popular again. In the 1980s it was deemed “inescapable” as background music. Since then it has also been used frequently in weddings and funeral ceremonies in the western world.

Nowadays it’s not uncommon for a wedding to contain very classical and formal music as a key component in the ceremony. What does this say to you? To me, it speaks of elegance, purity, love, and the music helps the audience focus their attention on the special occasion. For me, orchestral music always does this – there’s something about it that just takes me on a journey, speaks to me about the story it’s trying to share.

Modern musical artists are taking classical music and putting their own take on it. Some are acapella, some are created using uncommon or unique instruments, and some are a combination or all of the above. How wonderful it is to live in a world where there is so much choice available to us!

There are also some modern tracks that we think of when searching for music to play at our wedding. I think the most important thing is to listen to varied styles of music and consider what the underlying theme of your wedding is going to be. You might find that there is a particular song or a few songs that you really enjoy, that really “speak” to you

While there’s only usually two or three songs included in a ceremony; think about the places you could insert them? You’ve got your entry song, and you may have more than one depending whether both parties are going to walk up the aisle. Then, you’ve got some music where the certificates are being signed, and usually some music when the couple are leaving.

But what about using some music at other points, such as when your ring bearer is walking up the aisle with your rings? Or perhaps you might have another part of your ceremony where something special is happening, like a candle lighting ceremony or similar, where the celebrant or another party can still say their words over some quiet music. Including music in more than one place also gives both parties in the couple the chance to have their own unique taste included in the ceremony. After all, a marriage is all about sharing things together as a couple!

What are your thoughts on music as a part of ceremony? What are your favourite songs? I know that my taste in music varies from “Hey, check this out” to “Please don’t judge me!”, haha! You’ll often find me posting a link to a music video on my facebook page, often because something I’m listing to has resonated with me and spoke of it’s relevance, beauty and true meaning.

- Chris, Marriage Celebrant