Wedding Music - Recommendations for Program


Hi,
I'm helping to plan the music for a relative's upcoming wedding and was wondering if you could provide me with ideas on music for the ceremony that are not so cliche. The music will be provided by a string quartet. I need help, esp. for the processional and want to avoid: Bach Joy of Man's Desiring, Wagner Lohengrin, Pachelbel Canon in D. Any ideas? My brain is fading, Mendelssohn? Brahms? Schubert? Offenbach?
classicjazz
I have a cd entitled Love Songs For Christain Couples includes such songs as Our Love, Flesh Of My Flesh, Wedding Song, We Believe in Love, etc. It is very nicely done. I picked up the cd used for $4. I would record it for you and send you a copy. Then you send me $3 and I would be happy. I highly recommend these songs. They would be unique. I wish I had something like this for my wedding.
Led Zeppelin played by a string quartet? The mind boggles.

Well, let's see. Your prelate is subjected to more wedding music in a year than most people hear in a lifetime, thus is happy to hear you say that you wish to avoid the done-to-death stuff. I've heard everything from Wagner to Kenny G.

Wagner is better.

Most "Contemporary Christian" wedding music really is dreadful schlock. I'm often embarrassed for the couple when I see the looks on the faces of the congregation when it is played. Best to stick to the classics.

Here are some possibilities...

Bach: Arioso, Air on the G String, a movement from one of the Brandenburgs
Handel: Lots of stuff from the Water Music or the Royal Fireworks
Marcello: Psalm 19
Campra: Rigaudon
Vivaldi: Excerpts from the Four Seasons, esp Spring and Autumn

There's much great processional/recessional stuff out there but relatively little of it is well suited to string quartet. However, your quartet members should be able to give you some guidance about what they know and have used before.

Good luck. Let us know what you choose.

will
I second the Bishop's suggestions (as husband of a minister, I've been to a lot of weddings myself), both as to what to have and what not. The Handel Entrance of the Queen of Sheeba is a great recessional piece, although I don't know if there's a version for strings without woodwinds. It is a good idea to speak with the leaders of your quartet, they will have plenty of ideas.
I used to tease my wife that I wanted "Black Dog" by the mighty Zeppelin played at our reception.