Dum, dum, da-dum…

Ceremony music…what to do…what to do…. Mr. H and I have no clue what we are going to do about ceremony music (or reception music but that’s another post). I’ve always imagined a little string quartet and guitar playing my favorite song, “Canon in D,” as I attempt not to cry, grasp my father’s arm, and walk down the aisle. But now I am not so sure what we are going to do. I didn’t realize I had to pick music for more than 2 parts of the ceremony – my prance down the beach and our celebratory, hand in hand, dance down the beach.

According to Theknot.com, the most basic ceremony music setup involves a minimum of three types of songs (not 2): preludes, processionals, and recessionals.

1. Prelude music – is light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin.
2. Next is the processional, which accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party — family, bridal party, and bride. The same song can be used for each, but we love the idea of changing to another song when the bride enters to add drama and highlight her entrance.
3. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the recessional plays. As the name implies, this music accompanies you as you recess (that is, make your exit) and is traditionally bright and lively — a reflection of your joy.

Now I understand the three types of music to be played, but what is this about “postlude, prelude, and interlude” songs?? If I am getting married on the big open beach, which is subject to noise from seagulls, loud children, and the most obvious – the ocean, what is the point of trying to blast music above all of the natural sounds that accompany a beachside wedding?

The point is that I want my guests to have fun – SO – I want music playing when they enter the beach ceremony, and when they exit… So they can do their groove thing up and down the boardwalk in celebration of the union of Mr. H and me.

I don’t know if live music will fit in my budget, but there are these nifty things called IPOD SPEAKERS and DOCKING STATIONS that we could set up on the pavillion before our guests walk down to the ceremony.

Mr. H loves to listen to Bob Marley when we are getting ready to go to the beach. I think “Is This Love” would set the mood while our guests gather on the beach before the ceremony.

Another song that I’ve always loved is “Kiss the Girl” from the Little Mermaid… but I don’t think I could pull that one off.

Anyone have any suggestions for fun, upbeat, beachy tunes that we could play before and after the ceremony??