How to Choose Music for Your Wedding Ceremony
Music plays an important part in setting the tone for your wedding ceremony. It welcomes your guests, marks the key moments and helps create an atmosphere that feels personal to you.
Quattro String Quartet gives you plenty of choice. You can combine traditional classical music with modern songs, film themes, jazz, Bollywood pieces and Bridgerton-inspired arrangements.
The key is to choose music that suits each part of the ceremony while still reflecting your own taste.
Music as your guests arrive
Your guests will usually be seated for around 20 to 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. Live music can make this time feel calm and welcoming.
This part of the ceremony works well with a selection of gentle pieces rather than one specific song. Classical music is a popular choice, but modern arrangements can work equally well.
You could include:
Romantic classical pieces
Soft contemporary songs
Film and television themes
Jazz standards
Music that has a personal connection to you
Quattro String Quartet can help create a varied arrival programme that suits your venue and the style of your day.
The entrance music
Your entrance is one of the most memorable moments of the ceremony, so choose a piece that feels right for you.
Some couples prefer a traditional choice, while others select a favourite modern song arranged for strings.
Your entrance music could be:
A traditional classical piece
A romantic pop song
A film soundtrack
A Bridgerton-inspired arrangement
A song with personal meaning
It is worth discussing the length of the aisle, the number of people entering and the order of the procession with your musicians.
Music during the ceremony
Some ceremonies include a reflective moment, candle lighting, a reading or another meaningful part where music may be appropriate.
A short instrumental piece can work well here, but it should support the moment rather than make the ceremony feel too long.
Speak to your registrar, celebrant or venue before making plans, as the structure can vary depending on the type of ceremony.
For Hindu ceremonies, some couples choose to have background music played quietly at certain points during the ceremony or all the way through the ceremony. If this is something you would like please discuss this with us.
Signing the register
The signing of the register usually takes longer than many couples expect. You will often need two pieces to cover this part comfortably.
This is a good opportunity to choose music that feels relaxed and personal.
You could use a mixture of styles, such as:
One classical piece
One favourite modern song
One upbeat piece to lead into the final part of the ceremony
Your musicians can continue playing or bring a piece to a natural close depending on how long the signing takes.
The exit music
Your exit should feel celebratory. It is the moment when you walk back up the aisle together as a married couple, so a lively and recognisable piece often works well.
Choose something with energy and a clear opening. This helps the music make an immediate impact as the ceremony ends.
Modern pop, film music and upbeat classical pieces are all strong options.
Should all the music follow one style?
There is no need to keep every piece within the same genre.
A ceremony can begin with classical music, include a contemporary song for the entrance and finish with something upbeat and familiar.
The most important thing is that the choices work together and feel right for you.
We can help arrange the music into a programme that flows naturally from one part of the ceremony to the next.
Check that your chosen songs are available
Before making a final decision, check whether your chosen songs are already available as string quartet arrangements.
Quattro String Quartet has a repertoire of more than 1,000 pieces covering classical, pop, jazz, film, Bollywood and Bridgerton-inspired music.
Where a particular song is especially important, it is best to ask about it early in the planning process.
Think about the venue
Your venue can affect how the music sounds and how the musicians are positioned.
For an indoor ceremony, consider the size of the room and where guests will be seated. For an outdoor ceremony, the quartet will need shelter from direct sunlight, rain and strong wind.
Your musicians will also need enough space for four chairs, music stands and instruments.
A final piece of advice
Choose music that you genuinely enjoy. You do not need to select traditional pieces simply because they are commonly used at weddings.
The best ceremony music should feel personal, suit the setting and help each moment feel distinct.
Quattro String Quartet can guide you through the choices and suggest pieces based on your venue, ceremony style and musical preferences.
Planning your wedding music?
Quattro String Quartet provides live music for wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions and wedding breakfasts across Hampshire, Surrey and surrounding areas.
Contact Quattro String Quartet to discuss your date, venue and music ideas.