Recommended by Damien's Ireland Weddings
YOUR GUIDE TO THE WEDDING CEREMONY
For soloist and musician(s)
There are roughly nine parts of the wedding mass where you would have instrumental
music or singing. Each part is set out below with some suggestions.
1. Processional (bridal entrance)*
2. Psalm (between the two readings)
3. Alleluia (after the second reading)
4. Candle Ceremony (when you light the middle candle, directly after you are
married)
5. Offertory (after the prayers of the faithful, when the gifts are brought
to the altar)
6. Sign of Peace
7. Communion
8. Signing of Register
9. Recessional (exit of bride and groom)
* The lighting of the two candles is not mentioned here as it can often form
part of the Processional: i.e. when the bride arrives at the top of the aisle
the celebrant brings the couple straight to the altar to light the two candles.
In this case, one piece of music will cover both parts. The alternative is when
the bride arrives at the top of the aisle, the celebrant says a few words of
welcome first (and will usually do the Declaration of Intent) and then he will
instruct the couple to light the two candles. If you wish to have music for
the latter, a very short instrumental is advised so that it can be cut short
as required. Your celebrant will advise you on this.
1. Processional: Normally an instrumental piece, the ideal music being
something you can walk to without being too slow. Some examples:
The Bridal Chorus ('Here Comes the Bride') by Wagner
Canon in D by Pachelbel
Trumpet Voluntary (also known as the Prince of Denmark’s march) by Clarke
Gabriel’s Oboe (Theme tune for the film the Mission) by Morricone
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach
2. Psalm: Can be sung or said. This occurs between the two readings.
If you wish the psalm to be sung here are some examples:
Hiding Place
On Eagles Wings
Set Your Heart on the Higher Gifts
‘Se an Tiarna m’Aoire
(Yahweh I Know) You are Near
3. Alleluia: Can be sung or said. Occurs directly after the second reading.
4. Candle ceremony: Occurs after you are married, when you both light
the middle candle. A short song or instrumental piece is needed here. Some songs
include:
The Cloud’s Veil
The Song of Ruth
Ubi Caritas (Taize)
5. Offertory: When bringing up the gifts. Needs to be fairly short.
Some songs include:
Ag Chríost an Síol
Ave Maria (Schubert)
Bí a Iosa im’ Chríose
Hail Queen of Heaven
Sarah O’Kennedy – Repertoire http://www.sarahokennedy.com
6. Sign of Peace: Usually an instrumental piece as it can get noisy,
but can also be sung. Needs to be fairly short. Tabhair Dom do Lamh
is a popular instrumental. Some songs include:
Make me a Channel of Your Peace
Dona Nobis Pacem (Mozart)
Peace is Flowing Like a River
7. Communion: Can usually have two pieces here, depending on time. Some
songs include:
Panis Angelicus
Ave Maria (Schubert or Gounod)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Nella Fantasia (Tune of Gabriel’s Oboe)
You Raise Me Up
The Cloud’s Veil
Bí a Iosa im’ Chroíse
Be Thou My Vision
A Iosa
You Are Mine
The Wedding (You by My Side)
Here I am Lord
8. Signing of the Register*: Most soloists sing one song only here due
to noise levels. You could also have an instrumental to follow if there is time.
Bear in mind, it often becomes noisy at this point and the soloist/music may
not be heard. Some songs include:
You Raise Me Up
Perhaps Love
Fields of Gold
Songbird
The Voyage
She Moved Through the Fair
I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls
*Usually more contemporary songs can be sung at the signing of the register.
Most parishes are very strict on the kind of music sung at weddings and may
not allow any non-religious songs to be sung during the mass. You should always
check this with your celebrant.
9. Recessional: An instrumental piece is usually played here, typically
something upbeat and joyous. Some examples:
Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
Trumpet Tune (Purcell)
Hornpipe from Water Music (Handel)
Contact details:
Sarah O’Kennedy, Soprano
Web: http://www.sarahokennedy.com
Email: okenn@indigo.ie
Phone: 085 7170729 / 061 371905
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