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 form part of the processional: i.e. when you arrive at the top of the aisle the celebrant brings you straight to the altar to light the two candles. The alternative is when the celebrant says a few words of welcome to the congregation first 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.
Hiding Place
On Eagles Wings
Set Your Heart on the Higher Gifts
Tar Anuas a Spiorad Naomh
Yahweh I Know You are Near
3. Alleluia: Can be sung or said. Occurs directly after the second reading.
4. Candle ceremony: After you are married when you both light the middle candle. A short piece is needed here.
The Cloud’s Veil
Song of Ruth
The Wedding Song
Veni Creator Spiritus
Ubi Caritas
5. Offertory: When bringing up the gifts. Needs to be fairly short.
Ag Chríost an Síol
Ave Maria (Schubert)
Bí a Iosa im’ Chríose
Hail Queen of Heaven
6. Sign of Peace: Usually an instrumental piece here as it can be noisy but can also be sung.
Needs to be fairly short. Some songs include:
Make me a Channel of Your Peace
Peace Prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem (Mozart)
Peace is Flowing Like a River
7. Communion: Can have one or two pieces here, depending on time. Some songs include:
Panis Angelicus
Ave Maria (Schubert or Gounod or Caccini)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Nella Fantasia (Tune of Gabriel’s Oboe)
You Raise Me Up
Bí a Iosa im’ Chroíse
When Love is Found
A Iosa
You Are Mine
The Wedding (You by My Side)
Be Thou my Vision
‘Sé an Tiarna m’Aoire
8. Signing of the Register*: I sing one song only here due to noise levels but you could also have an instrumental to follow if there is time. Bear in mind, it usually becomes noisy at this point, and the soloist may not be heard.
She Moved Through the Fair
Perhaps Love
Fields of Gold
The Voyage
Nella Fantasia (Tune of Gabriel’s Oboe)
I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls
Songbird
Black is the Colour
You Raise Me Up
The Prayer
*I generally sing more contemporary songs at the signing of the register. Most celebrants/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 played here, typically something upbeat and joyous. Some examples:
Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
Trumpet Tune (Purcell)
Hornpipe from Water Music (Handel)
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Labels: Church Music Guide