CatholicBrides.com would like to thank the Diocese of Green Bay, for contributing the above article. "A Guide to Planning Your Wedding Music" has been provided to us through their booklet,Your Wedding in the Catholic Church. If you are getting married in the Green Bay area their website, www.gbdioc.org will be a valuable resource for you.

In this section, we have provided opportunities for appropriate music for the various parts of your wedding liturgy. Before each segment is a brief explanation of what happens at that point in the liturgy. Your parish music director will be able to assist you in determining whether or not a piece is acceptable.

Processional/Recessional Music

The purpose of the processional music is to unite and focus the assembly at the entrance of the presider, any liturgical ministers, wedding attendants and the bride and groom. It is preferable to have only one processional song, as it promotes the unity of the celebration. However, if you desire more than one processional piece, consult your parish music director to assist you in choosing an appropriate combination. Before the processional, you may want to select appropriate prelude music to be played and/or sung as your guests arrive

Gathering Hymns

After the entrance procession, couples may choose to sing a gathering hymn to unite the assembly in prayer. While a gathering hymn isn't required, it is particularly helpful when families come from different Christian backgrounds, again as a unifying agent for the assembly.

Responsorial Psalm

It is most appropriate that the responsorial psalm be sung. The Psalm follows the first (Old Testament) reading, and is led by the cantor. The cantor intones the refrain, the assembly repeats it, and the cantor sings the verses. It is important that the text be a psalm; a solo or other sacred song may not be used.

Gospel Acclamations

Before the Gospel is proclaimed by the presider, an alleluia is sung by the cantor and assembly. If your wedding takes place during lent, your will need a Lenten gospel acclamation that doesn't include an alleluia. Your musician will be able to suggest something appropriate.

Preparation of the Gifts

If your ceremony is taking place during Mass, then you may want to select a piece to be sung by the assembly or a soloist during this time. Bear in mind that without a collection, the time is short, so select a piece that can be ended easily. If you choose to take up a collection for a local food pantry or charity, the piece may be longer.

The music must never hold up the movement of the liturgy.

Eucharistic Acclamations and Lamb of God

If you are celebrating your wedding during a Mass, the Sanctus/Holy, Holy, Memorial Acclamation, Great Amen and Agnes Dei/Lamb of God will need to be sung by the assembly. Your cantor can assist the assembly in singing their parts, and additional instruments can also be used to add festivity to the organ or piano part.


Communion Processional

If you are celebrating your wedding during a Mass, then you will want to choose a Communion processional that can be sung by the cantor and assembly as they come forward to receive Holy Communion.

Signing of the Register (Only For Canada and not a part of the original article)

Appropriate music may be played while the register is being signed. This takes place either in the sacristy or within the church. This may be an appropriate time for a solo (which is usually inappropriate elsewhere) since the wedding liturgy has actually concluded. Remember that the music chosen must still be a sacred song; also that is must be concluded when the register has been signed.

Recessional Music

Select appropriate music that may be played or sung by your guests. Your parish music director will be able to assist your in determining whether or not a piece is acceptable.