Your wedding ceremony is one of the most significant parts of your wedding day! You will be exchanging vows in front of your friends and family. It’s also a beautiful idea to include your favourite wedding ceremony music. If you’re not sure where to start, how about looking at wedding ceremony music by instrument?
Before we begin, there are several moments where music plays a crucial role in the wedding ceremony:
- Before the ceremony – As your guests walk in, the music that plays will set the tone for the rest of the ceremony and for the day ahead.
- Walking down the aisle – The first key moment of the day is when you will walk down the aisle, accompanied by gorgeous music.
- Hymns – If you are choosing a religious ceremony, you may want to sing hymns as part of the festivities.
- Special moments during the ceremony – You might choose to sign the registry during your ceremony or include other special elements which require music in the background.
- As you exit the ceremony – Once you are pronounced married, you will leave the ceremony venue with celebratory music playing.
Bodhran
If you’re after a traditional Irish sound at your wedding ceremony, then the Bodhran drum might be right up your alley. It’s one of the oldest Irish instruments and a staple in Irish traditional music. The Bodhran is said to represent the heartbeat of Irish music and is deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Ireland.
Perfect for you if you like the rhythmic and sometimes hypnotic sounds of Irish drums.
Music by Brenda Grealis and Arundo Traditional Irish Music
Cello
Known for its rich, warm and expressive tones, the cello is a popular choice for wedding ceremonies! The cello could be a solo instrument or paired beautifully with other instruments.
Perfect for you if you’re a fan of modern songs played with classical instruments, a la Bridgerton.
Music by Brenda Grealis, Inishlacken Strings, Astral String Quartet, Perfect Cadence, Claire Malone, Celtic String Ensemble and D-Strings
Flute
Another popular choice for Irish ceremonies, the flute is ethereal and melodious! The flute is another old instrument that has the versatility to feature in many different genres, making it a beautiful choice for a wedding ceremony.
Perfect for you if you’re looking for an instrument that can convey joy and solemnity at the same time.
Music by Davey Music, Blue Linnett Music, Celtic String Ensemble, D-Strings and Chu Chang Harpist
Guitar
Guitars aren’t just for hippies and rock bands, they’re a brilliant addition to a wedding ceremony! They are incredibly versatile and a skilled guitarist could be a master of classical, folk, pop, jazz, or a combination.
Perfect for you if you’re looking for a romantic sound for your ceremony.
Music by Brenda Grealis, Naomi Laide Music, Clara Hutchinson, Chris Comhaill, Allison Grace Saul, Susha Sounds, Doug Sheridan, Blue Linnett Music, The Ceólminers, Casey and Ledwidge Music, Amy Phelan, Perfect Cadence, Claire Malone, Lauren Tynan, Cathal Dervan and Kevin O’Sullivan
Harp
The harp is an enchanting instrument, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. It’s also an old instrument, associated with elegance and it carries a visual impact due to its size and beauty.
Perfect for you if you’re hosting a formal, sophisticated or elegant wedding.
Music by Brenda Grealis, Ramona Harpist, Davey Music, Sinead Healy, Sinead Walshe, Carys Ann Evans, Claire Malone, Celtic String Ensemble, Patricia Daly, D-Strings and Chu Chang Harpist
Piano
The piano is a popular wedding ceremony music choice and for good reason! Another versatile instrument which could be played on its own or accompanied by other instruments. The piano can be used to play modern or classical music.
Perfect for you if you want a mix of modern and classic music.
Music by Olivia Romeo, Brenda Grealis, Naomi Laide, Davey Music, Clara Hutchinson, Allison Grace Saul, Susha Sounds, Blue Linnett Music, Sinead Healy, Inishlacken Strings, Dovile Lee, Amy Phelan, Carys Ann Evans, Perfect Cadence, Claire Malone, Lauren Tynan, Celtic String Ensemble, Patricia Daly and D-Strings
Sax
This soulful instrument is most often associated with jazz and blues, but don’t be fooled! A skilled saxophonist can play many other musical styles, including contemporary and modern song covers.
Perfect for you if you’re looking for a soulful feel to your music.
Music by Blue Linnett Music and John Collins Saxophone
Uilleann Pipes
Here’s another traditional Irish instrument that is sure to bring a distinctive and unique sound: the Uilleann Pipes! The Uilleann Pipes are often associated with traditional Irish music and the sound is deeply rooted in Irish culture.
Perfect for you if you want to inject a little Irish culture into your wedding.
Music by Davey Music, Arundo Traditional Irish Music and Irish Music Weddings
Violin
The violin is known to convey a variety of emotions through its romantic sounds. The classical music that is most associated with the violin is sure to partner beautifully with a sophisticated wedding.
Perfect for you if you are hosting an elegant wedding.
Music by Davey Music, Hazel Alexander, Inishlacken Strings, Astral String Quartet, Perfect Cadence, Claire Malone, Lauren Tynan Music, Cathal Dervan, Celtic String Ensemble and D-Strings
