For some couples, picking the music for their ceremony will be very easy – they know exactly what they want – they have a song that’s special to them or maybe even know musicians who will perform for them. For others it isn’t that easy, especially if you each have different tastes…

You’ll need four playlists for your ceremony:

1. Music for gathering

For playing whilst the guests gather and wait for the ceremony to start – 20 minutes of music is usually enough.

2. Processional Music

For the walk-in - preferably an instrumental track, so that when you are in place at the front the music can gently fade out, not be stood there waiting for the high note or chorus to be over before the ceremony can start.

3. Signing Music

It’s a good idea to have two tracks for this part as it is the time during the ceremony when the photographer gets to take some more formal ‘posed’ shots of you and the legal witnesses and in some cases where a ceremonial certificate is being signed, there may be other parties involved, so a single track may not be long enough.

4. Recessional Music

Something that starts off with a bang – this is the music for you to walk back down the aisle to – the last thing you need here is something with a slow start as you’ll be sipping champagne before it gets going!

Please note that no religious content is permitted at any Legal Marriage Ceremony conducted by a Civil Celebrant in Guernsey, and that includes the music. It is important that you ensure the playlist for either live performers or recorded music does not include any hymns or music/songs that have religious references.

The style of your wedding will, perhaps, inform the type of music that will be suitable for the occasion. A formal, traditional wedding may be crying out for a string quartet, whereas a ‘boho’, laid-back wedding will lend itself to having an acoustic guitar and singer-songwriter style of performance.

Budget also comes into play of course and recorded music will mean that there is no limit to the style of music that can be played to suit the vibe of your ceremony. If you are engaging the services of a DJ or band for the after-ceremony event, then it is worth considering extending their services to the ceremony too, as they will (hopefully) have both the experience and equipment to provide a professional service.

It is recommended that in the case of live performers or a DJ, you will either have seen them perform or had a reliable recommendation from someone you trust before booking them.

Let’s look at a few of the different options…

Live music

For small islands, we are blessed with a plethora of musical talent, so your choices are rich and varied when it comes to live musicians and singers.

· String quartet/trio

Bringing a level of sophistication to the occasion, a string ensemble can play traditional or contemporary compositions to suit your tastes.

· Acoustic guitar and singer(s)

There is something very moving about listening to this type of performance, as its intimacy suits any type of wedding. Most performers will be happy to play and sing your choice of songs before, during and after the ceremony.

· Singer (performing with backing tracks)

Sometimes a solo singer is comfortable to perform with backing tracks and will provide their own speaker too. Any singer worth their salt will be able to perform the songs you choose for the occasion.

· Band

If you are having a band for your ‘do’ then they may also be happy to perform during the ceremony too, though depending on the type of music, it may be more appropriate for them to be ‘unplugged’ during the ceremony!

· Saxaphone

The epitome of cool – the soothing sounds of a saxophone will give a smooth, elegant, jazz vibe to proceedings.

· Choir

There’s something about a choir that never fails to give listeners goosebumps – anything from a sea shanty to a show tune, Guernsey has many cool choral options.

Recorded music

Pick a genre and stick to it throughout the ceremony to have a cohesive style which suits the type of wedding you are having – it will set the tone for the rest of the day.

Most venues will have a licence to play recorded music, however, we recommend that you always check with the venue management prior to your event.

It is also worth noting that if live-streaming your ceremony on Facebook or other social media apps, the streaming may cease when recorded music is playing, due to copyright infringement.

Here are some suggestions for local artists…

Strings: (3) Mariposa Strings | Facebook, (3) Guernsey String Quartet - 'Lé Quartaette' | Facebook,

Acoustic guitar and singing: (3) Denis & Sheena | Facebook, (3) Bordeaux Blue | Facebook, (3) George & Kirsty | Facebook, (5) Rachel Dawson | Facebook, Evans & Guilbert

Singers: (6) Emily Fern- singer | Facebook, (6) Rainbow Chorus Rehearsals | Facebook, GU10 | Facebook

Saxaphone: (3) Colin Falla | Facebook, (3) Katie Gough | Facebook, (3) Ted Osmond | Facebook

Various genres: (3) Lydia Sullivan-Pugh | Facebook, (3) Tyler Edmonds | Facebook, (6)

Or check out the info here: Music (guernseyweddings.co.uk)

For recorded music, there are some Spotify links below for inspiration by genre or era. Some will make great processional or recessional tracks and others are more suitable for signing music.

· Instrumental

Paul Hankinson - Wedding Piano Covers, Canon in D

Duomo, Somewhere Only We Know

Bridesmaids Quartet, Somewhere over the Rainbow

Midnite String Quartet, Marry You

Kenny G, You Raise Me Up

· Country

Alison Krauss, When you say nothing at all

Lonestar, Amazed

Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, The Rest of Our Life

Shania Twain, You’re Still The One

Taylor Swift, Love Story