Wedding Ceremony & Reception Music Discussions

classical musicians-opinion on bride processional?

I really love Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and I was thinking about walking down the aisle to variation 18 (I think it's 18- the really popular one). Our ceremony is outdoors, so I wanted to have just the piano solo part of it playing before the orchestra kicks in, which is about 40 seconds. Our aisle is about 50? ft long. I don't really know what's "appropriate" processional music or how long the music should be, I just know I don't want the Wedding March. Any opinions?

Thanks in advance!

Re: classical musicians-opinion on bride processional?

  • thedivaonethedivaone member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hey, classically trained opera singer and former wedding coordinator here.  :)  I assume this is what you're talking about?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DtqzuXqOq0&feature=related

    If I was your wedding coordinator here's what I'd tell you.  As long as you're outdoors and you don't have a minister's church rules to conform with, you can pretty much have anything you want as your processional.  I see nothing at all wrong with this, it's a great piece.  If you want to start at 18 then go for it, even if you don't make it down the aisle before the orchestra kicks in, it'll probably just make it that much more of a grand entrance.  The key is to have someone at the CD player to fade it out, rather than turn it off abruptly, once you're done walking.

    Hope that helps!

    Edit: sorry, pasted in the wrong link!
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  • CamBug21CamBug21 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    That sounds like a fabulous idea. I'm all for being unique. As for being appropraite music, if you are getting married in a house of worship you may want to ask if they have any music restrictions. If they have none go for the gusto. You may want to time yourself on how long it takes you to walk down the asile. The music should introduce your coming and last until you make it to the altar. So I would the use the piano solo as the introduction and then when the rest of the orchestra starts to play be your que to walk down the asile. I hope this helps. I'm trying to figure out my que to walk down the asile since I am using a bagpiper as my asile entrance. Blessings
  • trix1223trix1223 member
    5000 Comments 25 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    cambug:  I just have to say, for future reference it's aisle, not asile.
    "Trix, it's what they/our parents wanted. Why so judgemental? And why is your wedding date over a year and a half ago? And why do you not have a groom's name? And why have you posted over 12,000 posts? And why do you always say mean things to brides?" palegirl146
  • edited December 2011
    Hello! I work to provide classical musicians for weddings, so I hope I can offer some insight...
    It is a beautiful piece and might be an alright length since it's for just you. I suggest you talk to you pianist about it. 
    You could:
    -have him/her repeat the section, or even just the very opening phrase, if it's a little too short.
    -have him/her continue on into the orchestra part, as the part will very likely come in condensed orchestra format.
    -take a practice walk down the aisle to see how long it takes you approximately. 
    Musicians are used to amending the length of pieces for each ceremony, so don't worry! I hope that helps!
    -Kendall
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