Modern ceremony music?

KatieD212

Hey all!

I am getting married in April, and have been thinking about finalizing the ceremony...I am just wondering if anyone has any sort of modern music for the candle lighting ceremony?  I'm sure 'You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban would be acceptable, but does anyone know if other newer songs are okay? 
TIA!

[Deleted User]

Does your church allow secular music? I know ours did not. And a lot of other brides on here have said the same thing.

ootmother2

We got to do the traditional Wedding March and a couple of other secular songs.
"The Wedding Song" that was originally by Peter, Paul and Mary was another.

The priest was pretty lenient about SOME secular music and we used church music where it was really appropriate.

SaraAndrew2010

OP are you asking about secular music or more modern church music?  I would definitely talk to the music director at your church.  DH wanted to include some more modern/peppy songs in our ceremony.  Our music director was really helpful.  We chose "Gathered at Table" for our communnion hymn, which is really upbeat.  We also  used "Love is the Sunlight" by Haas during the prelude, which is a more recent instrumental song.

lisa89760

we can use almost any song we want (for certain things) as long as the pianist can play it on the piano...my uncle (the priest) is completely against CD's or Ipods for the cermony!  I actually like the compromise...we just go on you tube and find the piano version of the songs we want. 

GardeniaLily

We are not allowed to use any secular music, definitely not allowed to use anything recorded. It was my understanding that no Catholic church will let you play anything that's recordered--it must be "live music".

KatieD212

I guess I do not know what secular music is!  I feel dumb haha.  I play in a 12 piece string orchestra, and they will be doing the processional and recessional, but my Aunt is singing for the unity candle and anywhere else necessary.  We are just doing a service, not a full mass. I wasnt raised going to church- just baptised, but my FI is very catholic...I don't understand exactly everything that the ceremony entails!

bibliophile2010

First, I would recommend visiting www.catholicweddinghelp.com. You should find answers to many, if not all, of your questions there. We're also happy to help in any way we can.

Second, secular music is music that is written for a non-religious purpose. Many Catholic churches are strict about what may be played, because they want the music to reflect the faith. What, exactly that means, though, varies widely from church to church. Some allow traditional wedding music, such as "Here Comes the Bride." Others do not. Some consider any classical music to be adequately religious/sacred, while others do not. Some think any contemporary Christian music is appropriate; others do not. That is why we recommended talking to your music director (even if they are not actually performing at the wedding), to ensure that your selections are appropriate for church use.

Third, it sounds like the music selections, whatever they end up being, will be lovely, with the orchestra and your aunt!

KatieD212

Thanks for the website!!!