The music at a wedding sets the tone for the entire event. From the moment guests start arriving, the air is filled with a sense of joy and anticipation, complimented by a mix of moderate-tempo melodies.  As the music shifts to a slower, more contemplative tempo, signaling the wedding party's processional, the excitement builds. Then there's a momentary interlude of silence followed by a dramatic burst of music and the bride appears. She walks with a sense of purpose and exhilaration, as if guided by every note of music.

Everyone sits (or stands) up and takes notice. A few burst into tears.

As the ceremony unfolds, a carefully chosen song or two may be played, conveying the couple's sentiments or celebrating their religious beliefs. Then the ceremony is over, and the newlyweds march up the aisle to a triumphant musical number. Upbeat music buoys the rest of the wedding party and the guests along and puts them in the mood to celebrate further at the reception.

1. Prelude: Played for 15 minutes to a half an hour before the ceremony, this music sets the mood for your event.
Keep that in mind when you make your selections - whether you prefer a festive, elegant, or religious spirit.

2. Procession: This music sets the pace for attendants walking down the aisle. The music should be loud enough for them to keep time to (in a natural fashion), yet not as loud as the music for the bride. For drama, the musicians may play a fanfare as the bride enters and then switch to a more nuanced piece. Or they may stick with one piece and play a little louder (forte!) as the bride appears.

3. Ceremony: Couples may designate music to be played or a choir or soloist to sing at a point in the ceremony, perhaps before a reading or during the lighting of the unity candle.

4. Recession: At the end of the ceremony, this music should be powerful and joyous. In any case, it's usually louder and quicker than the processional music.

5. Postlude: A continuation of music, upbeat and celebratory, that keeps the guests feeling they're part of the wedding until they leave the ceremony space.