WEDDING MUSIC
The Lotus Ensemble provides classical music entertainment for weddings, receptions, cocktail hours, dinner hours and much more. We perform in all types of venues from churches, synagogues, botanical gardens, private homes, beaches, golf courses, and more.
We have a variety of
ensembles to choose from, so please
browse our "rates and ensemble types" page to see pricing and
instrumentation details. Do make sure there is a suitable piano at the
location if
you desire one, however. We also request that if the wedding is
outdoors (such as on the beach), that the musicians be provided with
adequate shade (i.e. a tree, canopy) to protect their instruments from
direct sunlight.
A Bride's Guide to Wedding Ceremony Music
Prelude
The prelude usually begins 15 minutes before the ceremony as guests are being seated. The musicians will play light music from the standard classical music repertoire. Some brides like to select a couple of favorite tunes from our songbook during this time, but this is optional.Every wedding is different, so we will need a cue from a designated person (i.e. the officiant, wedding coordinator, etc.) to know when to begin the ceremony. Family is seated at this time-- for grandparents and parents: a slow piece like Handel's Largo from "Xerxes" or Handel's 'Air' from Water Music will fit nicely. We will need a moment to switch music before the processional begins, and another cue may be necessary.
Processional
The processional is essentially the music to prepare the bride's entrance. It can serve the groomsmen (if they haven't already entered with the officiant), the bridesmaids, flower girls and ring bearer. Please let us know in advance how many attendants there will be and how they will be entering (paired, singles, etc.). The music played here is usually slow and at a walking-pace. The most popular music for the processional is Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring or Pachelbel's Canon in D.Processional (Some more recommendations)
Bach: Air on the G String
Bach: Aria
Bach: Arioso
Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Bach: Sheep May Safely Graze
Bach: Wachet Auf
Beethoven: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Ode to Joy)
Handel: Largo from 'Xerxes'
Handel: Passacaglia
Handel: Water Music
Pachelbel: Canon in D
Schubert: Ave Maria
Non-traditional / "Pop" Pieces that I recommend:
Bernstein: One Hand, One Heart
Garner: Misty
Gershwin: Someone to Watch Over Me
Gordon: Unforgettable
Porter: Night and Day
Ungar: Ashokan Farewell (theme from PBS Series 'Civil War')
[Traditional]: Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes
Bridal Entrance
As all attendants have made their way to the alter, the guests rise and the musicians will change music for the bride to walk down the aisle. (Please make sure the bride does not start walking until the music has changed to 'her' piece in order to make a grand entrance.)
There are two options for the bride's music:
A slow piece, in the same character as the attendants’ music. Pieces like Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Pachelbel's Canon in D or Bach's Arioso are quite popular. See above list under ‘Processional’ for some more recommendations.
A contrasting, more upbeat piece to change the mood and to make a grand entrance. The most popular pieces are Wagner's Bridal Chorus ("Here Comes the Bride,") Purcell's Trumpet Voluntary, Clarke's Trumpet Tune and Air or Handel's 'Finale' from Water Music.
Ceremony
During the ceremony, some couples have a unity candle, mixing of sand, communion or signing of the marriage license, at which time the musicians can (but don't have to) play very quietly as background music. The most frequently requested pieces are Handel's Largo, Schubert's Ave Maria, and Handel's Passacaglia.
Note that this is optional, and in most ceremonies, the musicians only play in the beginning and end.
More Ceremony Recommendations:
Bach: Air on the G String
Bach/Gounod: Ave Maria
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Handel: Aria
Handel: Larghetto from 'Rhinaldo'
Handel: Largo from 'Xerxes"
Malotte: The Lord's Prayer
Mozart: Adagio
Recessional/Postlude:
After the couple is pronounced "husband and wife," the musicians will play an upbeat, celebratory piece as the couple, attendants and family walk out. The most common pieces are Mendelssohn's Wedding March from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Handel's La Rejouissance, Handel's Finale from Water Music or Purcell's Trumpet Voluntary.
More Recommendations:
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5
Bach: Violin Concerto in E-major, arranged for String Quartet (1st movement)
Beethoven: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Ode to Joy)
Boccherini: Minuetto
Corelli: Corrente
Handel: Water Music Suite
Mouret-Ledig: Rondeau (from "Masterpiece Theater")
Mozart: March from 'Marriage of Figaro'
Mozart: Eine Kleine Nacht Musik
Please note:
*If your wedding is in a church, synagogue or other religious location, please check the musical policies and requirements of that venue since some musical pieces or composers may not be permitted. For example, some Catholic clergy may ask you to avoid 'popular' or secular music, selecting only religious music and hymns sung at masses.
Note that most of these recommended pieces can be played in various instrumental combinations. We mostly perform as a violin/cello duo, string trio, or string quartet. You may also add flute, guitar or trumpet to any ensemble combination. Please see our repertoire list to see if your favorite pieces can be played with the ensemble you desire. If the piece is not listed, please let know since we may have just missed it. We may also be able to recreate it for a small arranging fee specially for your event!