Air from the Water Music by G. F. Handel has to be the best to introduce the bridge. Dignified and with a moment of quiet gaze and reflection, soon, the amazement of beauty and touch of solemnity bring proceeding in a good flow, and all eyes will follow the centre of attention until she reaches the front of the church.

For the traditional, R. Wagner’s Bridal Chorus from his Lohengrin the opera will drum up the necessary attention that this is the grandest moment of the decade everyone will know about. It is loud; it is bold; it takes the full front page, and the wedding commences!

For a different punch and an equally stately entrance, the Trumpet Voluntary by J. Clarke hits all the right steps (and notes). Your guests will be overcome by the grandeur of your entrance, and the rigidness and glory that is the trumpet sound steadies your steps and everyone’s heart beat rhyming with the tempo. This is the second one I play most, after the Bridal Chorus.

Perhaps a little more unusual yet very fitting is the Trumpet Tune in D by H Purcell. Not the least choice despite its name in comparison to the others, it is your choice for a more slightly upbeat entrance.

The choice is yours.

Plus, there is enough in my repertoire for another processional music of your choice. How about from G. F Handel again, Arrival of the Queen of Sheba? Even if I haven’t played the piece of your choice, I will be able to play it given a few days’ notice.

In my repertoire is a wide range of popular hymns and songs – please have a look below. You can let me know once you have decided, or check with me which ones work well in your service. I am happy to be included in emails or messages with the person leading the service to avoid miscommunication. The congregation usually will sing. However, you should not feel too concerned if they are not familiar with the tune, or they don’t feel that comfortable singing along with strangers, because my music will take a lead, with clear melody, for everyone to follow. It will also probably loud enough that everyone will hear more of the music than of whoever is next to them!

From the list below, you might like Abide with Me, which should be familiar to many, Morning Has Broken, and All Things Bright and Beautiful. I have played the third one the most across all weddings so this got to be the favourite.

Most of those in my repertoire are suitable for the Signing of the Register. The Signing of the Register should not be rushed. It is both a solemn and legal process. Of anybody there, the photographers are probably the most anxious to take the best shot at the right time! Please choose what you like, or I can suggest, or you can leave it to me. Below is what I usually play:

• All of Me (John Legend)
• Amazing Grace (if not sung as a wedding hymn)
• Ave Maria (note there are alternative versions)
• Blessed Assurance
• Endless Love (Lionel Richie and Diana Ross)
• Everything (Michael Bublé)
• From This Moment On (Shania Twain)
• How Deep is Your Love (Bee Gees)
• Killing Me Softly With His Song (Fox and Gimbel)
• Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
• Make You Feel My Love (Adele)
• The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
• My Lord, What Love is This? – Amazing Love (Graham Kendrick)

The Wedding March (by F. Mendelsson from his A Midsummer Night’s Dream) is by far the most popular. It matches well with any of the processional numbers I outlined above. It is loud, purposeful, celebratory, joyous, and overflowing with all the love and goodness of the event.

The Trumpet Tune (by J. Stanley) is a good choice, lively, and serves the occasion very well. The Trumpet Tune in D, and Trumpet Voluntary (see above: processional) can be used here if not used in processional. Each of these brings its own celebratory style. Signalling the conclusion of the ceremony, any of these pieces will maintain attention to the end.

Another choice, as lively and celebratory as those above, is Alla Hornpipe (by G. F. Handel, from his Water Music). Not usually selected for recessional, it will mark your special day that much more special!

I have had suggestions to play other long pieces e.g., Charles-Mari Widor’s Toccata from his Organ Symphony No 5, and Jacques Lemmens’ Fanfare. Let me know if one of these or similar is your choice for your occasion.

If necessary, I am available to play additional pieces following the recessional piece. Very often, families and guests will remain in the vicinity of the church, so providing some live music for 10-15 minutes is a very good idea.

Please see My Repertoire