DJ Craig.Net
Wedding Ceremony

Los Angeles, Orange County and the Southern California area feature many choices for outdoor ceremony sites. But even if you have a small outdoor ceremony, the wind, environmental noise and lack of acoustics may make hearing difficult. And that can be disappointing to your guests.

DJ Craig's wedding ceremony music system is designed so the music and vows are heard clearly by everyone invited. And without any ugly mic stands in your way. Our wireless lapel mic is hands free and barely visible.

DJ Craig's self contained system provides perfect sound virtually anywhere, even if there's no external power available. We can work with live musicians or play your chosen processional music from our digital library.

Planning memorable wedding ceremony music can be as easy as 1, 2, 3. You only need to pick THREE main songs for this hallowed event. At the same time, you have an opportunity to give your guests an unexpected surprise while sharing an important part of yourself with them.

The songs you choose are a reflection of you, your hopes and your dreams. This music is the first thing guests will hear, setting the tone for the rest of your Wedding Day.

Modern times have offered an explosive growth in the number of musical choices available. While tradition still has it's place, most Brides and Grooms are now choosing to use non-traditional wedding ceremony music. Many of the old standbys, such as Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" (Here Comes The Bride), are being replaced with other alternatives.

Those about to wed have requested Slow Rock, Love Songs, Latin Guitar, New Age, Classic 40's Vocals, Pop Songs, Oldies and just about everything else.

Choices have included songs by Nat King Cole, Sting, Andrea Bocelli, Mark Cohn, Peter Gabriel, Enya, The Beatles, Shania Twain, Vangelis, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Tony Bennett, Edwin McCain, Vangelis, Faith Hill, Etta James, Sade and Soundtrack Songs. Your choices are virtually unlimited.

We custom edited Van Halen's "When It's Love" for one Bride who wanted the instrumental part of the song for her Processional. Another Bride was a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. She walked down the aisle to The Boss classic, "Thunder Road".

Choosing Your Songs

The first step is just to think of songs you like. You can edit your ideas later. Make a short list of songs that relate to how you feel about love, commitment and a special shared relationship. Feel free to consider all options.

Once you've made your list you can then edit it for potential Processional Song candidates. Remember that in general, a Processional Song should have a slow cadence for those walking down the aisle.

You may have a larger number of parents and grandparents to be seated or the aisle walk may be a long one. In this case, you may want to have a special song played for the seating of those important family members.

There should be time enough for this song to actually establish itself before the Wedding Party Processional song is played. If the aisle is a short one, you can choose just one song for both the parents and Wedding Party. Pick another for the Bride's walk down the aisle and a more upbeat one for the Recessional at the end of the ceremony.

If you want to stick to classical music you may decide on something a little more creative than the old stand bys. Anyone who's been to a ceremony in the last century has probably heard Pachelbel's "Canon In D".

Traditionally a string oriented song, there is an updated version that uses flowing synthesizers and ethereal keyboards in place of strings. It's progressive, modern sound sets it apart from other versions we've heard. Search for different arrangements or unusual classical songs to give your ceremony a unique sound.

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Here Comes The Bride

A contrasting style between the Wedding Party Processional and the Bride's song can emphasize this important change. An example of this was when one couple chose an operatic, Andrea Bocelli piece for their Wedding Party Processional. The song was full of drama and grand expression.

In contrast to this was their choice for the Bride's Processional. They decided on the romantic and reflective acoustic guitar sound of "The Rain Song" by Led Zeppelin. The pronounced difference in song styles increased the poignancy of the Bride's appearance and the entire ceremony.

While these songs aren't for everyone, they reflected this couple's taste and preferences. It also serves as a wonderful demonstration on the power of contrasting music and original choices.

Classical instrumental still has it's place. Recently a Bride chose a lesser known classical piece for her walk down the aisle. "Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma Variations) Op. 36" is a fantastic selection for this. It's a powerful song that uses soaring strings and majestic horns to slowly build to it's peak. We edited it so that the crescendo of the song timed perfectly with her appearance.

Another Bride-to-be chose "Once Upon a Time... Storybook Love" from the movie The Princess Bride. If you already have iTunes, simply click on the song title above to hear it. If not, you can download the iTunes program quickly and easily here:



The iTunes program is free and works with both Windows based and Mac computers.

The title track from Cirque du Soleil's "O" is another captivating piece that many have fallen in love with.

If you're going classical for the wedding ceremony music, remember that there may be quite a few different versions of many songs. It may take a little research to find the perfect one but it is well worth the effort.

"Variations and Fugue On a Theme by Mozart, Op. 132: Variation 7" is a traditional classical piece that is rarely heard at ceremonies. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's version is breathtakingly elegant.

The end of the ceremony Recessional is a time for joy and celebration. You will walk triumphantly, back up the aisle, for the first time as a married couple. As you pass by smiling, applauding guests, let the music add an extra highlight to this moment. Your Recessional music should be upbeat and energetic. Again, choices are plentiful. Past requests include Classical, Rock, Swing and R & B.

Songs by Vivaldi, Harry Connick, James Brown, U2, Barry White, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Queen, Marvin Gaye and many others have worked to great effect.

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Where To Look For Music

If you have a favorite movie soundtrack or radio station, your perfect song may be something you have already heard. Next time you hear a song that really grabs you, make a note of it.

One of the best places to find unique musical ideas is right in your own CD collection. Chances are there's a favorite song in there you may have forgotten about that would be perfect. Browse through your music library and add to your list of possibilities.

Do you have a favorite artist or concert performance? What was that old song you loved when you were younger?

Is there a brand new song you really like? A newer song can be a refreshing change from the status quo. And there is less chance anybody else has already used it for their ceremony.

Perhaps there is something in your family heritage you would like to incorporate musically into the ceremony.

Samples of songs can be accessed via your computer on Apple's iTunes music store website and at Amazon.com. Barnes and Noble bookstores offer live listening posts with thousands of artists from which to choose.

Amazon Music

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Putting It All Together

Write down all of your musical ideas and then gradually narrow it down to your three favorites. The others can be played for the Prelude- prior to the beginning of the ceremony, while guests are arriving or later at the reception.

If you have a special moment in the ceremony for a candle lighting, rose exchange, remembrance or other tradition, you may want to choose a song to be played for this as well.

Take the first step in making your wedding day truly YOURS by choosing songs that express a bit of who you are. And don't be surprised if your guests compliment you on how your ceremony was unlike any other they've been to.

Our wedding ceremony music system is small and visually unobtrusive. Sound equipment is carefully placed outside sight lines and focal points.

Make sure your guests can share in the joy of your nuptials with great ceremony sound at your Southern California, Los Angeles/ Orange County Wedding Ceremony.

-DJ Craig

To schedule an appointment with DJ Craig or inquire about date availability, please call 949.362.3535

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