Suggestions for the music at your Wedding

Weddings

Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days in your life. The music you choose will enhance the occasion from the moment your guests arrive, through the ceremony,  reception, wedding breakfast and beyond. 

The quartet has many years experience of playing at weddings, and can therefore help advise you about your selection of music to create just the right atmosphere for your day. We pride ourselves on our flexible approach and are willing to play for as much of the wedding day as you require.

Photo: Studio Edmark
350 Steps Weddings

We are delighted to work with you on choosing music to suit your needs.  Our large repertoire list covers classical to contemporary music as well as light jazz, popular songs and show tunes. If you require a piece of music which is not found on our current list, please ask us.  We are experienced at tracing music and if necessary we can arrange music for string quartet that was originally written for other instruments. Please request this service well in advance of your wedding day to allow us the time to find and arrange the music. 

Wedding Ceremonies

For wedding ceremonies, either church or civil, the quartet will provide music while your guests arrive. For the entrance of the bride, a dramatic piece is normally preferred.  For the signing of the register a calmer and more contemplative piece is ideal, and a joyful, lively piece is appropriate for the exit of the bride and groom.

For civil ceremonies, it used to be the case that no music with any religious association was permitted. There has now been a minor relaxation of the rules, but some classical music with religious origins may only be allowed as background music.  The best advice we can give is to check your choices with the registrar.

Suggestions for music

We have listed here some of the most popular pieces, but take a look at our full repertoire list as there are many other pieces which can be used for your wedding ceremony.

Before the wedding

Vivaldi - Four Seasons selection
Mozart - Alleluia from Exultate Jubilate
Bach - Arioso
Mozart - Divertimenti
Bach - Brandenburg Concertos
Handel - Water Music Suite
Handel - Music for the Royal Fireworks
Boyce - Symphonies
Vaughan Williams - Dives and Lazarus
Purcell - Music from Abdelazar
Lully - Airs and dances

Entrances and exits

Clarke - Prince of Denmark’s March
Handel - Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Handel - Hornpipe from the Water Music
Pachelbel - Canon
Vivaldi - Spring from the Four Seasons
Wagner - Bridal Chorus
Mendelssohn - Wedding March
Handel - La Rejouissance
Purcell - Rondeau from Abdelazar
Bach - Minuet and Badinerie

Signing the Register

Delibes - Flower duet
Faure - Pavane
Bach - Air on a G string
Mascagni - Intermezzo
Elgar - Nimrod
Beethoven - Ode to joy
Handel - Largo
Mozart - Andante from Piano Concerto no 21
Schubert - Ave Maria
Franck - Panis Angelicus
Bach - Jesu, joy of man’s desiring
Holst - Jupiter
Mozart - Ave Verum
Bach - Sleepers Awake
Bach - Sheep may safely graze

Drinks Reception and Wedding Breakfast

For your drinks reception or wedding breakfast, the quartet will provide a perfect accompaniment for your guests to relax, talk and enjoy the occasion.

We can compile a programme of music to suit all tastes; classical, light, jazz or popular, or a combination of all of these. If your favourite piece is not included on our list we will happily arrange it for an additional fee of £30.

Copyright text and images: Marilla String Quartet 2007/2008