The Christmas Bride
I have encountered 3 types of Christmas Brides: The first is what I call a “winter bride.” She has chosen this time of year because her venue will be beautifully decorated, there could be snow outside, it gets dark early enabling the use of candlelight at an earlier hour…She doesn’t really want Christmas music played during her ceremony because she wants it to be about her. She doesn’t want the music to overshadow her actual ceremony. If the wedding is before December 25th, doesn’t mind some in the prelude. Music such as “The First Noel” and “O Holy Night” are incorporated during the seating of the Mothers, or even during lighting of the Unity Candle. Sometimes “Joy to the World” is used as a recessional piece. The triumphant melody is perfect to accompany the newly married couple.
The second is the Christmas Bride that loves Christmas. She wants every poinsettia, every string of lights, and wonderful Christmas music played at her service. The bridal party dresses in festive colors like red and gold, and she uses music to really fulfill her Christmas wedding fantasy. This bride seeks to use Christmas music in her wedding. She makes the most of titles such as “Joy to the World” for her recessional and “Silent Night” during the lighting of the Unity Candle. “Greensleeves” is always a favorite as part of the processional. My favorite musical moment from a Christmas wedding is when the groomsmen of a wedding entered to “We Three Kings.” The humor was not lost on the guests.
The last is the Christmas bride that has her wedding any other time. She wants to have a Christmas wedding but decides against it for many reasons: the timing is just off, traveling is difficult, she can’t use her venue of choice, she can’t risk the weather--there are many reasons but in her heart…she wants the season to be represented in her wedding somewhere. It is a little more difficult to find ways to work in music. I have always said that music is what really makes a wedding individualized. It doesn’t matter why a particular piece is significant. If it is important to you then you should include it. There are many places to work in special music and even if it is seems out of place to your guests, sometimes a thoughtful mention in your program or at your reception will give them your explanation. You may really set an example for future couples that are struggling with their own music decisions.
There are many things to consider when planning your wedding: location, theme, guest list. Music can definitely bring a specific holiday feel to your wedding no matter when you are getting married.
