Humanist ceremonies are becoming more and more popular as they offer an exciting alternative to couples who would prefer not to get married in a church.
There is a great amount of freedom involved in choosing the music for a humanist ceremony, so much so that it’s often hard to know where to start, or stop. Many books are available on music for church weddings but there’s not much out there just yet to help those who wish to have a humanist ceremony.
Having recently sung at a humanist wedding, here’s a little help to get you started…..
Start listening early, once you’ve set the date I would recommend you start actively listening to all your old favourites straight away. It’s important to remember that the day is in your control, you can add music to any stage of the ceremony that you wish.
It would also be worthwhile speaking to a few different singers about their styles and influences before making your final choice. Your choice of music is just one of the ways that you and your partner can express yourselves on the day, be sure to make your choices together and to explain why you want a particular song.
Read some of your favourite poems or stories, reflect on your relationship, use all this information to help you understand what is it you want to say through you music, and remember there are no limitations.
Finally, visualise the day step by step, walking up the aisle, saying your vows, reflection after the vows, walking out as a married couple, imagine different songs at each stage, do this repeatedly and it won’t be long before you know exactly what songs you want and where you want them.
This advice comes from Karoline O’Sullivan one of Ireland’s leading wedding singers. Listen to some of Karoline’s music samples >>
