This is a question that I often hear from Brides and Grooms. It used to be very typical to hear “Canon in D” by Pachabel for the bridal party processional, “Here Comes the Bride” by Wagner for the Bridal March and then something like the “Trumpet Voluntary” for the recessional. People get the idea that when it comes to ceremony, traditional is the only way to go. They might not be all that thrilled about it… but it seems like they are at a loss for what else would be acceptable, pleasing and enjoyable.
One recommendation that I have is to check out the Vitamin String Quartet. This is an ensemble that will remake classic rock, current rock, alternative and pop songs… in classical format. They will take a song such as “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, “Vida la Vida” by Coldplay etc, and then reproduce the song in classical style. This way, you get to choose songs that represent who you are, what you enjoy and allow the ceremony to take on more of a customized feel instead of going through the motions without any real interest or excitement about what music is representing you.
If you have guests that are sticklers for tradition, this will allow them still be under the assumption that the music is classical and therefore, traditional. Only guests with a keen sense of music will be able to pick out what songs are being remade and they will have fun doing a little guessing game each time a new song comes on. Often I will play Vitamin String Quartet music for prelude as people are making their way into the ceremony room, to their seats and waiting for the ceremony to begin. More than once I have seen people talking back and forth about the songs, trying to guess who the artist and song is and enjoying the style that the Vitamin String Quartet is able to reproduce the song in. They do a really cool job of accurately reproducing the beat, the key and the lead singer’s voice within their instruments. Here are some examples of my favorites:
Death Cab for Cutie – “Soul Meets Body”
Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Guns N’ Roses – “November Rain“
Muse – “Starlight“
Linkin Park – “In the End“
Plain White T’s – “Hey There, Delilah“
Jason Mraz – “I’m Yours“
The Killers – “Mr. Brightside“
There are literally thousands more but I will stop here. If you are looking for a way to show your own personal style within the confines of your ceremony, without sending people for a total loop and playing Slayer or Megadeth before you say “I Do…” this is the way to go.
I hope you guys enjoy this information and take some time to check out everything that the Vitamin String Quartet has to offer.
