How do I know which songs are most appropriate for my wedding?

     To choose appropriate music for your wedding ceremony, you must first determine where your wedding will take place.
      If you are getting married in a very traditional type of church (Catholic, Methodist, Espicopal, Presbyterian, etc.) the minister or church wedding consultant may dictate exactly what songs or at least the type of songs you may choose from. Before making any decisions, first check with the church to find out what your perimeters are. In this setting you will always be safer selecting traditional, religious or classical pieces.
      If your ceremony will be in a more contemporary church setting (Baptist, Pentecostal, Assembly of God, etc.) the minister or church wedding consultant will probably have some suggestions concerning the music and may even want to approve your selections but will probably leave most of the choosing up to you. In these types of churches you can usually select some "love songs", but may want to choose more traditional or religious pieces during certain parts of the ceremony such as communion and scripture readings.
      If you have chosen a non-religious site, such as a garden, ballroom, private home, etc. you will have the freedom to choose whatever music you like. Perhaps you could discuss personal music tastes with your fiance and then choose songs that you both like.
      Most musicians have a large repretoire of music, so you may want to choose your selections when you meet with them. Since they have a lot more experience in this area, their advice may prove to be invaluable.

How many songs should I choose and where should they be played in the ceremony?

       The answer to this question also depends on "location". In a more traditional church setting you will need approximately 7 to 12 songs. Whenever you meet with the minister or church wedding consultant ask them to give you a brief outline of the ceremony so that you can choose your songs and place them where you would like them to be played. Once you have actually hired musicians, you may want to check with them to make sure that they know the selections that you have picked out.
       In a more contemporary church setting or non-religious site you will probably need 4 to 8 songs. To decide where the songs go, ask the church wedding consultant or minister for a brief outline of the ceremony, OR ask your personal wedding coordinator OR meet with the musicians and ask them for suggestions.