Planning a wedding is a journey full of magical detailsāand one of the most memorable elements is the music. Whether youāre dreaming of romantic violin melodies or want a mix of classical and modern favourites, music sets the emotional tone for your ceremony and beyond.
At Freebird Music Studios, we love being a part of these unforgettable moments by offering live violin music, violin & piano duets, or violin & guitar duets for weddings and special events. Hereās a simple guide to help you plan your wedding day music, from the prelude to the last toast.

1. Prelude Music (15-30 Minutes Before the Ceremony)
Prelude Music sets the mood as guests arrive and are getting seated – it’s also a great way to entertain your guests as they wait for the ceremony to begin.
What to consider:
Choose a selection of gentle, beautiful pieces to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Depending on your taste, a mix of gentle classical music or covers of contemporary love songs are the perfect way to set the scene before the big show! Don’t feel stressed about choosing each song for the prelude, your musician should be able to compile a set of music that fits the mood you’re looking for!
Examples:
- āAir on G Stringā by Bach
- āRiver Flows in Youā by Yiruma
- āThe Swanā by C. Saint-Saens
- āCanāt Help Falling in Loveā by Elvis Presley (instrumental cover)
2. Processional Music
This is the music that plays as the wedding party enters the ceremony space.
You generally need to choose two pieces of music for the processional – one piece for the wedding party and a second, more dramatic piece for the entrance of the bride (or both partners). This is also a great opportunity to choose a song that may have special meaning to the couple!
Examples:
- Wedding Party: “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach if you prefer classical music, or if you like pop music, consider “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift. If you like folk music, try “Bloom” by the Paper Kites.
- Brideās Entrance: āCanon in D Majorā by Pachabel for a more traditional selection, or “The Prayer” Josh Groban/Charlotte Church for something more modern.
3. Ceremony Music (Optional Interludes)
This can include special songs during a unity ceremony, signing of the registry, or moments of reflection.
These are quieter moments that benefit from soft, meaningful music in the background. Usually a traditional ceremony will have one or two moments where a special song will help fill the silence during a ceremony or signing.
Ideas:
- āYou Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
- “Beauty and the Beast”
- āHallelujahā by Leonard Cohen (instrumental)
4. Recessional Music
This is a joyful and upbeat song that plays as you walk back up the aisle as newlyweds!
This music should be upbeat and celebratoryāsomething that feels like a happy exclamation point at the end of your ceremony.
Examples:
- āSpringā from Vivaldiās Four Seasons
- āAll You Need Is Loveā by The Beatles (instrumental)
- āMarry Youā by Bruno Mars
5. Cocktail Hour Music (Optional Add-On)
If you’re having a cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception, live music can create an elegant, relaxed atmosphere. This is a great time for a mix of classical, jazz standards, or modern love songs.
Popular choices:
- Instrumental Beatles, Taylor Swift, or Ed Sheeran
- Jazz standards like āAt Lastā or āLa Vie en Roseā and “Fly Me to the Moon”
Letās Create the Soundtrack to Your Love Story š¶
At Freebird Music Studios, we offer custom violin music (with optional piano and guitar) for weddings and special events in Calgary. Whether you already have a vision or want help choosing the perfect songs, weāll work with you to make your ceremony unforgettable.
š§ Want to chat about music for your big day? Reach out to Christina at freebirdmusicstudios@gmail.com to check availability and options!


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