Choosing the music for your Wedding service can seem a daunting task but with a little thought, it will make your ceremony even more memorable.
Please read these notes carefully and do contact us if you are unsure about anything.
You must discuss initial arrangements with the officiating priest (are you having a nuptial mass, agree readings, prayers etc). An organist is automatically booked when the wedding is confirmed in the parish diary. Then:
- Contact the Director of Music for advice on choosing the music and what musicians you might require (email robert.rathbone@mac.com or call 01372 843660).
- There is a list of suggestions or you can consult a wide variety of sources of information (such as internet sites and magazines – be careful, though – some suggestions may not be suitable for a church service!). If you are still unsure, call to arrange a consultation to discuss and hear suggested music. This may be a good time to check costs.
- You may have already some idea of the music you would like; in which case, often a phone call or exchange of emails is all that is required. Check the fees that would apply to your choice of musicians.
- The organ is by far the best accompaniment for a congregation in the church; it is possible however, for certain music, to incorporate other instruments, such as Trumpet, to great effect. Sometimes the piano might be used to accompany soloists. Please ask for advice if you have any doubts.
- If you feel that you know the music that you would like, please fill in the reply form and email to the address above or print off and send to the Sacred Heart Presbytery.
And now, the slightly smaller print!
Guest organists and other musicians: if you wish to have your own organist or other musicians to lead the service, they must be approved by the Director of Music. The Sacred Heart Organ is a large and historic instrument and any visiting organist must be experienced and competent. To protect the livelihoods of our musicians, the basic fee must still be paid; permission for a guest organist or other musicians who replace the ‘in-house’ organist cannot be granted unless this is agreed.
We do not permit the hiring of outside musicians other than those booked by the Director of Music.
You may have family or friends who have offered to help with the music on your special day. This can be arranged with the Director of Music but remains at his discretion. Please be certain that singers or instrumentalists have experience of playing or singing in a large building such as ours - this is a big space to fill! Be sure they are comfortable with the style of music you want (we have had unfortunate experiences in the past). The higher rate of £150 is payable to the organist assuming that any rehearsal is arranged on the day itself. If extra rehearsals are required with the organist (apart from before the ceremony on the day), we have to charge £50 per rehearsal.
Use of CD’s and other pre-recorded material: the use of pre-recorded music (CD or MP3 etc.) is not permitted except in exceptional circumstances. It is also the policy of the Parish Priest not to allow the use of non-sacred music in this sacramental service (in the same way that religious music is not allowed at civil ceremonies). If you wish to use any pre-recorded material, approval must be obtained from the Director of Music first and then the Parish Priest.