Whether you’re a violinist looking to get ready for a wedding performance or you’re the one saying ‘I do’ and you want to find the best violin wedding songs, you’re in the right place! Below, violin teacher Julie P. shares violin wedding music and helpful tips for preparing and performing…
Wedding season is both an exciting and stressful time for violinists and the couple tying the knot. There are many weddings, high demand, planning the perfect day, and so much more.
Whether you’ve been asked to play solo or in a larger mixed-instrument ensemble or you’re planning music for your own big day, you might be feeling a bit stressed. But, that’s why we’re here to help you out!
To help you get excited and prepared, check out this quick guide for both classical and pop violin songs, along with tricks for the perfect wedding day performance!
What Are The Best Violin Wedding Songs?
Popular wedding songs for violin are great for your processional and recessional song on your big day! They also make for excellent cocktail hour music, too. When we think of the best violin songs for a wedding, we often think of Wedding March and Canon D in Major. Let’s take a look at various classical and pop violin wedding songs so you can choose your favorites.
| Classical Violin Songs | Pop Violin Songs |
| Meditation from Thais, Jules Massenet | All You Need is Love, Beatles |
| Ave Maria, Franz Schubert | At Last, Etta James |
| Air on the G string, Bach | Can’t Help Falling in Love, Elvis Presley |
| Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, Bach | What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong |
| A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61: IX. Wedding March, Felix Mendelssohn | I’m Yours, Jason Mraz |
| Canon in D, Johann Pachelbel | Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran |
Tips for Performing Violin Wedding Music
String instruments like the violin take your wedding music up a notch. So, you want to make sure the performance is perfect! Whether you’re the happy couple or the violinist, here are some top tips for an incredible wedding music experience.
Initial Meeting With Couple and Musician
A meeting with the couple and musician allows you to be sure you’re a good match for working together and lets you go over expectations. You’ll want to discuss what kind of music the couple is looking for and what parts of the wedding the couple wants the violinist to perform.
When discussing the best violin wedding songs, try to be as detailed as possible so the couple gets exactly what they’re looking for.
It’s very helpful for the musician to have demo tracks of their violin playing to give to prospective clients. YouTube clips also help the violinist have a clear understanding of the style of the music the client wants.
For example, “Signed, Sealed Delivered” by Stevie Wonder is typically played pretty funky, but maybe the couple wants a version arranged for string quartet as seen in this video.
Music Preparation
Some couples will have no idea what violin wedding music they want to be played or when they should even be played. In this case, it’s very helpful for everyone involved if the musician has a standard list prepared with ideas.
For a wedding ceremony, this list should include the following:
- Prelude music
- Entrance music for the mother-of-the-bride and groom,
- entrance music for the bridesmaids,
- and entrance music for the bride
- Special music for the middle of the ceremony (might be hymns that are sung, music played during a unity ceremony, or during communion)
- Recessional music for the bridal party
- Exit music for the guests
There can be a little more freedom in the music for a cocktail hour. With that said, the couple can certainly have a say if they (you) have something in mind. Cocktail hours can run the gamut from classical to jazz to bluegrass to pop.
Contracts
Once you’ve ironed out some of the details, it’s always a good idea for the musician and client to sign a contract. A contract shows the violinist’s professionalism, and it protects all parties and makes sure everyone is on the same page.
If you’re the musician and you aren’t sure where to start creating a contract, check out this helpful article.
Presentation
Promotional Materials (for violinist)
Promotional materials can share your level of professionalism and experience with couples looking for violin wedding music. Pictures and recordings of the best violin wedding songs you’ve played in the past are the best way for prospective clients to decide if you’re the violinist they’re looking for.
Musician’s Wedding Attire
The way the musician and their ensemble dress is essential. If there’s a dress code, the couple and violinists should discuss this beforehand. It’s important for the violinists to fit in and not distract from the ceremony itself.
Playing Outside vs. Inside
If music is being played outside, a musician may need some extra materials. No one wants music blowing away or a stand toppling over in the wind!
Tips for the violinist if playing outside:
- Photocopied music
- Heavy music stand
- Music clips
Building a Repertoire List
These days, wedding music can range from traditional classical music and hymns to pop and rock songs. This is why it’s a good idea to have a wide variety of repertoire prepared. Couples searching for their wedding violinist can always ask about this to ensure their performer is prepared!
Here’s a list of 10 of the best violin songs to play.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about the best violin wedding songs, along with tips for great wedding day music!
Looking for even more songs? Check out this list of 50 easy violin songs!
Post Author: Julie P.
Julie P. teaches flute, clarinet, music theory, and saxophone lessons in Brooklyn, NY. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Ithaca College and her Masters in Music Performance from New Jersey City University. Learn more about Julie here!
Suzy S.