Most wedding ceremonies, civil or religious, have three and sometimes even five places that call for music. The first place is before the wedding or the prelude. This section is meant to entertain the guests as they enter, are seated and while they wait for the ceremony to begin. It should start no later than 20 minutes before the start of the actual ceremony or essentially when the doors to the service are opened and guests are beginning to sit down. To be on the safe side, you should plan for 30 to 45 minutes of music because of delays that are beyond your control such as traffic problems, late guests and items misplaced by wedding party members.

The prelude is intended to establish the mood of the service and convey your true feelings. A solo pianist or violinist will create a serene atmosphere for your guests and prepare them for the excitement of your ceremony. However, when picking out music, you are not limited to pieces by Bach and Handel. If you feel uncomfortable with traditional, classical music, then go with what feels right to you or close to your heart even if it is modern and untraditional.