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The wedding ceremony sits at the very heart of your special day. It is the point at which you exchange vows with your chosen partner and make a lifetime commitment to each other. So you’ve opted for a civil service. How can you imbue a civil wedding ceremony with the sense of tradition and meaning that comes as part and parcel of a conventional religious service?

How does a civil ceremony work?

A civil ceremony can take place in a Registry Office or any other establishment that is licensed for marriage ceremonies. The wedding is conducted by a registrar, and must be of a strictly non-religious nature. Whilst there are certain formal statements which must be exchanged, it is possible to tailor the ceremony to ensure it is personal to you. You can also choose readings and music which can really make your day special.

If you stick with the essential formula of words that the registrar must include, the civil ceremony is very short. The addition of music, poetry or readings to the proceedings gives you the opportunity of placing your wedding vows in a personal context, and will enhance the atmosphere, style and substance of your wedding. It also enables you to gently relax into the ceremony before you actually exchange your marriage vows.

Music playing softly before the wedding ceremony begins

Music, playing softly as your guests gather before the wedding ceremony takes place, helps to develop the sense of importance that should accompany an exchange of wedding vows. It creates a mood of contemplation and expectancy, and settles your guests in anticipation of the bride’s entrance. The particular style of music you choose will help to set the scene for the ceremony to follow.

The entrance of the bride

A musical fanfare tells your guests that something important is about to happen. A joyful piece of music turns the entrance of the bride into a special event.

Usually, the entrance walk is not a lengthy one! However, there is no reason why a complete piece or section of music cannot be included for the bride’s entrance (with or without bridesmaids). Listening to an inspiring piece of music, or lyrics that are particularly meaningful to yourself and your partner at the beginning of your wedding, gives you a few moments to compose yourselves before the ceremony proper actually starts.

Include personal readings and poetry in your wedding ceremony

Lend your wedding ceremony personal significance by including a couple of poems or short readings that sum up your feelings for each other. You could choose a piece that affirms your love for each other before the ceremony takes place, which will serve to enhance the actual moment of taking the vows.

You might further choose to include a poem or reading that underlines the extent of the lifetime commitment that you are making to each other. This will help to place the exchange of vows in a more personal and real context.

Ask family members or special friends to read these passages for you. The involvement of close friends and family in the formalities will serve to underline and deepen the meaning of the exchange of vows that is taking place. The involvement of guests as more than mere witnesses to the process personalises the ceremony and increases the power of the exchange of promises being made.

Include particular songs or pieces of music in your wedding ceremony

The signing of the register is the perfect point to include favourite musical items. Music has the power to touch places that words by themselves cannot reach! You can enhance the sense of occasion by selecting songs or particular pieces of music that sum up the commitment you are making to each other.

The style of music you choose will also help to give your wedding ceremony a personal signature. A classical string quartet will give a formal sense of tradition, whereas a selection of Irish jigs and reels will lend a more homely, rural feel to the occasion. Swing jazz, on the other hand, can add a spot of worldly razzmatazz to the occasion.

Music creates a joyful finale to your wedding ceremony

There is nothing quite like live music for creating the sense of celebration you are aiming for as your wedding ceremony reaches its climax. Whether it’s down-home jigs and reels, bubbly Haydn or Mozart, or jaunty Sinatra-style swing jazz classics, light-hearted music brings out the smiles and puts a spring in the step of all concerned.

With bright, happy live music as an integral part of your wedding ceremony, it won’t be long before the corks are popping, the champagne flowing!

Discuss your wedding ceremony with the registrar

When you’ve chosen the ideal readings, poetry and music for your own personalised wedding ceremony, do make sure that you discuss your plans with the registrar. You need to be aware that, legally speaking, nothing with explicit religious content can be included in a civil wedding ceremony. It’s very important to make sure that none of your choices overstep this mark.

How to include music in your wedding plans

Be sure to check out the Hop Till You Drop Guide on How to Include Music in Your Wedding Plans. It’s chock-full of useful advice about how to include live music of all styles and types not just in your wedding ceremony, but also in the drinks reception, the wedding breakfast and the evening reception party.

Think carefully about your marriage ceremony well in advance. It is the inclusion of significant readings, poetry and music that will personalise your particular wedding, making it a special and memorable occasion that will stay with you for a lifetime.