3. Wedding Music Glossary
General Terms
Prelude - The organist, singer, and musicians will begin the prelude 1/2hr before the wedding starts. This is music to welcome the guests, as well as to set the mood for the wedding.
Processional - This is the music played as the Bridal party and the Bride enter and march to the alter. Usually, the Bridesmaids and Children process to a slow and reflective piece, while the Bride processes in to a more triumphant march.
Processional or Gathering Hymn - In lieu of a processional, the Bride and Groom may choose to process in together as their guests all sing an entrance hymn.
Recessional - Music to which, the now married, Bride and Groom march out .
Postlude - Music played until the guests have all left.
Meditation or Unity Candle - This is music played or sung while a unity candle is lit (by the Bride and Groom or by the Mothers), a registry is signed (UK), or devotion to the Blessed Mother (by placing flowers at the feet of the statue of Mary). For these ceremonial elements, the music should be reflective and happy, much like the music of the prelude.
Processional - This is the music played as the Bridal party and the Bride enter and march to the alter. Usually, the Bridesmaids and Children process to a slow and reflective piece, while the Bride processes in to a more triumphant march.
Processional or Gathering Hymn - In lieu of a processional, the Bride and Groom may choose to process in together as their guests all sing an entrance hymn.
Recessional - Music to which, the now married, Bride and Groom march out .
Postlude - Music played until the guests have all left.
Meditation or Unity Candle - This is music played or sung while a unity candle is lit (by the Bride and Groom or by the Mothers), a registry is signed (UK), or devotion to the Blessed Mother (by placing flowers at the feet of the statue of Mary). For these ceremonial elements, the music should be reflective and happy, much like the music of the prelude.
Catholic Mass or Ceremony Terms
Cantor or Leader of Song - A vocalist who will lead the music and invite guests to join in singing hymns and other ceremonial music.
Responsorial Psalm - The singer/cantor will lead everyone in singing the palm. The singer/cantor intones the psalm and asks for all to repeat the refrain. This will be done after each verse of the psalm (1 - 3 verses).
Gospel Acclamation - This in an Alleluia or other appropriate acclamation that is sung just before the gospel is proclaimed by the priest or deacon.
Presentation of the Gifts or Offertory Hymn – This is a hymn sung by everyone as the gifts of wine and wheat are brought up to the alter and prepared.
Mass Parts – These are the responses during the consecration of the Bread and Wine.
Communion Hymn - This is a hymn sung by all during the distribution of communion.
Responsorial Psalm - The singer/cantor will lead everyone in singing the palm. The singer/cantor intones the psalm and asks for all to repeat the refrain. This will be done after each verse of the psalm (1 - 3 verses).
Gospel Acclamation - This in an Alleluia or other appropriate acclamation that is sung just before the gospel is proclaimed by the priest or deacon.
Presentation of the Gifts or Offertory Hymn – This is a hymn sung by everyone as the gifts of wine and wheat are brought up to the alter and prepared.
Mass Parts – These are the responses during the consecration of the Bread and Wine.
- Holy
- Memorial Acclamation
- Great Amen
- Lamb of God
Communion Hymn - This is a hymn sung by all during the distribution of communion.