I'm playing for my best friend's wedding in 3 weeks' time. We've chosen part of Vivaldi's Spring from the Four Seasons for her entrance, but need something to play during the signing of the register.

For info, I'm an approximately grade 8 violinist, playing unaccompanied (or with a CD). I was wondering about Meditation from Thais but would appreciate any other suggestions. I keep finding I'm getting a bit emotional trying to choose something, I want to it to be perfect for her (soppy or what, sorry!).

Thanks for any help.

F xx

(PS For those of you who thought this thread might just have been regarding music for my own wedding - sorry! )

Does your friend have a favourite composer? Or film score?

When I'm playing at weddings, I ask the Bride and Groom-to-be if there's anything they'd like. Meditation would be lovely, but probably not long enough. In my experience, 'signing the register' can take up to 23 minutes!!

Elgar's 'Salut d'Amour'
Mackenzie's 'Benedictus'

Presumably you could get Matthew to pre-record the piano accompaniment. The Mackenzie is a lovely piece, similar style to Meditation.

And there are loads of Scottish airs...

Worth asking how long they expect it to take - I played at a wedding last year and it took about 5 minutes, which is what they told me it would take, but sometimes it takes a while to get everyone over to where the signing is happening and they may want a few photos.

I think this can be a tricky part of the service and it maybe worth checking with the bride and groom how they see this working.

In some weddings I've been to, the signing bit has been a bit of a free for all with congregation chatting, getting up, taking photos. The music at this point was just background music and all attention was focussed on the bride and groom.

In other services it has been clear that they have asked someone to play/ sing for a reason and that they expect people to listen and there will be an opportunity for photos AFTER the piece has finished. In this case 5 minutes will be fine and they may want some more incidental type music to cover photos at the end.

I wouldn't suggest one approach is better than the other as long as everybody involved has the same expectation and the congregation are given appropriate guidance. I remember one wedding where the person playing during the signing was obviously getting more and more annoyed that everyone was focussing on taking photos of the happy couple rather than listening to him, on the other hand I've also been to one where the soloist later confided that she had been expecting to just be "background" music and was rather disconcerted to find the whole congregation attentively listening to her!

Hope it goes well!

Firstly, I have played for a number of weddings so know how it works and how the music is often just in the background. Secondly, of course I have asked the bride and groom what music they want! They are not 'into' music and so have no ideas at all, hence why I am now having to choose. I don't mind doing it, I was just looking for some general ideas.