Wedding Ceremony Layout
Every wedding ceremony is deeply personal, and no two celebrations are ever the same.
To help you begin planning, we have created a selection of sample ceremony programmes to illustrate how music can be thoughtfully woven throughout different styles of service, including Catholic ceremonies, Church of Ireland services, and non-religious ceremonies.
These programmes are intended as inspiration only, and your own ceremony can be beautifully tailored to reflect your individual style, traditions, and preferences.
Please note that for religious ceremonies, certain hymns and musical selections may require approval from your priest or celebrant prior to finalising your booklet.
Whether you envision timeless hymns, classical favourites, or contemporary instrumental pieces, the right music will set the tone for a truly unforgettable day. These samples are designed to guide and inspire you as you plan the flow of your celebration.
Catholic Church Ceremony
All music selections must be approved by your priest before going to print.
A Catholic Church Ceremony requires hymns during the Mass.
Entrance of the Bride & Bridal Party
A moment of grandeur and anticipation
Can’t Help Falling in Love
Lighting of the Individual Candles
Symbolising two lives before marriage
Clair de Lune (Debussy)
Responsorial Psalm
Must be chosen from the Book of Psalms - must be a hymn
Mo Ghrá Thu
Gospel Acclamation
Response before the Gospel
Alleluia
Lighting of the Unity Candle
A short instrumental or verse - symbol of unity in marriage
Glasgow Love Theme (Love Actually)
Offertory
Sacred and timeless - a point for reverence
Ave Maria (Schubert)
Sign of Peace
Gentle and uplifting
Tabhair Dom Do Lamh
Communion Hymns
2 pieces recommended - peaceful, spiritual, and moving
Nella Fantasia
Pie Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
Signing of the Register
A beautiful photo opportunity - reflective yet romantic pieces work best
Feels Like Home
Only You
Note: The 2nd piece may not be performed depending on how long your photographer takes.
Recessional
Joyful, lively, and celebratory - your first walk as a married couple
Dreams (The Cranberries) - upbeat and iconic Irish choice
Non Religious Ceremony
Every non-religious ceremony is designed with a personal touch. As each celebrant offers a different format, your ceremony layout will be shaped in partnership with them to create something truly bespoke.
Entrance of the Bride & Bridal Party
A moment of grandeur and anticipation
Can’t Help Falling in Love
Lighting of the Individual Candles
Symbolising two lives before marriage
Clair de Lune (Debussy)
Song Between Readings
A wonderful place to include something personal or meaningful to you
Only You
Lighting of the Unity Candle
A short instrumental or verse - symbol of unity in marriage
Glasgow Love Theme (Love Actually)
Signing of the Register
A beautiful photo opportunity - reflective yet romantic pieces work best
Feels Like Home
Iris
Note: The 2nd piece may not be performed depending on how long your photographer takes.
Recessional
Joyful, lively, and celebratory - your first walk as a married couple
Dreams (The Cranberries) - upbeat and iconic Irish choice
Church of Ireland
All music selections must be approved by your rector / vicar before going to print.
A Church of Ireland Ceremony requires hymns during the service.
Entrance of the Bride & Bridal Party
A moment of grandeur and anticipation
Can’t Help Falling in Love
Lighting of the Individual Candles
Symbolising two lives before marriage
Clair de Lune (Debussy)
Opening Hymn
A timeless hymn to begin the service
Be Thou My Vision
Hymn Between Readings
How Great Thou Art
Lighting of the Unity Candle
A short instrumental or verse - symbol of unity in marriage
Glasgow Love Theme (Love Actually)
Instrumental / Hymn
Optional reflective moment within the service
As I Went Down to the River to Pray
Signing of the Register
A beautiful photo opportunity - reflective yet romantic pieces work best
Feels Like Home
Only You
Note: The 2nd piece may not be performed depending on how long your photographer takes.
Recessional
Joyful, lively, and celebratory - your first walk as a married couple
Dreams (The Cranberries) - upbeat and iconic Irish choice