Tony Ward Music | Weddings

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Considering music for your wedding?

Thank you for exploring what I can offer you as your wedding music minister! Whether on my own or with a group of musicians you hire, I am ready to help you arrange a meaningful, prayerful and beautiful celebration of your sacramental union.

As the full-time Director of Music at St. John's, I have a personal, collaborative relationship with our presiders, preparers and wedding coordinators, and a comfortable familiarity with our worship space, acoustics, instruments and sound system. As a musician with years of experience in sacramental wedding ceremonies, I can offer you confident and compentent service before and on your big day.

Here are some important items and FAQs to note when considering your wedding music. If you have further questions or comments, or would like to check my availability for your ceremony, please contact me.

How far in advance do we need to contact musicians?
Musicians are typically very busy people, often having schedules extending years in advance! I strongly suggest making contact with me and any other musicians you are considering at least six months prior to your wedding day. While you may be able to "luck out" on short notice, the chances are slim and it creates a difficult and stressful situation for you and the musicians involved. I require at least eight weeks notice.

Can you help us find good musicians?
I'm happy to! I have good relationships with several fine musicians who are familiar with St. John's, and would be happy to recommend them to you. Remember, however, that it is ultimately up to you to hire musicians.

Are you available for weddings in places other than St. John's?
Unfortunately, no. My commitments to family and ministry keep me "home-bound." =)

What are your fees and conditions?
My fee for services is $250.00, which includes consultation beforehand and services rendered on the day of the wedding. I ask for a $100, non-refundable* deposit at the time we confirm our reservation, and the balance paid on or before the day of our consultation appointment.

If you are interested in consultation only, my fee is $100.

*Because I reserve an entire weekend for you on confirmation, this fee is non-refundable, unless I cancel our reservation.

How much music do we need?
This depends on what type of celebration you are planning.

If you are planning a wedding mass, then you will need:

Prelude and Postlude music (optional);
Selections for the seating of parents and grandparents, procession of the wedding party, and bridal procession;
A sung responsorial psalm;
A sung Gospel Acclamation;
Songs for the Preparation of Gifts and Communion;
Acclamations for the Eucharistic Prayer (Holy, Memorial Acclamation, Amen) and the Lamb of God;
A selection for the Recessional;
and selections for optional ritual pieces such as the Unity Candle, devotions to Mary, cultural ritual elements, etc.

If you are planning a sacramental liturgy (no communion), then you will need:

Prelude and Postlude music (optional);
Selections for the seating of parents and grandparents, procession of the wedding party, and bridal procession;
A sung responsorial psalm;
A sung Gospel Acclamation;
A selection for the Recessional;
and selections for optional ritual pieces such as the Unity Candle, devotions to Mary, cultural ritual elements, etc.

When do we meet for consultation?
I find the best time frame is six to eight weeks prior to the ceremony. This gives you time beforehand to work out details with your presider, while providing adequate time for musicians to prepare.

What do we need to bring to our appointment?
Please have the following decisions made prior to our appointment:

What type of ceremony you are planning
Who is your presider?
Your scripture readings (these readings form a wonderful foundation for your music selections)
Musicians you have hired
What ritual elements you wish to include (unity candle, devotions to Mary, cultural elements, etc)

What do you consider appropriate music? Are there songs you won't do?
I have a broad and open-minded sensitivity to music, and have used a wide variety of pieces in weddings, but there are considerations to be made due to the sacramental and communal nature of this liturgy. There are appropriate moments in the ceremony for classical music and meditations, secular pieces, and so forth (e.g., preludes, postludes, processionals, recessionals). However, the nature of the liturgy demands a more communal ("church song") approach to songs for communion, responses and acclamations, etc. It's always important to consider singing with the community gathered as opposed to singing at them!

Secular music—pop music in particular— must be carefully considered and mutually agreed upon by you, myself, and your presider. Lyrics should be screened for elements which either detract from or contradict the sacramental and sacred nature of your new life together. If, like me, you and your spouse-to-be have "your song" (ours is Louis Armstrong's "A Kiss to Build a Dream On!") and it presents a challenge under these circumstances, you might consider it as your first dance, or in another prominent place at the reception.

I do reserve the right to refuse inclusion of music which conflicts with the principles I've stated above.

It is a joy to witness the sacramental union of two people with God in marriage. I offer my services not only as a vocalist and pianist but as a liturgical music minister, helping to create a prayerful celebration which engages all those gathered in celebrating your new life in God and each other.

Considering music for your wedding?