Ave Maria - What do you think?

[Megara281]

Hi Girls,
I'm thinking of walking down the aisle to Ave Maria (I'm getting married in a catholic church)...is this too funeral-like?

My mother used Ave Maria in her wedding and I know she'd love it, but I'm not using very traditional music for the other parts of the ceremony.

What do you guys think?

[gr8skin4u2]

I think the song is lovely. I'm actually using it in my wedding, the grand parents and mothers are going to come in with it playing. I prefer a man signing this song than a woman. I just like the deeper pitch.

[kateyburgwald]

I am having that song playing while guests are being seated. I love the song.

[jule92]

we are using it for the mothers as well! i think it is a beautiful song, however, ours will only be instrumental

[Cashy98]

I don't like the chorus. Yuck! I love the song in its instrumental version though. I've never heard of it being used as a bridal processional though. I've heard of it being used for preludes and bridal party processionals. It's really up to you though... I mean, I don't think it would be a bad choice or anything.
What about trumpet voluntary or the arrival of queen sheba? Those are used for bridal processionals all the time.

[Megara281]

Do you girls have any suggestions for Ave Maria instrumentals? The exact artist?

My fiancee's sister sings beautifully, so we were thinking of having her record a version, but I might like the instrumental version better.

Also, do any of you know if the catholic church usually has restrictions on songs you play? Obviously every church is different, but have you run across any songs they won't let you play?

We have an upbeat version of How Sweet it is To Be Loved By You playing when we walk out, but I'm not sure if the church is going to have a problem with contemporary songs.

Thanks! Everyone's comments have been so helpful!

[jule92]

Do you girls have any suggestions for Ave Maria instrumentals? The exact artist?

My fiancee's sister sings beautifully, so we were thinking of having her record a version, but I might like the instrumental version better.

Also, do any of you know if the catholic church usually has restrictions on songs you play? Obviously every church is different, but have you run across any songs they won't let you play?

We have an upbeat version of How Sweet it is To Be Loved By You playing when we walk out, but I'm not sure if the church is going to have a problem with contemporary songs.

Thanks! Everyone's comments have been so helpful!

we are having it played on the organ!

[marstonfabc]

There are actually two popular Ave Maria's - the more comon one by Schubert, which is probably what you are thinking of, and one by Gounod (which was actually written over a prelude by Bach). You might like that one better for a processional. It is a bit more flowing and lyrical. If you are in the Houston area, please check out my site at http://www.brasshouston.com. I have a chamber group that performs for weddings. Good luck!! KM

[october06bride]

My mom loves that song, so we are using it when our moms are seated.

[Cashy98]

Yes... it was Gounod. Sorry, I couldn't remember until the other girl said it. Anyways... it's on a wedding cd titled "The #1 Wedding Album". They have it at Walmart. Its a two disc set that has tons of songs on it.

[mhickok]

Some churches don't allow recorded music, either. Besides, it's so much nicer to have a live musician.

[NovemberBride07]

i love that song. i am having one of my cousins sing it at my wedding

[marmoun714]

Ave Maria is a great song for weddings. I have only seen it used during the ceremony when the bride and groom walk over to the statue of the blessed mother and put flowers at her feet....then it continues as they walk over to the mothers/grandmothers and present them each with a rose.