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weddings

Do you need high-quality live music for your special event? Prickly Pear is here for you!

In this section, you can find general information, musical samples, and repertoire. If you don’t see something here that you need, feel free to reach out to us with more questions or inquiries HERE!

Below is a general outline of what most wedding planning parties would request for live music performances. Timings, order, ensemble size, and selections are always up for negotiations—Prickly Pear is here to make your special day an unforgettable experience!

Prelude

Prelude music is usually light and starts as early as 15-45 minutes before the wedding ceremony. The music in the background helps to set the mood for the wedding while the guests take their seats.

processional

The music that accompanies the entrance of the family attendants of the wedding, the wedding party, and the bride is performed in the processional section.

interlude

Also known as the section with the ring exchange or vows, some weddings have significant moments that are brought to life with special music in the background. Some ceremonies include hand-fasting, candle lighting, knot tying, and such.

recessional

The recessional plays at the end of the ceremony. Bright and lively tunes during recessionals are usually made up of the traditional classical selections or popular songs that are used to celebrate!

postlude

Postlude music is usually light and starts right after the recessional for anywhere from 10-30 minutes to conclude the wedding ceremony, usually going into the dinner or cocktail hour.

check out some

repertoire samples

More selections include:

Bach, Johann Sebastian

  • “Ave Maria” adapted by Charles Gounod from WTC Prelude #1

  • “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” from Cantata #147

  • Suite #3 in D Major

    • “Air”

    • “Bourree”

    • “Gavotte”

    • “Gigue”

    • “Overture”

Clarke, Jeremiah

  • Trumpet Voluntary

Faure, Gabriel

  • “Berceuse” from “Dolly” Suite, Op. 56

  • “Sicilienne” from Pelleas et Melisande, Op. 78

Gluck, Christoph Willibard

  • “Minuet & Dance of the Blessed Spirits” from Orpheus

Handel, Georg Frederick

  • Water Music Suite

    • “Air”

    • “Allegro”

    • “Andante”

    • “Hornpipe”

Mendelssohn, Felix

  • “Regrets” from Song Without Words, Op. 19, #2

  • “Spring-Song” from Songs Without Words, Op. 62 #6

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

  • “Andante” from Piano Concerto #21, K. 467

  • “Romanza” from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525

Pachelbel, Johann

  • Canon in D major

Schubert, Franz

  • “Andante” from String Quartet in A minor, Op. 29 “Rosamunde”

Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich

  • Swan Lake

    • “Danses des petit cygnes”

    • “Theme”

Traditional Irish

  • Londonderry Air

Wagner, Richard

  • “Bridal Chorus” from Act III of Lohengrin

Various Artists

  • Several popular and well-known songs, arranged

We are always continuing to expand our wedding and special event repertoire selections. Check back for more updates throughout the seasons!

Prickly Pear also takes requests for arrangements in advance; if you don’t see something on here that you’d like, just send us a message and we’ll let you know if we have it as a selection or if we can arrange it!

*Please note that arrangement fees may be added to the cost of hiring