Music Explanation

Prelude – Music before the Liturgy begins, the time when your guests are arriving. This music sets the mood, light classical and baroque, happy, melodies that are often recognized. This set is usually determined by the Director of Music and varies little from each Basilica wedding liturgy.

Chiming of the Hour – Westminster Peal, a well-known ringing of the Basilica Carillon, it takes place each hour on the dot. It concludes with a single toll for each hour, i.e. two tolls at 2 p.m., etc.

The Basilica of St. Lawrence has a three part procession at the beginning of each wedding. One song is chosen for the Formal Seating; one song is chosen for the Bridal Party Procession, and one song is chosen for the Bridal Entrance.

Formal Seating – A selection chosen during the conference of the couple and the Music Director for use during the escorted seating honored guests; typically Grandmothers, Step-mothers, and Mothers of the bride and groom.

Bridal Party Procession – A selection chosen during the conference of the couple and the Music Director for use during the procession or entrance of the clergy, groom, groomsmen, bridal attendants, ring bearers and flower girls.

Bridal Entrance – A selection chosen during the conference of the couple and the Music Director for use while the bride and her escort approach the Altar. Responsorial Psalm – The sung refrain and verses of a Psalm, found in the “Together for Life” booklet, C section.

Gospel Acclamation Verse – Also known as the Alleluia, this sung refrain and verse is found in the “Together for Life” booklet, E section.

Recessional – A selection chosen during the conference of the couple and the Music Director for use during the departure of the couple, wedding party, clergy, and honored guests.

Postlude – Music while the congregation leaves the church.