Music for a unity candle, sand or handfasting ceremony
A unity moment can feel long and quiet for guests. One song on violin fills the silence while you light the candle, pour the sand or plant the tree.
Plan on one song. About a quarter of Extreme Strings couples have a unity moment, like a unity candle or a tree planting, and Jared fills that silence with music so it isn't awkward for guests. For a handfasting, he recommends no music or music kept very quiet.
Why play during the unity moment
The violin stays quiet while your officiant speaks. A unity ceremony is different: nobody is talking, and every guest is watching you work with a candle, a vase of sand or a shovel. Jared's advice is to play, “so that... it's just not awkward for the guests.”
The unity moment usually comes after the vows and before the recessional, so it's the first music guests hear since you walked in. One song is enough. If you finish early, he can fade it out instead of stopping cold, the same way he handles a short aisle.
Handfasting is the exception
For a handfasting, Jared typically recommends either no music or music kept super quiet. Decide which you prefer before your planning call.
Songs that work
Jared has suggested Ave Maria or You Raise Me Up. Other unity picks from the song list:
| Feel | Songs |
|---|---|
| Classical | Ave Maria (Schubert), Air from Suite in D (Bach), Panis Angelicus (Franck) |
| Faith | The Prayer, How Great Thou Art, Goodness of God, Oceans |
| Modern | You Raise Me Up, Make You Feel My Love, Hallelujah, River Flows in You |
| Family favorites | Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler on the Roof), Can't Help Falling in Love |
Planning the moment
Add the unity song when you pick your ceremony music in your BookLive client portal, about two weeks before the wedding. On your Zoom planning call, Jared walks through where it falls in the ceremony so the music starts right as you step up.
Couples on their ceremony
★★★★★“Extreme Strings did such a wonderful job and truly made our wedding ceremony so memorable.”
★★★★★“This was without a doubt everyone's favorite part of our wedding!”
★★★★★“The guests all raved and loved Jared! Everyone complimented and commented on his performance and talent.”
Unity ceremony questions
How many songs do we need for a unity ceremony?
One. A unity candle, sand pour or tree planting is short, and Jared can fade the song if you finish early.
Should there be music during a handfasting?
Jared typically recommends either no music or music kept very quiet.
Can we use a religious song?
Yes. Ave Maria, The Prayer, How Great Thou Art and other faith songs are on the list.
Is the unity song on top of our other ceremony songs?
Yes. It adds one song to the usual 16 to 18 for a ceremony.