» Wedding Music

Steps to Follow

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Here are very easy steps to follow in order to assure planning the music for your wedding goes smoothly.

Please read the entire set of Wedding Music Guidelines found on this drop-down menu. They govern our agreement and we ask that you comply with the criteria outlined.

Make contact with our Music Department Coordinator via email at savcathedralmusic@gmail.com . You will receive a Password to access the Planner Form. Please allow 3 business days for email reply.

Please, no phone calls. Communication is handled via email only.

There are recorded samples to help you decide, as well as a list of pre-approved songs. We strongly suggest you plan from this list. Songs outside of this list will need approval of the Director of Music. No exceptions.

3. Ask questions or for help!

Just email at savcathedralmusic@gmail.com to have all your concerns addressed. We are very happy to assist you!

(Replies can take up to 3 business days.)

4. At least 2 months prior to wedding-

SUBMIT completed Planner Form via the website. It will be reviewed by the Music Department and you will receive a confirmation and any suggestions for changes, if needed, within 3 business days via email.

5. At least 30 days prior to wedding-

SUBMIT checks for the musicians.

Drop off or mail to church office

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist c/o Music Department

222 East Harris Street

Savannah, GA 31401

Enjoy your wedding and the beautiful music!

Wedding Music Guidelines

Song Selections

Sacred Liturgical music only. No exceptions.
Music selections must be pre-approved at least 2 months prior to the wedding via Planner Form.
A pre-approved list is on the Planner Form page to help with selecting. It is strongly encouraged that your choices come from this list.
Director of Music has final approval in all music selections.

Cathedral Musicians

The services of our staff organist and staff cantor are required for all wedding ceremonies. No exceptions.
The musician fees will be assessed and due 30 days prior to wedding.
The selection of the staff musicians will be assigned by our office and you will be given their names via email.

Optional Cathedral Musicians

Trumpet, Violin, Harp, Flute , and other are available for hire for additional fees.
These are optional and must be arranged through our office. We handle securing the musician(s).
If you wish to hire one or more of these instruments in addition to organ and cantor, please indicate so on your Planner Form.

Guest Musicians (family or friend of wedding party)

A guest musician must be auditioned by our Director of Music and be approved. If approved, he or she may only sing or play during one song (Prelude, Offertory or Communion).
One approved guest musician is the limit. No exception.
If a guest musician is approved, there is a mandatory rehearsal with our organist prior to wedding.

Punctuality

Please be punctual for all rehearsals and ceremonies, as our musicians are contracted for a limited timeframe and may not be able to stay beyond the original time scheduled.

Contacting the Music Department

Please make all contact through email at savcathedralmusic@gmail.com . No phone calls. This gives proper record keeping and documentation of decisions discussed and prevents the frustration of playing “phone tag”.
Allow 3 business days for email replies. In return, we ask that you also respond in a timely fashion to any emails we send you requesting information.
Please communicate with our office. We are here to help! You will need access to the secured website and we will not only provide this, we will help you along the way.

Recorded Music

Recorded tracks or music are strictly prohibited.

Ceremony

Prelude music will be played for 20 minutes prior to your wedding ceremony, while your guests and any grandparents are being seated.
The organist will play from his own selection.
The ceremony begins with the Seating of the Mothers.
Psalm and Mass settings must be chosen from the pre-approved list only. Do not use the book Together for Life to select your Psalm. Please ask if you need guidance.

Deadlines

As soon as you can, contact the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist Music Department via email savcathedralmusic@gmail.com. Receive password for planner and start thinking about your choices.
2 Months prior – SUBMIT completed Planner Form, including requests for additional musicians, if applicable.
30 days prior- SUBMIT all musician payments due.

They may be dropped off or mailed to:

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

Music Department

222 East Harris Street

Savannah GA 31401

Liturgy Template

ORDER OF SERVICE: WEDDING WITH NUPTIAL MASS

Entrance of Mothers instrumental or vocal music

Procession of Bridal party instrumental music

Bride’s Procession instrumental music

Greeting and Introduction

Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading (choose a family member/friend to be lector)

Responsorial Psalm cantor leads the singing

Second Reading (choose a family member/friend to be lector)

Gospel Acclamation cantor leads the singing

Gospel (read by the priest/deacon)

Homily

Rite of Marriage

Consent and exchange of vows

Blessing and exchange of rings

Prayers of the faithful (choose a family member/friend to be lector)

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Offertory vocal solo or instrumental (short)

Eucharistic Prayer

Holy, Holy, Holy cantor leads the singing

Memorial acclamation cantor leads the singing

Amen cantor leads the singing

Lord’s Prayer (said at weddings rather than sung)

Nuptial Blessing

Sign of Peace

Lamb of God cantor leads the singing

Communion instrumental or vocal solo

(optional Presentation of flowers to the Virgin Mary)

Concluding Rite

Blessing and Dismissal

Recessional instrumental music

ORDER OF SERVICE: WEDDING WITHOUT NUPTIAL MASS

Entrance of mothers Instrumental or vocal music