One of the most wonderful and important elements in any liturgical celebration is the music.  Music is a powerful language, capable of expressing feelings, emotions and beliefs in ways mere speech often fails.  Music is all around us, and has the ability to excite us, help relax and center us, and call us beyond ourselves.  Music, as any other art form, helps us to express the depths of our heart and thoughts, and helps propel us to another world, another way of expressing ourselves.

In liturgical celebration, we need music that expresses the deepest longings and prayers for the Christian assembly, in all of its many dimensions; praise, joy, petition, anger, rage, thanksgiving, despair and hope.  Music in liturgical prayer prods us beyond ourselves to sing of the kingdom of God; it helps intensify the many actions and signs of love that Christians are called to share with one another.  Liturgy without music is not liturgy, for liturgy is by its very essence, a sung experience.  In the context of worship, music forms us, evangelizes and calls us to serve in mission, to help bring about the reign of God.  The liturgy always sends us forth in discipleship; “go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”  Music is the most accessible and concrete way in which the assembly can be transformed from being passive spectators, into being full, conscious and attentive participants in the prayer and action of the liturgy.  Music gives us a vehicle to loudly sound our desires, our devotion, and our response to the call and vision of God.  But we sing not in isolation, but together with others who have listened and been transformed, to heed the mission to heal and create a new world.

Wedding celebrations, unfortunately, are often experiences where the assembly is reduced to being an audience, which is why the implementation of good, strong participatory music is extremely critical when preparing your wedding liturgy.  The goal of music in your wedding celebration should not be to entertain or provide pretty songs that may inspire.  Music at your wedding liturgy should encourage and enable the assembly to become active participants with you.

It is extremely important that the two of you make every effort to encourage your guests to participate fully throughout the celebration of the liturgy.  A worship program for the assembly, providing the prayers, songs and responses that they will need can assist a great deal in encouraging the assembly to become active participants in the celebration.  Perhaps you could include an announcement in the program inviting your guests to participate and sing along with the responses, hymns and prayers during the liturgy.  Make sure that the two of you sing!  If you are not singing with vigor and participating in the liturgy, the assembly will certainly follow your example.  Also, make it known to the members of the wedding party and your family that you expect them to sing and participate as well.  The liturgy is the appropriate time for celebration, not just the reception later.