Signing

How to get the tone just right during the
signing of the register

The signing of the register normally takes 5 to 10 minutes. It may be quicker than this, especially if the bride and groom sign the register in the body of the church, rather than in the vestry.

Equally, the signing can take longer, particularly if you’re inviting lots of witnesses into the vestry, or if the photographer takes a while to get that perfect shot.

(By the way, we think that signing in the body of the church is an option worth considering, as the congregation remain involved and you actually get to hear all that music you’ve chosen so carefully!)

Traditionally the soloist or choir sings during the signing of the register, usually accompanied by the organist. Music at this point of the service is normally quite gentle, so as not to detract from the exit of the bridal couple, which generally follows immediately afterwards.

Here are some examples of pieces which are ideal for the signing of the register:

• Bach JS - Jesu, joy of man's desiring
• Mozart WA - Laudate Dominum
• Schubert F - Ave Maria

If your wedding ceremony is celebrated as part of a Mass, any of the above could also be suitably performed as the congregation receive communion.

If you'd prefer something a bit more rousing during the signing of the register, how about:

Hadley P - My beloved spake
Haydn F - The heavens are telling
• Parry CHH - I was glad

If you engage musicians through us, we’ll give you as much help as you need to choose your ceremony music.