Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church
Wedding Music
Marriage is a sacrament.
It is a visible sign of God’s grace. This is the day you affirm your love and commitment not only to each other, but also to the parish community. It is not a private ceremony, but a Liturgy (a work of the people) in the truest sense of the word- one that involves your families and friends. May it ring with joyful song!
Confirm your wedding info with the Music Director.
Please submit this portion as soon as you are able. The music selections below may be submitted later.
Please Note
The music coordinator is available to answer any questions you have and to assist with song choices. If you would like the music coordinator to assume the responsibility of creating a beautiful and appropriate line-up of music for your wedding, feel free to ask! Please do not hire musicians on your own. Once you submit your selections below, the Music Director will hire musicians on your behalf. If you are preparing a program or worship aid for your ceremony, the Music Director will be happy to look over a draft copy for accuracy with the music portion. Simply send your draft to the contact listed below. Requests for songs sung in Spanish or other languages, Latin Mass Acclamations, or military or patriotic songs should be directed to:
Paul Wattigny Music Director at OLL
312 Lafitte St. Mandeville, LA 70448
Cell (225)281-7285 Office (985)626-5671 ext. 4102 music@ollparish.info
Wedding Music Guidelines
Because of the solemnity of this sacrament, only sacred, liturgical music is acceptable for your wedding ceremony or mass. Show tunes, pop music, secular love songs, operatic wedding songs, etc., are not considered appropriate for a wedding ceremony, no matter ‘how nice.’ Save them for the reception!
Cantors at weddings encourage participation in your wedding ceremony. They also lead the Gloria, the Psalm and Gospel Acclamation, etc., whether you are having just a ceremony, or a full mass. In addition, our cantors are familiar with the music in our hymnals. Since wedding rehearsals are mainly ‘blocking’ for the wedding participants (who stands where, etc.), the organist and cantor do not attend.
We require that you use only those organists and cantor/vocalists on our music staff, and instrumentalists will be chosen from OLL’s approved list. This is to ensure the integrity of the liturgical celebration. If your first choice vocalist cannot make the wedding for reasons such as family emergency, illness, or other reasons, we will endeavor to have your second choice vocalist present, but in any case, will have a professional vocalist singing for your wedding. Regarding the organist/pianist, the accompanist will be Paul Wattigny or other organist approved by Paul Wattigny. The OLL Music Director reserves the right to assign an organist/pianist to do your wedding.
Please note that the organist receives an additional $100 rehearsal fee per ½ hour for any extra rehearsals required with outside singers or musicians of any kind. Our musicians are familiar with the wedding music repertoire on these sheets, making rehearsal unnecessary. In rare circumstances, an outside accompanist may be allowed. If approval is given for a qualified, outside accompanist, other than those listed, that meets with Music Director’s approval, a bench fee of $350 may be charged.
Please remember that an OLL cantor featured below MUST be used for the liturgy. Our cantors have achieved NPM certification as cantors and know all music contained in these guidelines. An outside singer may sing one prelude piece or an approved selection after Communion.
Musicians’ fees are due no later than one month prior to the wedding. A reminder will be emailed approximately two to three months before your wedding day. Once fees are submitted, they are nonrefundable.
If you have a preference as to your organist, please let us know and we will endeavor to comply with your request, subject to organist’s availability. Everyone on Our Lady of the Lake’s music staff is committed to helping to make your marriage ceremony a spiritual and meaningful celebration through music and prayer.
Instructions for making selections:
View the videos in each section below. Make note of your preferences and submit your choices in the form at the bottom of this page.
Cantors
Processional music selections
One selection will be for mothers/grandmothers and one for the bridal party. If you have less than three bridesmaids, you may use the same processional music for mothers/grandmothers and for the bridal party.
Bride’s Entrance Selections
You may also choose from the processional selections from above if desired.
Responsorial Psalms
The Psalm between the Old and New Testament reading is sung by the cantor and the congregation. All of the following options are appropriate for other instruments to also join in. Choose one.
Preparation of the Gifts
This music occurs after the General Intercessions in the Mass. If there is no Mass, this selection is not needed. However, these selections can be included in Prelude music. Other instruments can play here and other music can be chosen as long as it meets liturgical guidelines. You may choose a solo selection or a congregational hymn.
Solo Selections
Congregational Hymns
Communion
If there is no Mass, this selection is not needed. However, these selections can be included in Prelude music. Other instruments can play here and other music can be chosen as long as it meets liturgical guidelines. You may choose a solo selection or a congregational hymn. Please choose one selection from each of the following categories if you anticipate a large congregation.
Solo Selections
Congregational Hymns
Recessional Music
This is usually the wedding liturgy’s most festive and joyous of musical expressions. All pieces may feature the addition of optional trumpet of other instruments.
Make your selections
All weddings at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church must have an approved organist/pianist and a vocalist. The organist/pianist will be selected for you and cost $350. Note that fees will apply for each musician hired. Upon receiving your requests, the Music Director will contact you to confirm pricing and musicians will be hired on your behalf. Harpists may require a signed contract and deposit payment.