How To Lead Worship For A Wedding
By Dan Wilt
It’s a big day.
You’ve just been asked to lead worship for a wedding. Maybe you’ve done it before, and maybe you haven’t, but it seems that each wedding is very unique and requires something slightly different from us as musicians.
Why are they asking us to lead worship at their wedding? They most probably value you as a musician. They also need someone who does it well and regularly, so they know it won’t flop (it is their big day, after all). They value worship music, and the sacred space it can create.
However, unless they are musicians, they may not be thinking about the venue, instruments, sound systems, styles, songs or even what you are at your best doing. They just want it to work and be amazing – and by the way, could you involve Aunt Bessie and her Sousaphone?
So, you say “Yes,” knowing their expectations are high. Where do you start?
1. What Makes A Wedding Unique?
A Wedding is a once-in-a “lifetime” worship event. It is unique from other worship services. Two people are coming together to make a covenant with one another, along with their extended and diverse families. Expectations for a “beautiful” experience are high for all ages. It is unique – treat it as such.
2. What Are The Appropriate Instruments?
If “beauty” is important (it is always the actual, ultimate goal in a wedding), what instruments that you and others play will work? Ask the couple what instruments they would like in that church context. Note the venue and sound system. Sometimes, you need to guide them into a different idea given the limitations that day.
3. What Are Your Limits?
Where can you go, and where can’t you go, in terms of time and spontaneity? Get clear direction from the couple, and honor it. That service, including the worship set, is ultimately theirs to guide as the worship planner. Serve and avoid grand-standing attitudes.
4. Who Is Choosing The Songs?
Do the Bride and Groom already have songs that they love that they are asking you to do? Build a set based on the kinds of themes that will make that part beautiful and memorable. Keys should work for all ages, and songs that are unfamiliar should be recognized as such.
WorshipTraining has a new 5-minute Video and FULL COLOR PDF EBOOK with which you can learn, and teach others, to lead worship beautifully in a wedding setting.
Check out the full “How To Lead Worship For A Wedding” Video and eBook here.
Join our FREE Whiteboard Worship Training Master Class webinar here.
