Zen music is anything that you like...
but when people ask me for recommendations of "Zen music" I think they usually mean something relaxing.
Below are some VIDEO and (further below) AUDIO examples of Zen-style music, with what I tend to think of as traditional Zen-style instruments – flutes, chimes, water, wind. (I leave the Zen-drums, loud gongs and cracking-sticks out of this list.)
Your Ceremony Music plays several important roles. Just as the bells and drums of a Zen monastery signal to many people changes of events and organize the progression of the schedule without the need for words, so does the music at your wedding. It tells the guests and attendees, as well as the staff, what is happening. Guests, attendees and staff can then just listen for the changes of the music to know it's time to move on to the next part of the event. Here's a basic list to help you get started:
- Music Before the Ceremony begins. For this music, I'd recommend songs that are nice, relaxing, but inviting. Something people can listen to, or ignore and talk over. When people are coming in and getting settled, it's nice to have music that's relaxing but still interesting enough to ward-off any potential "I'm-here-sitting-alone" awkwardness.
- Pre-Procession Music. This change in music lets guests know it's time to cut off conversation and start taking our seats. It lets the Wedding Party know that they need to start 'staging' (getting ready and lining up for their entrance.) Sometimes this is broken into two parts, and the music changes for the parents to enter and get seated. Usually, now is when the Groom and Officiant take their places up at the altar... or they lead the procession.
- Procession Music. Sometimes lead by the parents, followed by Maid-of-Honor and Bridesmaids, Best Man and Grooms Men, (who may walk down in pairs or single-file), Ring-Bearer, Flower-Girl(s), and ultimately the Bride (who may be escorted by her father or another person).
- Bridal Procession. The music stops and then changes to signal the Bride's arrival (all stand). The Bride then proceeds up to the altar. The music stops, and all guests sit, and the ceremony begins.
MOST IMPORTANT: It's your ceremony. It has to be meaningful to you! Have your event as traditional, or as non-traditional, as you want it to be. Play the music that you think is best, at the time and in the order, that you think is best. And sometimes it may be the songs of the world around you make the perfect background music for your wedding.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/lVeCx0bM7Xg
http://www.youtube.com/embed/kOsBcL7w9XE
Some of these videos have an ad at the beginning that your DJ can scroll past before turning up the volume.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/c_2Fp8wYKl8
For the procession, it's nice to have one song, or one style of music, that then stops and changes for the Bride's entrance.
During the Ceremony, it's usually best to have no music, unless it fits well with your theme and situation.
In much of this music you'll hear the shakuhachi. The Shakuhachi is a Japanese end-blown flute with a haunting sound similar to Native American flute music. Very peaceful and relaxing.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/9oa2JrO5_3k
http://www.youtube.com/embed/COKPLZ1FmWg
You may opt for no musical instrumental, and enjoy sounds (and sights) of nature, instead.
Videos, like these, give your DJ the option of supplying some visuals, as well. There will be enough to keep you and most of your guests occupied, but between the big highlights of the event (vows, dancing, cake...) , kids and babies might appreciate a little relaxing diversion from being bounced, and hugged, or from climbing under and over things.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/2A8bafliRy4
http://www.youtube.com/embed/bHvHfNJtaGY
http://www.youtube.com/embed/zmPzbZVUp3g
If your wedding is actually IN nature, then you will probably need a CD or MP3 to download.
Here are some audio sources:
My #1 recommendation is to check out the City Library. The Library is my personal GO-TO for meditation sounds and music.
Here are some examples of what you might find there:
Nature Sounds MP3 - Instrumental Native American Flute Song, Ocean Waves for Great Tantra by Meditation, Massage Therapy, Spa Nature Sounds Relaxation: Music for Sleep (Nov 1, 2011)
Download or play now in Cloud Player.
Meditation 3 - Tibetan Singing Bowl with Rainstrom and Sound of Rain for Deep Meditation, Healing and Relaxation by Radio Meditation Music (Sep 15, 2010)
Download or play now in Cloud Player.
Satori: Music for Yoga and Meditation by Riley Lee and Gabriel Lee (1997)
If you find anything that worked particularly well for your ceremony and celebration, please share.
