Guidelines for Wedding Music
Song Selections
Cathedral Musicians
Optional Cathedral Musicians
Guest Musicians (family or friend of wedding party)
Punctuality
Contacting the Music Department
Recorded Music
Ceremony
Deadlines
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
ATTN: Music Department
222 East Harris Street
Savannah GA 31401
Terms
Song Selections
- Sacred Liturgical music only. No exceptions.
- Music selections must be pre-approved at least 2 months prior to the wedding via Planner Form.
- A pre-approved list is on the Planner Form page to help with selecting. It is strongly encouraged that your choices come from this list.
- Director of Music has final say in all music selections.
Cathedral Musicians
- The services of our staff organist and staff cantor are required for all wedding ceremonies. No exceptions.
- The musician fees will be assessed and due 30 days prior to wedding.
- The selection of the staff musicians will be assigned by our office and you will be given their names via email.
Optional Cathedral Musicians
- Trumpet, Violin, Harp, Flute , and other are available for hire for additional fees.
- These are optional and must be arranged through our office. We handle securing the musician(s).
- If you wish to hire one or more of these instruments in addition to organ and cantor, please indicate so on your Planner Form.
Guest Musicians (family or friend of wedding party)
- A guest musician must be auditioned by our Director of Music and be approved. If approved, he or she may only sing or play during one song (Prelude, Offertory or Communion).
- One approved guest musician is the limit. No exception.
- If a guest musician is approved, there is a mandatory rehearsal with our organist and adds an additional fee ($200) for the organist and due 2 weeks prior to wedding.
Punctuality
- Please be punctual for all rehearsals and ceremonies, as our musicians are contracted for a limited timeframe and may not be able to stay beyond the original time scheduled.
Contacting the Music Department
- Please make all contact through email at savcathedralmusic@gmail.com . No phone calls. This gives proper record keeping and documentation of decisions discussed and prevents the frustration of playing “phone tag”.
- We only work directly with the Bridal Party- not mothers, planners, or friends, regardless of the circumstances. No exceptions.
- Allow 3 business days for email replies. In return, we ask that you also respond in a timely fashion to any emails we send you requesting information.
- Please communicate with our office. We are here to help! You will need access to the secured website and we will not only provide this, we will help you along the way.
Recorded Music
- Recorded tracks or music are strictly prohibited.
Ceremony
- Prelude music will be played for 20 minutes prior to your wedding ceremony, while your guests and any grandparents are being seated.
- The organist will play from his own selection.
- The ceremony begins with the Seating of the Mothers.
- Psalm and Mass settings must be chosen from the pre-approved list only. Do not use the book Together for Life to select your Psalm. Please ask if you need guidance.
Deadlines
- As soon as you can, contact the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist Music Department via email savcathedralmusic@gmail.com. Receive password for planner and start thinking about your choices.
- 2 Months prior – SUBMIT completed Planner Form, including requests for additional musicians, if applicable.
- 30 days prior- SUBMIT all musician payments due.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
ATTN: Music Department
222 East Harris Street
Savannah GA 31401
Terms
- By signing and entering your contract with the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, you have agreed to abide by these guidelines.
- The Director of Music has last and final decision in all matters pertaining to the music at the Cathedral, including all weddings.