Wedding Ceremony Music in Normandy

There is a moment at every wedding when time seems to stand still.

It is the moment when the doors open, eyes meet and the first footsteps echo through the silence. A moment of vows, smiles, tears of joy and hands held tightly.

The violin brings an elegant, expressive and natural musical presence to these moments.

Its sound can accompany every stage of your ceremony, whether religious or non-religious, indoors or outdoors. Led by violinist Vihuela Deshogues, based in Caen, Bulles de Swing offers live music designed to fit naturally into the flow of your wedding ceremony.

Why choose the violin for your wedding ceremony?

The violin has a rare ability to convey emotion without overwhelming the moment. It can remain discreet during an intimate passage, then become more expansive as the ceremony turns more celebratory.

• Exceptional expressiveness
The violin “sings”. Its sound can move from a soft, restrained melody to a brighter, more uplifting performance for the couple’s exit.

• An elegant musical presence
Whether solo, as a duo or as a trio, the violin creates a genuine musical presence while leaving space for voices, speeches and silence.

• Great flexibility
Church, chapel, garden, barn, château or private estate: the violin adapts easily to a wide range of settings.

• Music performed live for you
The violin is played live. Depending on the piece and the option you choose, it can be performed solo, accompanied by guitar or supported by a backing track prepared in advance.

Music for every part of your ceremony

Each part of the ceremony has its own atmosphere. Together, we choose the moments to accompany and the pieces best suited to the flow of your ceremony.

• Guest arrival and seating

Gentle music can accompany the arrival of your guests and gradually set the atmosphere before the ceremony begins.

• The entrance of the couple or bride

This is one of the most anticipated moments. The music immediately sets the tone: solemn, romantic, intimate or more personal. Examples: Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”, Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years”, Édith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose” or Yann Tiersen’s “Comptine d’un autre été”.

• The vows and exchange of rings

Music can frame this moment delicately, before or after the spoken words, while keeping the focus on the vows and commitment being made. Examples: Django Reinhardt’s “Nuages”, Debussy’s “Clair de Lune”, Sidney Bechet’s “Petite Fleur” or “Stella by Starlight”.

• The signing of the register or symbolic ritual

This transitional moment gives the music more space and is particularly well suited to a piece that has special meaning for you as a couple. Examples: The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun”, Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” or King Harvest’s “Dancing in the Moonlight”.

• The recessional

After the “I do”, the music can become more energetic, accompanying the applause and giving the couple’s exit an immediate celebratory feel. Examples: The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love”, “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas reworked for violin, Django Reinhardt’s “Minor Swing” or “C’est si bon”.

Religious or non-religious ceremony: music tailored to the occasion

Every ceremony has its own structure, requirements and atmosphere. The musical performance is prepared according to the venue and the different moments you would like us to accompany.

• Religious ceremony

In a church, chapel or other place of worship, the music is integrated into the planned order of the ceremony and takes the officiant’s guidance into account.

• Suitable repertoire: classical music, sacred music, Ave Maria or other pieces approved by the officiant.

• Music at the right moments: entrance, moments of reflection, signing and recessional.

• Coordination with the officiant whenever required.

• Discreet setup: in many venues the violin can be played acoustically, with amplification used when the setting requires it.

• Non-religious ceremony

A non-religious ceremony generally offers greater freedom. The violin can accompany the couple’s entrance, readings, symbolic rituals, exchange of rings or recessional.

• A very broad repertoire: classical music, jazz, French songs, film music or contemporary pieces.

• Music adapted to the venue: château garden, private estate, barn or outdoor ceremony.

• Personalised music based on your tastes, memories and the atmosphere you would like to create.

Our music options for your ceremony

The line-up can be chosen according to the venue, the atmosphere you want and the rest of your wedding day.

• Solo violin

A simple, intimate option particularly well suited to entrances, register signings, religious ceremonies and non-religious ceremonies. Depending on the repertoire chosen, the violin can be played solo or with a backing track.

• Violin and guitar duo

The guitar provides harmonic and rhythmic support for the violin. The duo retains the intimacy of the ceremony while creating a fuller musical presence.

• Violin, guitar and double bass trio

When the ceremony and cocktail reception take place at the same venue, the trio allows you to keep the same line-up and create a natural transition into the reception with our jazz and swing repertoire. Discover all Bulles de Swing music options.

A repertoire tailored to your ceremony

We choose the music together. The selection depends on the structure of the ceremony, your tastes, the atmosphere you want and, for a religious ceremony, any guidance from the officiant.

• Classical and sacred music: Pachelbel’s Canon in D major, Bach’s Air, Schubert’s Ave Maria.

• French songs, pop and contemporary music: A Thousand Years, Perfect, La Vie en Rose, Here Comes the Sun.

• Jazz and swing: Minor Swing, Nuages, Petite Fleur or other pieces from our repertoire.

• Your special song: when it suits the chosen line-up, we can prepare an arrangement especially for your ceremony. It is best to send us your request several weeks before the wedding.

Our experience of wedding ceremonies in Normandy

Based in Caen, we perform at weddings across Calvados and throughout Normandy.

• A wide range of venues: churches, chapels, châteaux, private estates, gardens and outdoor ceremonies. We have performed at venues including Château d’Audrieu, Château de la Chapelle in Neuve-Lyre and Domaine le Val la Reine.

• Coordination with other wedding professionals: whenever necessary, we liaise with the officiant, wedding planner or organisers.

• Early setup: we arrive with enough time to set up the equipment, check the conditions on site and be ready before the ceremony begins.

Frequently asked questions

How many pieces should we plan for a ceremony?

In general, three to five musical moments are enough: guest arrival, entrance, an optional ritual or musical interlude, signing and recessional. The exact number depends on the planned structure of the ceremony.

Can you prepare a piece that is not in your repertoire?

Yes, provided the piece can be adapted to the chosen line-up. Giving us enough notice allows us to prepare the arrangement properly.

Do you perform at religious ceremonies?

Yes. We adapt the musical moments to the structure of the ceremony and the officiant’s guidance. Depending on the acoustics and size of the venue, the violin can be played acoustically or with discreet amplification.

What do we need to provide for an outdoor ceremony?

The instruments must be protected from rain as well as excessive sun exposure. A covered area or a suitable indoor backup option should therefore be planned in case of bad weather.

Do you offer a ceremony + cocktail reception package?

Yes. We can accompany your ceremony and then continue into the cocktail reception. A duo or trio creates musical continuity between these two parts of the wedding day. See our different music options.

Do you have a microphone for speeches?

Yes. We have a microphone available for speeches and announcements if you would like to use it.

Let’s plan the music for your ceremony

Entrance, ritual, signing, recessional: together, we plan each musical moment so that it fits naturally into the flow of your ceremony.

Tell us the date, venue, type of ceremony and any pieces you already have in mind. We can then suggest the option best suited to your plans.