National anthem at wedding ?

[itsallgoodinthehood]

Getting married at Windsor Guildhall next year . Windsor being the key point here.
We went to look around yesterday and I was surprised how emotional it made me feel . It was so overwhelming with all the history in one room .
My fiancé is Windsor born and bred hence he is very patriotic.
He goes along with the flow on most things and seriously doesn't ask for much .
BUT we were told yesterday that we needed to have 6 songs at the start of the ceremony then one for my entrance and then 3 for when we are signing the register. He wants to have two verses of the national anthem played after Ive come in and just before we start out marriage bit with the registrar.
Im quite liking the idea .
Its not too put there is it ?

It's not for me! Far too formal and pompous.

Firstly, not sure how you get away with it as civil ceremonies don't allow music or readings that reference god.

Secondly, if I were a guest at your wedding i would definitely raise my eyebrows but if it's what you want, go for it.

I would assume you are both fanatical royalists tbh. If you are, and proud of it, fair enough.

It would probably send me into fits of giggles if I was a guest, because it would seem rather ridiculous, but it's your wedding so you do whatever you want to do...assuming that they will allow you.

I'd think it was delightfully bonkers

I’d love it!

I think I'd love it

I'd probably have a wee chuckle if someone played the national anthem at their wedding. I'm Scottish though (although I don't mind the royal family). Maybe it wouldn't raise as many eyebrows down south.

I would find it hard not to laugh. Surely that's for Royal weddings only?

Sorry, but you would be 'that wedding' for 99% of your guests.

Are you marrying a member of the Royal family?

You won't be allowed to as PP said; civil weddings must be secular.

Sounds horrendous. Do you want your wedding to feel like the opening to an international rugby match?

Unless either of you are actually royal, I would think you had delusions of grandeur.

@SillyBub

You won't be allowed to as PP said; civil weddings must be secular.

Presumably she could have the music played if they didn't actually sing the words?

If you are allowed - will you expect people to stand? Will you expect them to sing?
Some people may automatically want to do both and it may feel rather awkward without instruction/clarity on what is expected.

I think it's a no from me, I'm afraid.

It's such a miserable dirge of a tune. No way.

I'd play Elgar instead. Same effect but less wacky.

Unless a senior member of the royal family (or an official representative like the Lord Lieutenant of the region) is actually in attendance it's not really appropriate. If you do include it some guests will be craning their necks around trying to spot whether there is a senior member of the royal family present that they haven't spotted and when they can't see anyone will conclude that you were just trying to give that impression.

Jerusalem or I Vow to Thee my Country would be better.

Hideous, cringeworthy. I'd think you were both a bit batshit tbh. I'm absolutely not a royalist or in any way patriotic but even people that are would probably find it a strange thing to do.

@FleetwoodRaincoat

It's such a miserable dirge of a tune. No way.

This too!

I wouldn't like it at all. I'd think it was quite cheeky if folk were expected to stand. I loathe the UK national anthem.

Why not suggest Charles Ives Variations on America:

I would hate this, and would think you had delusions of grandeur 😂 Of course, if I was your friend, I’d keep my opinions to myself.

Definitely don’t do this. Anyway, you can’t have anything religious at a civil ceremony, so it’ll be vetoed by the registrar. Not everyone who gets married in Windsor has to make a nod to the royal family.

A couple I know had Jerusalem at their church wedding, and even that felt a bit self important.

You'll get people thinking they should be singing along.

And... Two different versions?! Unless one is a grunge version, they're going to sound like the same song.