Mendelssohn orchestrated his work for an average-sized orchestra. However, none of the movements share similar instrumentation. The following is a list of the performing forces used in each movement of the work:
- Overture – 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in A, 2 Bassoons, Horn in E, Trumpet in E, Ophicleide (bass key bugle), Timpani (E, B), 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, Double Bass.
- No. 1 Scherzo (Allegro vivace) (After the First Act) – Flute, Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn in D, Trumpet in D, Timpani (G,D), 2 Violins, Viola, Cello/D.B.
- No. 2 Elfenmarsch (Fairies' March) (L’istesso tempo, Allegro vivace) – Flute, Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Bassoon, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, D.B.
- No. 3 Bunte (O ye spotted snakes) (Allegro ma non troppo) – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in A, Bassoon, Horn in D, Trumpet in D, Timpani (D,A), 2 Violins, Viola, Cello or D.B., 2 Soprano Solos, Chorus (2 Soprano, 2 Alto)
- No. 4 Was du wirst erwachend sehn (The Spells) (Andante - Allegro molto) – Flute, Clarinet in A, Bassoon, Violin, D.B.
- No. 5 Intermezzo (Allegro appassionato) (After the Second Act) – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in A, Bassoon, Horn in A, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, D.B.
- No. 6 Welch hausbacknes Volk (What hempen homespuns) (Allegro - Allegro Molto - Andante) – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in A, Bassoon, Ophicleide, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello/D.B.
- No. 7 Notturno (Con moto tranquillo) – Flutes, Oboe, Clarinet in A, Bassoon, 2 Horns in E, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello/D.B.
- No. 8 Andante (Removal of the Spells) – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in A, Bassoons, Horn in E, Trumpet in E, Timpani (E, B), 2 Violins, Viola, Cello/D.B.
- No. 9 Hochzeitmarsch (Wedding March) (Allegro vivace) (After the Fourth Act) – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in C, Bassoon, Horn in G, 3 Trumpets in C, Alto & Tenor Trombone, Bass Trombone, Ophicleide, Timpani (C,G), Cymbals, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, D.B.
- No. 10 Marcia Funebre (Funeral March) – Trumpet in C, Timpani (C,G), Clarinet in C, Bassoon
- No. 11 Ein Tanz Von Rupeln (Dance of the Clowns) (Allegro di molto) – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in A, Bassoons, Horn in E, Ophicleide, Timpani (E, B), 2 Violins, Viola, Cello/D.B.
- No. 12 Hochzeitmarsch reprise (Allegro vivace) – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in C, Bassoon, Horn in G, 3 Trumpets in C, Alto & Tenor Trombone, Bass Trombone, Ophicleide, Timpani (E,B), Cymbals, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, D.B.
- Finale (Allegro di molto) – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in A, Bassoons, Horn in E, Trumpet in E, Timpani (E, B), 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, D.B., Chorus (Soprano, Alto)