The Wedding March: Processional Music For Your Big Day

The wedding march is a well-known tradition that is often overlooked during the wedding planning process. The traditional wedding march, or 'Wedding March', was written by German composer Felix Mendelssohn for an 1842 production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The song is usually played as the bride walks down the aisle, also known as the processional. The term wedding march also refers to the moment in the ceremony when the to-be-wed walks down the aisle.

The processional is one of the most memorable moments of any wedding day. It refers to the moment when the couple, their wedding party, and family walk down the aisle in a specific order, initiating the ceremony. The processional order can vary depending on the type of wedding and cultural or religious traditions. Ultimately, it is the couple's wedding, and they can create their own processional order if they choose.

The song is called 'Wedding March' and was composed by Felix Mendelssohn

The song "Wedding March" was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1842 for a production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". While it was not originally intended for weddings, it has become a popular choice for bridal processions, often paired with "Here Comes the Bride" or "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner.

The "Wedding March" is a well-known and traditional choice for bridal processions, but it is not mandatory. Couples may choose to use more contemporary music for their wedding ceremony entrance. When selecting music for the procession, it is important to consider the pace and timing to ensure a smooth and well-timed walk down the aisle.

While the "Wedding March" is a popular choice, it is not suitable for all wedding venues due to religious restrictions. Some denominations may find the song thematically inappropriate for a sacred ceremony, especially those emphasizing Christian doctrine. This is because "A Midsummer Night's Dream", the play for which the song was originally written, includes themes of magic and paganism.

Ultimately, the choice of music for the wedding procession is a personal one, and couples should feel free to select a song that is special and meaningful to them.

It was originally written for Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream

The "Wedding March", composed by Felix Mendelssohn, was originally written as part of a larger suite of music to accompany a performance of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in 1842. The specific section known as the "Wedding March" depicts the wedding procession of the fairy queen Titania and Duke Theseus. The music "captures the joyous, celebratory atmosphere of the occasion, with a bright and energetic melody".

Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" was first used in a wedding in 1847, but it was popularised as wedding ceremony music by Victoria, the Princess Royal and Queen Victoria's daughter, who used it during her wedding in 1858.

The "Wedding March" wasn't the only wedding tradition that Victoria is credited with starting. It is also believed that she began the custom of wearing a white wedding dress.

It gained popularity when it was played at the wedding of Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise and her groom, Frederick William IV, in 1858

The "Wedding March" is a popular piece of wedding music, but it wasn't originally intended for weddings. The composer, Felix Mendelssohn, initially wrote it as part of the incidental music for Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It was first performed in Potsdam in 1842.

The "Wedding March" gained popularity when it was played at the wedding of Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise, the eldest child of Queen Victoria, and her groom, Prince Frederick William IV of Prussia, on 25 January 1858.

Princess Victoria was just 17 when she married, and she and her husband had eight children. Victoria was known for her liberal views, which she shared with her husband, and her hopes that Prussia and the later German Empire would become a constitutional monarchy, modelled on the British system. This attitude, along with her English origins, led to criticism and ostracism by the Hohenzollerns and the Berlin court.

The use of Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" at Princess Victoria and Prince Frederick's wedding set a standard for weddings to come, particularly in the German- and English-speaking worlds. As classical-music historian Robert Greenberg explains, "When a royal person does something royal-sounding, everyone wants a piece of the action."

The song is often accompanied by 'Here Comes the Bride' or 'Bridal Chorus' by Richard Wagner

The "Wedding March", composed by Felix Mendelssohn, is often used to accompany the processional at weddings. However, it is important to note that the Wedding March can refer to any piece of music in a march tempo that accompanies the entrance or exit of the bride.

"Here Comes the Bride", also known as the "Bridal Chorus", is a song commonly played alongside the "Wedding March". It was composed by Richard Wagner for his 1850 opera "Lohengrin", where it was used in a wedding scene. The song became popular when played at the wedding of Victoria, Princess Royal, to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858.

"Here Comes the Bride" is usually played on an organ without vocals, although in Wagner's opera, it is sung by the bridal party after the wedding. The lyrics, translated from German, include lines such as "Faithfully guided, draw near to where the blessing of love shall preserve you!" and "Jewel of youth, proceed!".

While "Here Comes the Bride" is a popular choice for the processional, it is not suitable for all weddings. Some Christian churches, for example, disagree with its use due to its association with theatre and pagan themes. Additionally, many Jewish couples opt for different music due to Wagner's antisemitic views.

The song is not mandatory and couples may opt for something more contemporary

The wedding processional is one of the most memorable moments of the big day for the couple and their guests. It marks the start of the ceremony and is often highly anticipated.

The song played during the processional is an important part of setting the mood and creating a memorable experience. While the traditional "Bridal Chorus" (aka "Here Comes the Bride") is commonly used, couples may opt for something more contemporary. The song is not mandatory and can be replaced with a tune that holds a special meaning for the couple.

Couples can choose to walk down the aisle to a song that is personal to them or their relationship. This moment, like any other during the wedding, should be tailored to the couple's preferences. It is essential to consider the pace of the music, ensuring it matches the walking speed and allows for a graceful entrance.

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn is a popular choice. This instrumental piece, written in 1842 for Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", captures the joyous and celebratory atmosphere of the occasion.

However, it's worth noting that the "Wedding March" has a complex history. Due to its origins in a play featuring pagan themes, some religious leaders, especially in Roman Catholic churches, may consider it inappropriate for Christian ceremonies.

When selecting music for the processional, it is advisable to consider the venue's restrictions and the song's tempo. Some locations, such as civil ceremony chapels, may not permit songs with religious references. Additionally, consulting with the musician about what works well with their instrument is recommended.

Ultimately, the processional song choice is a personal decision that couples can use to express their unique style and preferences. Whether it's a traditional march or a contemporary tune, the song should reflect the couple's wishes for their special day.

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