Lyla Dejesus
Music is an important part of a wedding ceremony. It sets the tone, stirs up emotions, and shares a message with your guests. The processional is the music that plays when VIPs, family, the wedding party, and the couple walk down the aisle. It's a chance to get creative and choose songs that represent your wedding style, your love story, and your personality. While it's not mandatory to have a processional song, it is a long-standing tradition that can add a special touch to your big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | At least two songs, one for each partner's entrance. However, some couples choose a song for each group, such as parents, wedding party members, and each partner. |
| Song choice | Songs should fit the vibe of the service, mirror personal preferences, and be the right length. It is important to read the lyrics to ensure the song conveys the right message. |
| Order of songs | The processional comes after the prelude and before the recessional. |
| Prelude | Light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. |
| Recessional | Played during the exit and is usually bright, lively, and celebratory. |
| Interludes | Songs played during significant moments such as the unity candle lighting or the ketubah signing. |
| Postludes | A selection played while guests exit the ceremony. |
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What You'll Learn
- Prelude music: light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated
- Processional songs: one for each partner's entrance, or one for all
- Processional song lyrics: ensure the lyrics tell the right story and don't ruffle feathers
- Christian wedding music: keep God at the centre of your ceremony with Christian songs
- Processional order: the order of the wedding party walking down the aisle
Prelude music: light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated
Wedding prelude music is an important part of your wedding ceremony. Prelude music is played as guests arrive and are being seated, creating the first impression of your event and setting the tone and mood for the ceremony. It usually starts when the doors open, or as early as 45 minutes before the ceremony begins, but no later than 20 minutes prior. This period is often around 30 minutes, for which you'll need between five and 10 songs, or about 30 minutes' worth of music.
Prelude music should be light and ambient, and you can choose songs with or without lyrics. A good rule of thumb is to select mellow songs that won't bring too much energy to the environment, saving that for later! Prelude songs can be played by a wedding musician or from your own playlist, and you can even have a DJ or musician lead the guests out of the ceremony space in a parade-like fashion.
When choosing your prelude music, consider the vibe of your wedding and whether you prefer music that is traditional, modern, or tied to your religious backgrounds. You can also think about songs from movies and TV shows, such as The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 and Bridgerton, which are known for how well their soundtracks suited real-life weddings. If you want to greet guests with more current music, you can opt for romantic songs like "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo, "Everything" by Michael Bublé, and "Yellow" by Coldplay. For a classic or classical feel, you might choose to have live musicians play songs like "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel, "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven, or "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach.
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Processional songs: one for each partner's entrance, or one for all
Planning a wedding involves making a lot of decisions, from choosing the flowers and decor to the honeymoon destination and menu. While it can be easy to overlook the ceremony music, it is a crucial element as it sets the tone, stirs up emotions, and shares a message with your guests.
Traditionally, a basic wedding ceremony music program includes prelude, processional, and recessional songs. Prelude music is light and ambient, played as guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. The processional songs accompany the entry of the wedding party, family, and the couple. The same song can be used for each entrance, but some couples choose to switch to a different song when the bride enters to add drama and highlight their grand entrance.
When selecting processional songs, you can opt for one song for each partner's entrance or use one song for all entrances. Here are some factors to consider for each approach:
One song for each partner's entrance:
- This approach allows you to personalize the song choice for each partner, reflecting their unique personality, taste in music, or the story you want to tell.
- You can choose songs with different genres, tempos, or eras to distinguish between the entrances, creating a dynamic and diverse atmosphere.
- Consider the length of the aisle and the number of people walking down. If you have a large wedding party, you'll need a longer song or multiple songs to accommodate everyone's entrance.
One song for all entrances:
- Using a single song for all entrances creates a cohesive and seamless flow to the ceremony.
- You can choose a song that holds a special meaning for both partners or represents your love story.
- Opt for a song with an extended version or loop an instrumental part to ensure it covers the duration of all entrances.
Whether you choose one song or multiple songs for the processional, remember to read the lyrics carefully and ensure they align with the message you want to convey. Also, consider the overall vibe of your wedding and the emotions you want to evoke with the music.
- "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: Sweet and ideal for a beach or tropical island wedding.
- "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton: Soft and beautiful, perfect for a romantic walk down the aisle.
- "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z: A fun, upbeat option to kick off the celebration.
- "Marry You" by Bruno Mars: A beautiful, modern choice that your wedding party and guests will enjoy.
- "Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups: A popular and beautiful choice, especially for a classical or traditional wedding.
- "Fur Elise" by Beethoven: A lovely addition to a classical or traditional wedding.
Remember, the processional songs should be tailored to your preferences and fit the style of your wedding. You can also consider choreographing a fun dance for the wedding party's entrance to add a unique and personalized touch to your celebration.
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Processional song lyrics: ensure the lyrics tell the right story and don't ruffle feathers
Choosing the music for your wedding ceremony is an important decision. Music sets the tone, evokes emotions, and conveys a message to your guests. The processional songs, in particular, should tell the right story and be carefully selected to avoid causing any unintended offence.
The processional is the music that accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, family, attendants, and the bride. Usually, couples choose two processional songs: one for the family and wedding party, and a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional. However, you can choose to have as few as one or as many as four songs in total. If you have a large wedding party, consider selecting a song that is long enough for everyone to walk down the aisle.
When choosing the lyrics for your processional songs, it is important to read the lyrics beforehand and ensure that they align with the story you want to tell. For example, "Every Breath You Take" by The Police is commonly played at weddings, but the songwriter Sting has said that it is about jealousy, obsession, and a lost lover. Thus, it may not be the best choice to kick off your marriage! Look for lyrics that reflect the theme of love and your personal journey with your partner. For instance, consider lyrics such as: "We're gonna take a boat to the end of the world / All the way to the end of the world / Oh, and when the kids are old enough / We're gonna teach them to fly".
You can also opt for an instrumental version of a song to avoid any potential issues with lyrics. This can be a good option if you want to focus on the feelings that the music alone inspires. Additionally, an instrumental version can be easier to cut short if needed. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can decide what works best for your wedding.
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Christian wedding music: keep God at the centre of your ceremony with Christian songs
Music is an integral part of any wedding ceremony, setting the tone, stirring up emotions, and sharing a message with your guests. If you're looking to incorporate Christian songs into your wedding, there are many ways to weave them into your ceremony and keep God at the centre of your special day.
Prelude
The prelude is the period before the ceremony begins, when guests are gathering and taking their seats. Prelude music is usually light and ambient, setting the mood as guests arrive. If you're planning a Christian wedding, this is a great opportunity to play some soft Christian songs or instrumentals to create a sacred atmosphere.
Processional
The processional is the music that accompanies the entry of the wedding party, family members, and the couple. In a Christian wedding, you might choose to have gospel hymns or Christian pop songs playing during this time. You can select different songs for each group or individual entering, or you can use one song for everyone, switching to a more dramatic and emotional tune for the bridal processional. Remember to consider the length of your aisle and the number of people walking down to ensure your song choices are long enough.
Recessional
The recessional music plays as you and your partner recess, or exit, the ceremony. This music is typically bright, lively, and celebratory. You can choose a Christian song that reflects your joy and faith as you make your way back up the aisle as a newly married couple.
First Dance
Your first dance as a married couple is an incredibly special moment, and Christian love songs can make it even more meaningful. Opt for a song with beautiful lyrics that reflects your unity and your shared beliefs.
Other Moments
There are also other moments during a Christian wedding ceremony when you can incorporate faith-filled music. For example, you can play songs during rituals such as the lighting of the unity candle or communion during a full mass. Additionally, you might want to include a postlude, which is music played while guests are exiting the ceremony. You can even ask a musician to lead the guests out in a parade-like fashion.
Remember to choose songs that speak to you and your beliefs, and don't forget to read the lyrics carefully to ensure they align with the message you want to convey. With a bit of planning and personalisation, you can create a Christ-centred wedding ceremony that will be memorable for both you and your guests.
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Processional order: the order of the wedding party walking down the aisle
A wedding processional is the order in which people walk down the aisle at the start of a wedding ceremony. The processional is a symbolic and joyful moment that sets the stage for the vows and union at the altar. It is also a chance to introduce wedding guests to the special people who have played an important role in the couple's relationship.
The processional order and timing are different for every couple and are usually dictated by religion or culture. For example, Hindu and Jewish ceremonies include more family members than traditional or non-denominational ceremonies. A Catholic wedding also has specific requirements, such as certain songs being considered inappropriate.
In general, the processional begins with the officiant, who takes their place at the altar or ceremony space. The officiant may already be standing in place or may process with the rest of the wedding party. The groom usually enters next, often from a side entrance, followed by the best man. The wedding party then walks down the aisle, either in pairs or one by one, in the order of where they will stand at the altar. The maid of honour should be the final wedding party member to walk down the aisle. The ring bearer and/or flower girl then round out the procession before the bride enters, traditionally escorted by her father, but this is entirely up to the bride.
In terms of music, the processional is one of the three main types of wedding ceremony songs, along with the prelude and recessional. The prelude is light, ambient music that sets the mood while guests are being seated before the ceremony begins. The processional music should be playing when any VIPs, including the officiant, grandparents, parents, wedding party members, and the couple, are walking down the aisle. Two processional songs are usually chosen: one for the family and wedding party, and a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional. The number of processional songs depends on the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to have a processional song at your wedding. However, music can set the tone, stir up emotions, and share a message with your guests, so it's an important detail to consider.
Processional songs play when VIPs, family, the wedding party, and the couple walk down the aisle. Usually, couples choose two processional songs: one for the family and wedding party, and a more dramatic and emotional song for the bridal processional.
The number of processional songs you need depends on the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. You'll need a longer song if you have a large wedding party.
A good processional song is one that fits the vibe of your wedding and mirrors your personal preferences. It's important to read the lyrics to ensure the song tells the story you want your guests to hear. You could also choose a theme to tie your processional songs together, such as songs in the same genre or from the same era.
