Deborah Chan
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, and the processional music is arguably the most important. It sets the tone for the ceremony and is the music that your guests will remember the most. The number of processional songs you choose depends on factors like the number of people walking down the aisle, the length of the aisle, and the length of the song. It is common to have one song for the entrance of the parents and bridal party, and a separate, more dramatic and emotional song for the bride's entrance. You can also choose a specific style of music for guests to listen to while they wait for the ceremony to begin.
Characteristics and values of separate songs for a wedding processional
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | 2-3 is common, but can be more depending on the number of people walking down the aisle |
| Song choice | Choose something meaningful, perhaps a song from when you first met or got engaged |
| Tempo | Not too fast or too slow, to match the walking pace of the wedding party |
| Length | Long enough to accommodate the length of the aisle and the number of people walking |
| Venue size | Consider the length of the aisle and whether the song will need to be repeated |
| Transition | Songs can be faded in and out to create a smooth flow |
| Prelude | Light, ambient music to set the mood while guests are being seated |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a separate song for each group
The number of processional songs you choose depends on the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. If you have a large wedding party, you may want to consider having one song for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and then a separate song for the bride's entrance to create a more dramatic and emotional impact. This will also allow you to have a longer processional without rushing. However, keep in mind that too many song changes can disrupt the flow of the ceremony and make it difficult to fully appreciate each song.
When choosing songs for each group, consider the length of the song and the walking pace it suggests. You don't want a song that is too fast or too slow, as it will affect the pace of the walk. Also, consider the length of the aisle and the number of people in each group to ensure the song is long enough to accommodate their walk. If the aisle is particularly long, you may need to repeat the song or choose a song that you wouldn't mind hearing a few times in a row.
If you're struggling to find multiple songs that go well together, don't worry! The songs don't necessarily have to match. You can choose songs that reflect your personality and the theme of your wedding. For example, if you want a geeky theme, you can choose video game music or movie soundtracks for your processional. You can also consider looping instrumental songs to create a continuous flow without the need for transitions.
Finally, don't forget to communicate your song choices and timing preferences to your DJ or musician. They will be able to offer suggestions and advice, and they can help ensure a smooth transition between songs during the ceremony.
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Prelude music
When choosing your prelude music, consider the overall style of your wedding. For a rustic wedding, contemporary acoustic songs can be a great choice, while a traditional ceremony might feature classical and instrumental music. If you're having a religious ceremony, the music will likely reflect this. For example, there are many Christian wedding songs to choose from, whether you're getting married in a church or elsewhere.
Your prelude music can be played by a live musician or from a playlist. If you opt for a live musician, consider a wedding band, pianist, harpist, violinist, or string quartet. If you're unsure where to start, think about songs that are meaningful to you and your partner. For example, is there a song that was playing when you first met or got engaged? You can also draw inspiration from songs in movies and TV shows, such as The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 or Bridgerton.
- "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo
- "Everything" by Michael Bublé
- "Yellow" by Coldplay
- "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel
- "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven
- "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach
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Length of the aisle
The length of the aisle will play a significant role in determining the number and length of songs you choose for your wedding processional. If you have a long aisle, you'll need to select songs that are long enough to accommodate the walk and the number of people in your bridal party. In this case, you may only need one or two songs, but they should be longer and able to be repeated without becoming tiresome. For example, you could opt for a song with a good continuous buildup, ensuring that the climax of the song coincides with the bride's entrance.
On the other hand, if you have a short aisle, you'll want to choose songs with a suitable duration. You may need to be more selective with the parts of the song you use, ensuring that any transitions between songs are smooth and well-timed. Fading out and then fading in the volume between songs can help achieve this.
The number of people walking down the aisle will also influence the number and length of songs required. A longer aisle may necessitate more songs to allow adequate time for everyone to walk, especially if you have a large bridal party. This could include different songs for the groom, groomsmen, ring bearer, and bridesmaids before the bride's separate entrance song.
However, having too many song changes can disrupt the flow and make it challenging to appreciate each song fully. Therefore, it is essential to consider the length of your aisle and the size of your bridal party when selecting the number and length of songs for your wedding processional.
Ultimately, the decision on the number of songs and their length is a personal one and should reflect your preferences and the tone you wish to set for your ceremony.
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Tempo of the song
The tempo of the song you choose for your wedding processional is important as it will set the tone for the ceremony. It is also the music that your guests will remember the most. You want to avoid having people running down the aisle or walking at a snail's pace, so be sure to choose a song that isn't too fast or too slow.
The length of the aisle and the number of people walking down it will also impact your song choice. If it's a long walk, choose a song that's long enough to accommodate, and if it's a short walk, pinpoint a specific part of the song that you want to be heard the most. If you're repeating a song, make sure it's one you wouldn't mind hearing a few times in a row.
You can also get creative with your song choice by choosing a song that has personal significance, such as one that was playing when you first met your partner or got engaged. Alternatively, you can opt for a traditional, classical song, or a modern favourite.
If you're having a large wedding party, you may want to choose an additional song for the groomsmen or bridesmaids to have their own special moment. You can also consider choreographing a fun dance for the wedding party entrance to add a unique touch to your celebration.
- "A Thousand Years" instrumental by The Piano Guys
- "Grow Old With You" from The Wedding Singer
- Prelude to the Final Fantasy video games
- "Over the Rainbow" for younger members of the wedding party, like the ring bearer or flower girl
- "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé for a fun, upbeat track for the bridesmaids and groomsmen
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Personalising the song
The processional song is the most important music choice of your wedding day, so it's worth putting some thought into it. Traditionally, there are two processional songs: one for the wedding party and one for the bride's entrance. However, you can choose to have a separate song for each group entering, such as the parents, bridal party, and bride, to make the ceremony more personalised.
- Choose something meaningful and personal to you and your partner. Think about songs that hold a special memory, such as the song that was playing when you first met or got engaged.
- Opt for a song that reflects your personality and showcases your individuality. The processional song is a chance to let your unique style shine through.
- If you want to include a fun element, consider choreographing a dance routine for the wedding party to surprise your guests and add a playful touch to the ceremony.
- Consider the length of the aisle and the number of people walking down. Ensure that your song choices are long enough to accommodate the entire procession. If the aisle is short, you might want to pinpoint a specific part of the song, such as a verse or chorus, to be played during the entrance.
- Think about the pace of the song. You don't want the music to be too fast or too slow, as people tend to walk to the beat of the music.
- If you're having a string quartet or other live musicians, choose songs that showcase their talents and fill the venue with a beautiful sound.
Remember, the processional song is all about setting the tone for your special day, so take your time, get creative, and make it truly yours!
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Frequently asked questions
It is common to have one song for the entrance of the parents and wedding party, and another for the bride's entrance. However, you can choose a separate song for each group, which makes for a more personalised ceremony.
The length of your aisle and the number of people in your bridal party will impact the length of your song(s). If you have a long aisle, choose a song that is long enough to accommodate the walk and the number of people. If your aisle is short, pinpoint a specific part of the song you would like to use.
Choose a song that is not too fast or too slow. It is human nature to walk to the beat of the music, so you don't want your bridal party running down the aisle or moving at a snail's pace.
Canon in D is a popular choice, as is Pachelbel's Canon in D. If you're looking for something more modern, "A Thousand Years" by The Piano Guys and "Grow Old With You" from *The Wedding Singer* are also popular.
