George Boyle
The Wedding March is a well-known wedding tradition with a complex history. The term refers to both the moment when the to-be-wed walks down the aisle (the processional) and the recessional when the couple leaves at the end of the ceremony. The Wedding March is often paired with Here Comes the Bride or Bridal Chorus, written by Richard Wagner for his 1850 opera Lohengrin. The two songs were made popular by Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise, Queen Victoria's eldest child, who chose them for her wedding in 1858. When planning your wedding march, it's important to consider the number of people walking down the aisle, the length of your chosen song, and the pace of the music to ensure a seamless and stress-free ceremony.
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What You'll Learn
The history of the Wedding March
The "Wedding March", composed by Felix Mendelssohn, is a popular piece of music that has become closely linked to modern wedding ceremonies. However, it was not originally written for a wedding. Instead, Mendelssohn composed the "Wedding March" in 1842 as part of a larger suite to accompany a production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". The specific section known as the "Wedding March" depicts the wedding procession of the fairy queen Titania and Duke Theseus.
The "Wedding March" began to be used in wedding ceremonies in 1847 when it was played at the wedding of Dorothy Carew and Tom Daniel in England. However, it only became widely popular when Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise, selected it, along with Richard Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" ("Here Comes the Bride"), for her wedding to Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1858. This royal wedding is believed to have started the practice of playing music as the bride walks down the aisle, a change from the usual practice of only having music at the reception.
The "Bridal Chorus" or "Here Comes the Bride" was also not originally intended as wedding music. It was composed by Wagner in 1850 as part of his opera "Lohengrin", where it is sung by the women in the wedding party as they guide the bride to her bridal chamber on her wedding night.
Today, couples still use traditional wedding tunes such as the "Wedding March" and "Here Comes the Bride", but it is by no means mandatory. Couples may also opt for more contemporary music to be played at their wedding ceremony.
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The length of the processional
A typical wedding processional lasts between three to five minutes. This includes the time it takes for the wedding party to walk down the aisle, which can be up to one minute for the bride's entrance. If you have a large wedding party, you may need to allow for a longer processional. Each member of the wedding party may have around 30 seconds to walk down the aisle, depending on the length of the aisle and the pace at which they walk.
It's important to choose a song with a suitable pace for your processional. You don't want to rush your big moment because you've chosen a fast-paced song. Consider fading out the music at a good moment as you reach the altar, and discuss with your musician what works well for their instrument. You may also want to consider playing two songs that flow one to the other, especially if you have a long aisle or a large wedding party.
For a religious wedding, the processional may involve more tradition and structure, with specific orders for who walks down the aisle and when. On the other hand, a nondenominational celebration may offer more flexibility to switch things up and have more control over the order of the march. Ultimately, it's your special day, so feel free to adjust the processional order to fit your unique needs and preferences.
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The number of people walking
The length of the aisle itself will also make a difference. A long aisle in a large church will take longer to walk down than a short aisle in a smaller venue. The number of guests and chairs will also impact the length of the aisle. If you're having an outdoor ceremony, the wedding party will need to be hidden from view before they enter, so account for the distance from the nearest building to the ceremony space.
The speed of the music chosen for the wedding march will also impact the timing. A slower, more traditional piece will cater to a slower walk, while a more upbeat song will help to move things along. The song chosen for the wedding march should be practised beforehand to ensure that it is an appropriate length and tempo for the number of people walking down the aisle.
Finally, the people walking down the aisle should also be considered. Grandparents, for example, may take longer, and the bride may need to walk more slowly if she is walking with her father and needs to match his pace.
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The length of the song
A wedding processional typically lasts between three to five minutes, depending on the number of people taking part. The walk down the aisle can take up to one minute. It is recommended that you consider the pace of the song, as you don't want to have to rush your moment. You should also consider the length of the song in relation to the number of people walking down the aisle. For example, if you have a song that is a little over four minutes, you can plan for the entrance to be around the 2.5-minute mark, giving each bridesmaid 30 seconds, flower girls 20 seconds, and so on.
If you are having a religious wedding, you may want to consider the religious guidelines for choosing your wedding music. You may also want to consult your musician about what works well for them and the instrument they are playing.
Some couples may prefer to use a piece of music that is personal to them or a more modern favourite. Ultimately, it is up to the couple and what they envision for their day.
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The type of wedding
The bridal party is another important factor to consider when planning the processional order. This includes the mother of the bride, the bridal party, and even the officiant prep before the bride makes her grand entrance.
The pace of the music is also important to consider, as you will be walking down the aisle to it and will want it to have a nice walking pace. You don't want to have to rush your big moment because you've chosen a fast-paced dance hit!
If you are having an outdoor wedding, you should also consider the option of rain. Venues such as Bel Vino Winery and Lake Oak Meadows offer clear tents, but these typically come at an extra charge.
Finally, if you are having a shorter engagement, you should choose a wedding date that works for you and your partner.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding processional typically lasts between three to five minutes, depending on the number of people taking part. The bride's walk down the aisle can take up to one minute.
The "Wedding March", composed by Felix Mendelssohn, was originally written for Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It gained popularity as wedding music after Princess Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise, the eldest child of Queen Victoria, used it in her wedding ceremony in 1858. On the other hand, the "Bridal Chorus" or "Here Comes the Bride", was written by Richard Wagner for his 1850 opera "Lohengrin".
The timing of the wedding march with the music depends on the length of the song and the number of people walking down the aisle. It is recommended to time the music so that it can be faded out at a good moment as the couple reaches the altar.
