Composing The Perfect Wedding Procession: A Guide To Musical Magic

Wedding procession music is an important part of the ceremony, setting the tone for the entire event. Couples should choose music that feels personal and special to them, while also considering the vibe of their venue.

The most basic wedding ceremony music program involves preludes, processionals, and recessionals. Prelude music is light and ambient, played as guests are being seated. The processional accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, including family, attendants, and the bride. The same song can be used for each, but it's common to switch to another song when the bride enters to add drama. The recessional is played as the couple exits and is traditionally bright, lively, and celebratory.

Couples can also add interludes or songs during significant moments, such as lighting a unity candle, and a postlude as guests exit the ceremony.

When choosing music, couples should consider the size of their venue, the number of guests, and their wedding style. Live musicians can ensure the music is timed perfectly with entrances and create a more intimate and sensory experience.

- Canon in D by Pachelbel

- All of Me by John Legend

- Ribbon in the Sky by Stevie Wonder

- Air by Handel

- Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner

- Here, There, Everywhere by The Beatles

- A Thousand Years by Christina Perri

- Ave Maria by Schubert

- In My Life by The Beatles

- Love on Top by Beyonce

- Ode to Joy by Beethoven

- Wedding March by Mendelssohn

- Marry You by Bruno Mars

- I Do by Colbie Caillat

Choosing the right musicians

Live vs. Recorded Music

The first step in choosing your wedding ceremony musicians is deciding between live or recorded music. While a DJ can provide music for your ceremony, there are advantages to hiring live musicians. Live musicians can ensure that everything is timed perfectly, creating a seamless experience for entrances. They can also create a more intimate and memorable experience for your guests.

Types of Musicians

When deciding on the types of musicians and instruments, consider the following factors:

• Venue: Outdoor weddings tend to work well with larger ensembles like string quartets or guitar/drum combinations, as they provide a full-bodied sound without needing amplification. For indoor venues, a duo or trio with instruments such as the harp, flute, cello, violin, or guitar may be more suitable, as they can be amplified if needed.
• Size of the Wedding: The number of musicians you choose should generally correspond to the number of guests. For a small, intimate indoor wedding with 50 guests or fewer, a solo instrument like a violin, cello, or harp can be effective. For larger weddings, consider a duo, trio, or quartet, with a quartet being suitable for a group of 200.
• Wedding Style: The type of instruments you choose can also help set the tone and style of your wedding. A string ensemble often creates a more formal atmosphere, while a guitarist or keyboard player can give a more casual vibe.

Where to Find Musicians

To find talented musicians for your wedding, start your search early, ideally at least eight months before the big day. Check out sites that offer reviews of ceremony music professionals in your area, such as WeddingWire. You can also ask friends for recommendations or look into entertainment companies that offer a variety of musicians and ensembles.

When evaluating potential musicians, be sure to read online reviews, listen to samples of their work, and check out their song lists to ensure they can play the type of music you want. It's also a good idea to schedule interviews with your top choices and ask questions about their experience, availability, pricing, and flexibility in choosing songs.

Working with Musicians

Once you've chosen your musicians, be sure to finalize the details of your ceremony music with them. Discuss any specific songs or types of music you want, and be open to their suggestions as well. They may have ideas or be able to create instrumental versions of popular songs to fit your vision. Remember to provide them with all the necessary information, such as the ceremony start time, music selections, and contact information for your venue coordinator or wedding planner.

Selecting the songs

Know the Different Parts of the Wedding Procession

A basic wedding ceremony music program includes prelude music, processional songs, and recessional songs. Prelude music is usually light and starts as early as 45 minutes before the wedding ceremony, setting the mood as guests take their seats. The processional song accompanies the entrance of the wedding party, family, and the couple. The recessional song is played at the end of the ceremony and is typically bright, lively, and celebratory. Some weddings also include interlude and postlude songs to accompany significant moments such as candle lighting or as guests are exiting the ceremony.

Consider the Mood and Theme

Think about the mood and theme you want to create for your wedding. Are you looking for romantic, classic, or fun songs? Choose music that aligns with the vibe you want to convey. If you're having a non-traditional wedding, feel free to opt for alternative song choices instead of sticking to purely traditional options. Just remember to keep the music at an acceptable volume, as it's a wedding, not a club!

Choose Songs That Fit Your Venue and Wedding Style

The type of wedding venue and your wedding style will also influence your music choices. For example, outdoor weddings tend to work well with larger ensembles like string quartets or guitars, while indoor venues may be better suited for duos or trios. The size of your wedding also matters—a small, intimate wedding may only need a solo instrument, while a larger wedding may require a trio or quartet. Additionally, consider the acoustics of your venue—outdoor settings may require additional microphones or musicians to ensure the music can be heard.

Select Songs That Are the Right Length

When choosing processional songs, select music with a rhythm that matches the natural walking pace of your wedding party. For the couple's entrance, you may want a song with a bit more drama and a length that accommodates the length of your aisle. For interludes and significant moments, choose songs with an ultra-romantic and emotional feel.

Personalize Your Choices

Add a personal touch to your wedding procession by selecting songs that hold a special meaning for you and your partner. Think about songs that you both connect with, songs that bring back fond memories, or songs from a concert or artist you both love. Just be sure to read the lyrics carefully to ensure they convey the right message and won't ruffle any feathers!

Get Creative with Different Genres

Don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to music genres. You can opt for instrumental or acoustic versions of your favourite tunes, or even surprise your guests with an unexpected genre that still fits the mood you want to create. Your recessional song, for instance, can be cheeky and humorous if you wish.

Prelude music

• Match the music to the overall style of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding in nature, contemporary acoustic songs might be a good choice, while a traditional ceremony might call for mostly classical, instrumental music.
• Consider the vibe you want to create. Do you want the music to be more traditional, modern, or tied to your religious background?
• Think about songs you've heard at other weddings. Were there any standout songs that played before the ceremony began?
• Draw inspiration from movies and TV shows. Soundtracks from visual media can be a great way to evoke emotion and set the tone for your wedding.
• Choose the right instrument combo. A string duo or trio, a flute trio, or a string quartet are all good options. You can also add an organ or piano, or jazz things up with trumpets or ukuleles.
• Take into account the number of guests and the venue's acoustics. For a large group of guests, you'll need more musicians or amplification to ensure the music can be heard. Outdoor venues may also require amplification or specific instruments that carry better in open spaces.
• "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven
• "A Case of You" by Joni Mitchell
• "Helplessly Hoping" by Crosby, Stills & Nash
• "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young
• "God Only Knows" by John Legend and Cynthia Erivo
• "Serenade, D. 957, No. 4" by Franz Schubert
• "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy
• "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach
• "Yellow" by Coldplay
• "Ave Maria" by Beyoncé
• "Water Music Suite No.3, HWV 350" by George Frideric Handel
• "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan
• "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy
• "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "Water Music (Hornpipe)" by George Frideric Handel
• "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel
• "The Four Seasons (Spring)" by Antonio Vivaldi
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "Endless Love" by Luther Vandross ft. Mariah Carey

Processional music

The processional is a key part of the wedding ceremony, accompanying the entry of the extended wedding party, family, and attendants. The same song can be used for each person, but many couples choose to switch to another song when the bride enters to emphasise the importance of the moment.

Choosing Your Songs

The number of processional songs you'll need depends on the number of people walking down the aisle and the length of 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.

Live vs Recorded Music

There are advantages to both live and recorded music. Live musicians can ensure everything is timed to perfection, and create a seamless, dramatic experience. Live music also adds an intimate touch to your ceremony. However, if you've already hired a DJ for your reception, they can also provide music for your ceremony.

Types of Musicians

The type and number of musicians you book will depend on the venue, the size of your wedding, and your wedding style. A string ensemble tends to feel more formal, while a guitarist or keyboard player is more casual. Outdoor weddings suit larger ensembles like string quartets, while indoor venues are better suited to a duo or trio.

Classical Music

Classical music is a popular choice for weddings, and many ensembles can perform instrumental versions of popular songs. Well-known classical pieces include:

• Canon in D – Pachelbel
• Bridal Chorus – Wagner
• Ave Maria – Bach/Gounod
• A Midsummer Night's Dream Op. 61: IX. Wedding March – Mendelssohn

Modern Music

If you're looking for something more modern, there are plenty of options, including:

• Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
• River – Leon Bridges
• Higher Love – James Vincent McMorrow
• Can't Help Falling in Love With You – Elvis Presley
• All of Me – John Legend
• Love on Top – Beyonce
• Marry You – Bruno Mars

Interludes

• "Ave Maria" by Schubert
• "In My Life" by The Beatles
• "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach
• "In a Moment" by Rebecca St. James
• "The Rose" by Westlife
• "How Great Thou Art" by Selah
• "Be Thou My Vision" by Selah
• "Me Without You" by TobyMac
• "Processional" by Josh Garrels
• "The Giving" by Michael W. Smith
• "Holy, Holy, Holy" by Robbins Island Music Group
• "Beloved" by Tenth Avenue North
• "Here I Am, Lord" by Collin Raye
• "For the Beauty of the Earth" by Conrad Kocher
• "Nearer My God to Thee" by The Piano Guys
• "Panis Angelicus" by Andrea Bocelli
• "Wherever You Go" by David Haas
• "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
• "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• "I Choose You" by Sarah Bareilles
• "The Winner Is" by DeVotchKa and Mychael Danna
• "Island in the Sun" by Weezer
• "Love" by Matt White
• "Is This Love" by Bob Marley
• "Rhythm of Love" by Plain White T's
• "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes
• "Angel" by Jack Johnson
• "I'm Kissing You" by Des'ree
• "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
• "Come Thou Fount" by MercyMe
• "Here I Am, Lord" by Collin Raye
• "For the Beauty of the Earth" by Conrad Kocher
• "Nearer My God to Thee" by The Piano Guys
• "Panis Angelicus" by Andrea Bocelli
• "Wherever You Go" by David Haas
• "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
• "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• "I Choose You" by Sarah Bareilles
• "The Winner Is" by DeVotchKa and Mychael Danna
• "Island in the Sun" by Weezer
• "Love" by Matt White
• "Is This Love" by Bob Marley
• "Rhythm of Love" by Plain White T's

Frequently asked questions