The Bride's Song: A Wedding Tradition Explained

what is the brides song at a wedding

Music is an integral part of any wedding, and the songs chosen for the ceremony can set the tone for the entire day. The bride's entrance song is especially important, as it is the first song the guests will hear and can create a moment of high drama and anticipation. Whether it's a classic like Here Comes the Bride or The Wedding March, or something more modern like Marry You by Bruno Mars, the bride's song should match her style and personality.

Characteristics Values
Song Type Bridal Entrance Songs/Processional Songs
Genre Classical, Indie, Pop, Jazz, Film Soundtracks
Popular Songs "Here Comes the Bride", "The Wedding March", "Canon in D", "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", "Here Comes the Sun", "Marry You", "A Thousand Years", "At Last", "All of Me"
Considerations Distance of Bride's Walk, Use of Live Musicians, Style of Music

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Indie love songs

The bridal entrance is a moment of high drama and anticipation, and the music chosen for this moment sets the tone for the entire wedding. Indie love songs, with their intricate melodies, poetic lyrics, and soul-stirring harmonies, capture the essence of love and can be the perfect fit for a couple's procession.

For a beach wedding, a ukulele version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is a great choice for a carefree, boho-chic bride. "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles is another option that will let your guests know they can expect a reception filled with good tunes. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars is a sweet tune that will get everyone's toes tapping and eyes teary.

For a unique first dance, "Where Is My Mind?" by The Pixies is a popular choice for indie-loving couples. "Hoppipola" by Sigur Ros is another great option for an alternative wedding. Elbow's "When I'm 64" is a beautiful ode to a life spent together, with soul-warming vocals by Guy Garvey. For a simple tune, a couple might choose a song by Lennon, such as "The Only Exception".

For a chilled, gender-neutral option, "I'm the Man Who Loves You" by Wilco is a great choice. This song was first heard by the photographer at a gay wedding and has a swoony, shoegaze vibe.

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Classical music

If you're looking for something formal and traditional, you could go for the classic Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major" or Wagner's "Wedding March". Pachelbel's Canon is a popular choice, beginning with an intimate solo cello line before the other instruments join in. Wagner's "Bridal Chorus", more popularly known as "Here Comes the Bride", is another traditional choice.

However, if you're looking for something a little more unique, you could ask your ceremony musicians to play some under-the-radar classical pieces. For example, Morricone's "Gabriel's Oboe", also known as "Nella Fantasia", is a wonderful choice for the procession. If you're having a religious ceremony, hymns are a great way to break up the readings and exchanging of vows, with "Jerusalem" by Parry being a reliable choice.

For something a little more contemporary, you could consider Howard Shore's "Concerning Hobbits" from The Lord of the Rings, or Gerald Finzi's "My Spirit Sang All Day", a modern choral work that is a declaration of the joy of love.

Finally, if you're after a truly majestic feel, you could go for Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba", a tricky but regal piece for organ, or Jeremiah Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary, a fun addition to any wedding music.

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Pop

For a relaxed, beach wedding, a boho bride might choose a song with a chill, summer vibe. The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" is a great option for this, with its optimistic lyrics and relaxed feel. Another option for a beach wedding could be the ukulele version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".

For a more traditional wedding, classical music is a perfect choice for the processional. "The Wedding March" by Mendelssohn is a classic, elegant option, and Pachelbel's "Canon in D" is a beautiful, timeless choice that has been used for decades.

If you're looking for a modern pop song to walk down the aisle to, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri has become a popular choice, especially for fans of the Twilight films. "Marry Me" by Train is another modern pop song with a beautiful, powerful intro and meaningful lyrics.

For the wedding reception, pop songs can really get the party started and fill the dance floor. "Happy" by Pharrell is a Grammy-winning, feel-good hit that will put everyone in a good mood. "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5 is another fun, upbeat option that will have guests of all ages showing off their moves.

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Jazz

When choosing jazz songs for your wedding, consider the tempo, theme, and moment of the wedding ceremony or reception when the song will play. Jazz music spans many styles, including Swing, Big Band, Dixieland, Scat, and Bossa Nova.

  • "Dream a Little Dream of Me" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
  • "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
  • "When You Say Nothing at All" by Alison Kraus feat. Union Station
  • "Here Comes the Sun" by Fred Benedetti and Peter Pupping
  • "A Wink and a Smile" by Harry Connick Jr.

Some jazz songs that are perfect for the first dance include:

  • "Love Is Here to Stay" by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald
  • "My Funny Valentine" by Frank Sinatra
  • "Just the Two of Us" by Bill Withers and Grover Washington, Jr.
  • "Recipe for Love" by Harry Connick Jr.
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Ukulele songs

The ukulele is a great instrument to play at weddings, and there are many songs that can be adapted for it. Here are some suggestions for a bride's entrance song:

Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" is a popular choice, with its laid-back, island vibe and lyrics that express the longing and yearning one feels for that special someone. It's not a difficult song to sing or play, and it's a modern wedding favourite.

John Legend's "All of Me" is another inescapable choice, a simple yet dramatic ballad that tells the story of head-over-heels romance. It's a radio staple and sure to be a crowd-pleaser, but watch out for those tricky falsetto notes!

Stevie Wonder's "For Once In My Life" is a great dance song with a sophisticated structure and plenty of chord changes. It will take some practice, but it's worth it.

Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" is another classic wedding favourite with a few chord changes, and a great choice for a couple who seem inseparable is Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling In Love".

For a more modern choice, John Lennon's "Grow Old With Me" is an emotional and romantic melody, and a great option for a ukulele cover is Eddie Vedder's version of "Tonight You Belong to Me", featuring Cat Power.

If you're looking for a fun, upbeat song, you can't go wrong with Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", and for something more classic, there's always "What a Wonderful World".

Finally, if you're after a simple yet effective song, U2's "All I Want Is You" is a beautiful choice, with layers of musical simplicity and a general sentiment that, regardless of promises broken, what matters most is love.

There are many options to choose from, and you can always adapt songs to your own style, so get creative and enjoy the magic of the ukulele at your wedding!

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Frequently asked questions

Some popular songs for the bride's entrance at a wedding include:

- “Here Comes the Sun” by Fred Benedetti and Peter Pupping

- “Marry You” by Bruno Mars

- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

- “The Wedding March” by Mendelssohn

- “Canon in D” by Pachelbel

- “Clair de Lune”

"Here Comes the Bride," also known as "The Bridal Chorus," composed by Richard Wagner in 1850, is a timeless and traditional song for the bride's entrance at a wedding.

Some modern songs for the bride's entrance at a wedding include:

- “All of Me” by John Legend

- Songs by Beyoncé and Taylor Swift

When choosing the bride's entrance song, it is important to consider the distance the bride will be walking, whether to use live musicians, and the style of music that will match the occasion. The song should set the tone for the entire wedding.

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