George Boyle
The wedding song that plays when the bride enters is a highly anticipated moment in any ceremony. The right music is essential to set the atmosphere and tone for the occasion. There are many options to choose from, ranging from traditional classical pieces to indie love songs, jazz, pop, and more. Some couples opt for a unique and meaningful song, while others prefer timeless classics such as The Wedding March by Mendelssohn, also known as Here Comes the Bride. The choice of song can be overwhelming, but it is an important decision that can enhance the emotion and drama of the bride's entrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional songs | "The Wedding Song" by Mendelssohn, "Here Comes the Bride" by Wagner, "Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark's March)" by Jeremiah Clarke, "Canon in D" by Pachelbel |
| Modern songs | "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (ukulele version), "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles, "Marry You" by Bruno Mars, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, "Love on Top" by Beyonce |
| Other considerations | The length of the aisle, whether to use live musicians, the style of music |
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What You'll Learn
Classical music choices
Classical music is a popular choice for brides' entrance songs, providing an elegant and timeless backdrop to the ceremony. Here are some classical music choices for when the bride enters:
Handel's 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba'
This majestic and celestial piece by Handel is a glorious and ceremonial choice. With trumpets and a bright and exciting delivery, it will make the bride feel like royalty as she walks down the aisle. It is a challenging piece for organists to perform, so ensure your musician is up to the task.
Mendelssohn's 'The Wedding March'
A classic and traditional choice, 'The Wedding March' by Mendelssohn is instantly recognisable, commonly used in wedding scenes in movies and TV shows. Its familiar melody will have your guests turning their heads as the bride makes her grand entrance.
Pachelbel's 'Canon in D Major'
Pachelbel's Canon, often known as 'Canon in D Major', is a popular wedding choice, especially for string ensembles. It begins intimately with a solo cello before building with the addition of other instruments, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere for the bride's entrance.
Bach's 'Wachet Auf'
For a church wedding, 'Wachet Auf' by Bach is a great organ favourite to welcome guests and accompany the bridal procession. It is a lilting, elegant, and serene piece that would be a wonderful complement to the bride's walk down the aisle.
Morricone's 'Gabriel's Oboe'
Morricone's 'Gabriel's Oboe', also known as 'Nella Fantasia', is the main theme from the film 'The Mission'. It is a wonderful choice for a religious ceremony, with a serene pace and sweeping melody to set the scene for the bridal procession.
Gerald Finzi's 'My Spirit Sang All Day'
For a more modern choral work, consider 'My Spirit Sang All Day' by Gerald Finzi. This bright and ecstatic piece is a joyful declaration of love, perfect for the signing of the register or other intimate moments during the ceremony.
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Indie love songs
The bridal entrance is a moment of high drama and anticipation, and the right music can set the tone for the entire wedding. While the traditional choice for the bride's entrance is the "Bridal Chorus" or "Here Comes the Bride" from Richard Wagner's opera "Lohengrin", modern weddings often feature indie songs that hold a special meaning for the couple.
"You're So Cool" by Charlyn Marie Marshall (aka Cat Power), a gentle and wistful cover of a classic that pop culture fanatics will recognise from the film "True Romance".
"Good for Me" by Above & Beyond, a slowed-down version of their electronic song that still feels incredibly romantic.
"My Moon My Man" by Feist or "Everybody" by Ingrid Michaelson for a super mellow, twilight wedding.
"How Long Will I Love You", famously featured in the film "About Time", or "Higher Love" by James Vincent McMorrow, a cover of the Steve Winwood original, for the first dance.
Other indie artists with songs that could work for a wedding include Bon Iver, Arctic Monkeys, Maggie Rogers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Peter Bjorn, MGMT, Death Cab for Cutie, The Cranberries, The La's, Jem, Band of Horses, Young the Giant, Haim, and Awake or Sleeping.
For a beach wedding, the ukulele version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is a perfect carefree, boho-chic choice. "Here Comes the Sun" by Fred Benedetti and Peter Pupping or the Beatles version is another great option. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars is a sweet tune that will get everyone's toes tapping. "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri is a more contemporary choice that has become a classic wedding song.
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Quirky and unique songs
The bride's entrance is a moment of high drama and anticipation, and the music that accompanies it sets the tone for the entire celebration. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution when picking the best wedding entrance music, there are some unique and quirky songs that stand out.
If you're looking for something off-beat and indie, "Starlings" by Temper Trap is a beautiful, serene choice with a few big blasting moments to ensure your guests are awake and paying attention! For a groovy, alternative bride, a barefoot dance down the aisle with flowers in her hair could be accompanied by a fun, upbeat song like "Party Rock is in the House Tonight".
For a couple that wants to showcase their unique and fun side, a choreographed dance or a surprise for the guests could be in order. A song like "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon is a popular choice for a reception entrance, and its upbeat and energetic vibe will get everyone in the mood to party.
If you're looking for something a little more mellow and sentimental, a song like "When You Say Nothing at All" by Alison Kraus feat. Union Station or "Here Comes the Sun" by Fred Benedetti and Peter Pupping will add a touch of elegance and class to your entrance.
Ultimately, the best wedding entrance song is one that resonates with you and your partner and reflects your personality as a couple. So, whether you choose a fun and quirky song or something more traditional, your entrance is sure to be memorable!
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Traditional songs
The choice of music for a wedding is an important one, as it sets the tone for the entire day. While contemporary weddings allow for more freedom in the choice of songs, traditional weddings have a more limited selection.
One of the most well-known traditional songs for the bride's entrance is "Here Comes the Bride," also known as "The Bridal Chorus," composed by Richard Wagner in 1850 for the opera "Lohengrin." This song is often played in the key of Bb. Another option is "The Wedding March" by Mendelssohn, which is usually played in the key of C. It is typically played as the recessional, after the couple is married and walking off, but it can also be used as the processional. The Prince of Denmark's March, also in C major, is another traditional choice, made famous by Princess Diana's wedding. These songs are considered timeless and classic, often chosen for their regal and majestic qualities.
For those who prefer classical music, there are several options that can add a touch of elegance and sentimentality to the occasion. Classical compositions by Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi, and Georges Bizet are all popular choices for processional songs. These songs can transform the venue into a concert hall and create a regal, spiritual, or calming atmosphere.
While traditional songs are often the go-to for many weddings, some couples may opt for a modern twist on the classics. For example, the instrumental version of John Legend's "All of Me" or the steel drum version of The Beatles' "Here, There, and Everywhere" can offer a unique take on the traditional wedding entrance.
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Modern songs
Modern brides-to-be have a plethora of songs to choose from when it comes to their grand entrance. The options are endless, from sweet and emotional to fun and upbeat. The first song your guests will hear is the wedding party processional song, and it will set the tone for the entire day. So, it's essential to pick the right music to match the atmosphere and consider the distance the bride needs to walk and whether to use live musicians.
For a beach wedding, the ukulele version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is a great choice for a carefree, boho-chic bride. If you want to get your guests in the wedding spirit immediately, "Marry You" by Bruno Mars is a sweet tune that will get everyone's toes tapping. "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles is another great option that will let your guests know they can expect to hear lots of good music at the reception. For fans of Twilight or not, "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri has solidified its place on the wedding processional playlist. "When You Say Nothing At All" by Alison Kraus feat. Union Station and "Lucky" by Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat are also popular choices for modern brides.
If you're looking for something unique and outside the mainstream, you can choose a quirky wedding entrance song like "Let's Go" by Calvin Harris, "Forever" by Chris Brown, or "Found Love" by Rhianna. For a fun entrance to get the party started, "Come On Eileen" by Dexy Midnight Runners is a great choice. If you're a fan of indie music, indie love songs capture the essence of love with intricate melodies, poetic lyrics, and soul-stirring harmonies.
No matter what song you choose, the entrance of the bride is a moment of high drama and anticipation, and the right music will create the perfect opening scene for your ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions
Some classic wedding songs for the bride's entrance include "The Wedding March" by Mendelssohn, Pachelbel's "Canon in D", and "Clair de Lune". Wagner's "Bridal Chorus", also known as "Here Comes the Bride", is also a classic choice.
For a unique entrance, the bride might choose a song that holds personal significance to them and their partner. Some couples opt for a fun, upbeat song like "Marry You" by Bruno Mars or "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri. For a beach wedding, the ukulele version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is a great choice.
To create a romantic atmosphere, the bride might choose a song with emotional and soulful lyrics. Some examples include "When You Say Nothing at All" by Alison Krauss featuring Union Station, "Lucky" by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillat, and "Best Part" by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R.
