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Wedding Processional Songs

The wedding processional is the “grand entrance” that every bride dreams about.  It is the moment when every head turns and all eyes are on the bride as she makes her entrance for the first time in her full bridal glory! 

Having the right wedding processional music can make the moment even more memorable for you as you walk down the aisle and into your groom’s arms. The Wedding Processional Song is the music that the Wedding Party enters the ceremony venue to and that the Bride walks down the aisle to.

Although there are songs that appear to be customary, any song can be used for the entrance from classical to modern choices and the song should compliment the Bride & Groom's tastes.

Some Processional Song Suggestions for walking down the aisle to include...

Planning a Wedding Reception? Check Out the Wedding Reception Kit for Unique Ideas!

More about the Wedding Processional

The wedding processional wasn’t always about showing off the bride as she walked down the aisle of the church, synagogue or hall where she was getting married.  Instead, the families would process through town from their homes. 

Although music wasn’t always used, local musicians sometimes followed the families playing tunes.  The bridesmaids would even dress the same as the brides to confuse evil spirits so they wouldn’t curse the bride on her wedding day!

In medieval times and later, processionals became more formal in wealthy and royal homes, where arranged marriages were normal.  But these processionals were more about showing off the wealth and power of the families than the beauty of the bride. 

Both bride and groom wore expensive fabrics and as many jewels as they could and the processional was meant to impress and everyone with how important and rich the bride and groom were. 

It wasn’t until the Victorian era that the processional began to focus on the bride as the “star of the show” and bridesmaids began to dress in gowns that were pretty but more subdued than the one the bride wore.

Make Your Wedding Processional Music Unforgettable

The most recognized wedding processional song in the world is Wagner’s Lohengrin.  Most people simply call it Here Comes the Bride.  At many weddings, a particular piece of music is played as the bridesmaids walk down the aisle that is a favorite of the bride and groom.  Then, just before the bride begins to walk down the aisle, the first notes of Lohengrin are begun.  Of course, you can choose any music you want, but it is traditional to choose different music for the bride than was played for the bridesmaids.  After all, this is your day to shine!

There is nothing like the entrance of the bride – at most ceremonies, the congregation will stand and turn in unison out of respect for her and remain standing while she walks down the aisle.  It is a beautiful tradition and one you will always remember as a bride.  Choose a piece of music that is just as lovely as this moment! 

There are lots of ways to make your processional music unforgettable.  You don’t have to stick with traditional organ or piano music.  Do you know someone who is talented playing an instrument that you would like to have play the processional?  Is there a university nearby with a music department? 

You can find wonderful string quartets, harpists and other performers through music schools.  For songs such as the Trumpet Voluntary, finding a few trumpet or coronet players can make the processional magical.

Above all, choose music that you find uplifting and beautiful.  If it makes you feel like floating down the aisle into your groom’s arms, you’ve made the right choice!

For more Processional Wedding Song ideas, make sure you grab a copy of The Wedding Reception Kit. Tools, Templates and Secrets to help you create an Amazing Reception Celebration!