Processional Songs

The wedding processional song can make or break a bride’s ceremony entrance.

Having the right processional song can make the moment even more memorable for you as you walk down the aisle and into your groom’s arms.

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!

There can be music that the wedding party enters the ceremony venue to and finally 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.

The song should compliment the Bride & Groom’s tastes as every couple and their style of wedding is different.

Usually a slow, romantic and uplifting piece of music works well for the entrance of the bridesmaids and their very elegant bride.

An upbeat song can be used for the wedding reception entrance.

Popular Wedding Processional Songs

2014

All of Me – John Legend
2014 | Youtube

2013

I Choose You – Sara Bareilles
2013 | Youtube

Resolution – Matt Corby
2013 | Youtube

Strong – London Grammer
2013 | Youtube

2010’s

A Thousand Years – Christina Perry
2011 | Youtube

I Found You – Alabama Shakes
2012 | Youtube

Marry Me – Train
2010 | Youtube

2000’s

Halo – Beyonce
2009 | Youtube

Heaven (Candlelight Mix) – DJ Sammy
2003 | Youtube

I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
2008 | Youtube

Love Me Tender – Norah Jones
2004 | Youtube

Make You Feel My Love – Adele
2008 | Youtube

Only Time – Enya
2000 | Youtube

You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
2001 | Youtube

1990’s

Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
1997 | Youtube

Book of Days – Enya
1991 | Youtube

Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
1997 | Youtube

Everything I Do – Bryan Adams
1991 | Youtube

Fields of Gold – Eva Cassidy
1998 | Youtube

My Best Friend – Tim McGraw
1999 | Youtube

Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
1993 | Youtube

So Much in Love – All-4-One
1994 | Youtube

Songbird – Eva Cassidy
1998 | Youtube

Your Everything – Keith Urban
1999 | Youtube

1980’s

Here and Now – Luther Vandross
1989 | Youtube

1970’s

Annie’s Song – John Denver
1974 | Youtube

1960’s

At Last – Etta James
1961 | Youtube

Here, There & Everywhere – The Beatles
1966 | Youtube

Moon River (Instrumental) – Henry Mancini
1961 | Youtube

Pre 1900’s

Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride) – Richard Wagner
1850 | Youtube

Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel
1680 | Youtube

Romance (Andante) – Mozart
1787 | Youtube

Trumpet Voluntary – Henry Purcell
1700 | Youtube

What music comes after the processional? Usually the wedding ceremony & signing of the marriage certificate.

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!

When it Became More Formal

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.

Music

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!

A Time 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.