The wedding processional is the “grand entrance” that every bride dreams about.
It is the first moment when most guests will see her for the first time and every head turns. All eyes will be on the bride as she makes her entrance.
Choosing the best wedding processional music can make the moment even more special for you as you walk down the aisle.
Usually couples will pick a slow, romantic and uplifting piece of music works well for the entrance of the bridesmaids and their very elegant bride. Although you might have a songs that is special to you.
The song should compliment the Bride & Groom’s tastes as every couple and their style of wedding is different.
Most hotels will play offer to play your song for that special and magical moment, but, is usually done on a high-fi at the back of the room and will be cut dead as soon as you reach your Groom!
1Entertainments can supply a sound system for your wedding and play all the music you require using our state of the art bose sound system. We will discuss with you what songs you would like playing and when, then when it comes to the day it’s self make sure each song is faded out at the correct moment and not just cut dead.
Some of our suggestions for this special moment include…
- Etta James – At Last
- Bryan Adams – Everything I Do
- DJ Sammy – Heaven (Candlelight Mix)
- Luther Vandross – Here and Now
- Eva Cassidy – Songbird
- Westlife – You Raise Me Up
- Goo Goo Girls – Iris
- Take That – Greatest Day
- Luther Vandross – So Amazing
- Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
- Shania Twain – From This Moment
- Minnie Riperton – Lovin’ You
- George Michael – You And I
- Gary Barlow – Forever Love
- Adele – You Make Me Feel My Love
More about the Wedding Processional
The song has not always been about showing off the bride as she comes down the aisle. In the past families would process through town from their homes.
Music wasn’t always used although local musicians would sometimes follow the families. The bridesmaids would even dress the same as the bride to confuse evil spirits so they wouldn’t curse the bride!
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 itHere 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.
