When it comes to planning a wedding, music plays an integral role in setting the tone and ambiance. One of the most significant musical moments in a wedding ceremony is the processional, which is the music played as the wedding party and the bride make their entrance. With a plethora of options available, from classic to contemporary, we've compiled a list of popular wedding processional songs, along with video suggestions, to help you make an informed decision.
The music you choose for your wedding processional sets the stage for your special day. It's a moment that you and your guests will remember for years to come, so selecting the perfect song is crucial. Whether you're looking for a traditional piece or a more unconventional tune, we've got you covered with this comprehensive guide.
Classical Wedding Processional Songs
For many couples, a classical processional song is the perfect fit for their wedding ceremony. These timeless pieces evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication, creating a memorable atmosphere.
While there are numerous classical options to choose from, some of the most popular include:
Canon in D - Pachelbel
Pachelbel's Canon in D is a widely recognized and beloved classical piece. Its lively yet serene melody makes it an excellent choice for a wedding processional. Here's a link to a string quartet version.
Another popular arrangement is a piano solo version, which can be found here.
Wedding March - Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn's Wedding March, also known as the Bridal Chorus, is a classic processional song that is often used in traditional weddings. Its joyful and triumphant melody makes it a fitting choice for a bride's entrance. You can listen to a recording of the Wedding March here.
Some couples also opt for Mendelssohn's Processional from the Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night's Dream, which offers a more romantic and dreamy alternative to the Wedding March.
Contemporary Wedding Processional Songs
If you're looking for a more modern sound for your wedding processional, consider these contemporary options. They offer a diverse range of styles, from instrumental pieces to vocal songs.
Some popular contemporary processional songs include:
All of Me - John Legend
John Legend's "All of Me" is a beloved ballad that expresses the deep love and commitment shared between two people. Its romantic lyrics make it an ideal choice for a wedding processional. Here's a link to the original recording.
Alternatively, you might consider a piano instrumental version of "All of Me," which can be found here.
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years" is another popular choice for contemporary wedding processional music. Its uplifting and heartfelt lyrics are perfect for capturing the emotion of the moment. You can watch a performance by the original artist here.
For a more instrumental take, consider this piano and strings version by Vitamin String Quartet.
From This Moment - Shania Twain
Shania Twain's "From This Moment" is a romantic ballad that captures the beauty of saying "I do." Its upbeat melody and heartfelt lyrics make it an excellent choice for a wedding processional. Here's a link to the original recording.
For a more classic instrumental version, consider this rendition by the Piano Guys, which you can find here.
The pleasure of your company
While a classical or contemporary processional song is a time-honored tradition, there are no hard-and-fast rules. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you should select the music that best reflects your personality and style. If you're feeling adventurous, consider using a unique piece or even a popular film score.
For example, some couples have chosen songs like the Main Theme from Harry Potter or the Imperial March from Star Wars for their processional. While these may seem unconventional, they can create a memorable and meaningful atmosphere if they resonate with you as a couple.
In selecting the perfect wedding processional music, it's essential to consider not only your personal taste but also the setting and atmosphere you want to create. Whether you opt for a classical piece or a contemporary favorite, the right music will help set the stage for a celebration of love and commitment.