As couples plan their wedding ceremonies, one question that often comes up is whether or not the bride should walk down the aisle to her own song. Wedding traditions have evolved over time, so it’s not always clear what the “right” way to do things is. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the processional song, options for music during the ceremony, and the pros and cons of having the bride walk down the aisle to her own song.
The History of the Processional Song
The processional song has been a part of wedding ceremonies for centuries, but its purpose has changed over time. In ancient times, weddings were often arranged between families to solidify political or economic alliances, so the whole community would be involved in the ceremony. In those days, the processional music didn’t serve to signal the entrance of the bride and groom, but rather would have just been a part of the larger festivities.
As the focus shifted to the individual couple and their love for each other, the processional song took on new meaning. It became a way for the bride and groom to express their personalities and tastes, and to set the tone for the ceremony. Traditionally, the bride would walk down the aisle to a piece of music chosen by the couple that reflected their love and shared values.
Options for Music During the Ceremony
While the processional song is a longstanding tradition, couples today have a few different options to consider when it comes to music during their wedding ceremony. Here are a few different approaches you could consider:
– Classic processional: Stick with tradition and have the bride walk down the aisle to a classic processional song like Pachelbel’s Canon in D or Mendelssohn’s Wedding March. These timeless pieces of music are still popular options for many modern couples.
– Unique processional: If you and your partner share a love of a particular song or artist, you could choose a unique processional song that speaks to your personalities. Maybe you’ll walk down the aisle to a romantic ballad by Adele, or a lively tune by the Beatles. There are no rules on what song you should choose, as long as it holds meaning for you and your partner.
– No processional song: Finally, it’s worth noting that you don’t actually need to have a processional song at all. It’s perfectly fine to have a quiet moment for your guests to prepare themselves for the bride’s entrance, and then have her walk down the aisle to silence.
Should the Bride Walk Down to Her Own Song?
Now that we’ve explored the options for ceremony music, let’s take a closer look at whether the bride should walk down the aisle to her own song. There are certainly pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
– Personalization: If you choose to walk down to your own song, it’s likely to hold special meaning for you and your partner. It’s a way to inject your personalities and tastes into the ceremony and make it truly your own.
– Wow factor: A unique processional song can make a big impact on your guests and set the stage for a memorable ceremony. Your loved ones will be excited to hear what song you’ve chosen and how it showcases your relationship.
Cons:
– Distraction: If your guests are busy trying to Shazam your processional song, they may miss your actual entrance! It’s possible that walking down to your own song could detract from the moment of you becoming a bride in favor of the music.
– Tone mismatch: Depending on the song you choose, it could create a tone that doesn’t align with the rest of your ceremony. Perhaps you choose an upbeat pop song to walk down the aisle to, but the rest of the ceremony is a traditional, formal affair. In this case, the song choice could be jarring for guests.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision of whether or not to walk down the aisle to your own song is a personal one. As with many wedding decisions, it’s all about finding the right balance between honoring tradition and expressing your own personalities as a couple. Whether you choose a classic processional song or a unique tune, the most important thing is that you choose something that makes you both happy and sets the stage for a beautiful ceremony.
FAQ
Does the Flower Girl walk down the aisle to the same song as the bride?
The tradition of a flower girl walking down the aisle before the bride is a time-honored tradition that dates back centuries. The flower girl is typically a young girl, often a niece or daughter of a close friend, who walks down the aisle throwing petals ahead of the bride. But when it comes to the music accompanying the flower girl, there can be some confusion.
Many couples wonder if the flower girl should walk down the aisle to the same song as the bride. The answer to this question is entirely up to the couple. There is no set rule and no right or wrong answer. It all depends on what the couple likes and feels comfortable with.
Some couples choose to have the flower girl walk down the aisle to the same song as the bride. In this case, the song is typically a slower, more romantic song that sets the tone for the bride’s grand entrance. This can be a beautiful way to tie the two walks together and create a sense of continuity.
On the other hand, some couples choose to have the flower girl walk down the aisle to a different song altogether. This can be a fun way to introduce a new element into the ceremony and create interest before the bride’s grand entrance. Some couples prefer to choose a more upbeat song for the flower girl to walk down the aisle to, which creates a sense of joy and excitement.
The decision of whether to have the flower girl walk down the aisle to the same song as the bride is entirely up to the couple. It is important to consider what will work best for the ceremony as a whole and what will make the day and the entrance special for the couple. Whatever the choice, it is sure to be a magical moment as the flower girl makes her way down the aisle, throwing petals and bringing joy to all who witness it.
What is the exit song for a bride?
The exit song for a bride during a wedding ceremony is also known as the wedding recessional song. The wedding recessional song marks the end of the wedding ceremony and the beginning of the celebration, as the newlyweds and their guests make their way out of the ceremony location and move on to the reception. There are a variety of songs that can be used for this purpose, and the choice often depends on personal preference.
One popular choice for a wedding recessional song is “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” by Handel. This upbeat and lively instrumental piece has become a classic choice for weddings and is an excellent option for couples who want to set a celebratory mood for their exit.
Another popular choice for a wedding recessional song is “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. This song is an energetic and upbeat track that is perfect for sending off the happy couple and their guests with a sense of joy and excitement.
If you’re looking for a soulful and upbeat song, “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” by Jackie Wilson is an excellent option. This song has been a popular choice for weddings for many years and is a great way to get the party started as the newlyweds make their exit.
Of course, there is also the classic “Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Mendelssohn. This iconic piece is perhaps the most traditional choice for a wedding recessional song and has been used in countless weddings throughout history.
The choice of wedding recessional song is up to the couple and should reflect their personal taste and the mood they want to create for their big day. There are no right or wrong choices, and any song that brings a sense of joy and celebration to the occasion can be a great option.
How long should the song be for the bride to walk down the aisle?
Selecting the perfect song for the bride to walk down the aisle can be a daunting task for any wedding planner or couple. The walk down the aisle is undoubtedly one of the most important moments in any wedding ceremony, and music plays a significant role in setting the right mood and tone for this special moment.
So, how long should the song be for the bride to walk down the aisle? The typical length of a song for this occasion is about three minutes long. However, this is not necessarily a hard and fast rule, especially since different weddings may have different needs and requirements.
It’s important to consider the time it takes for the bride and anyone accompanying her to make their way down the aisle. In general, it takes about 20 seconds for a couple to prepare and get from the entrance to their seats or the dance floor. Therefore, it’s important to choose a song that’s long enough but can be easily edited to fit your timing. You don’t want to end up with a song that’s too short that it ends abruptly or too long that it makes your audience restless.
Additionally, if you plan to have multiple people walking down the aisle, you may need to add on another song or choose a longer version of a song to meet your needs. It’s also essential to consider the type of venue and the acoustics of the space. If the venue is large, you may need a longer song to fill space and create the atmosphere you want.
The length of the song for the walk down the aisle depends on the couple’s preference, the number of people walking down the aisle, the venue, and acoustics as well as the timing and pace of the walk itself. The key is to choose a song that feels personal and meaningful while also considering these other factors. with thoughtful consideration and planning, you can select the perfect song and create the perfect atmosphere for this special moment.
