Choosing a wedding entrance song is a big decision; it can set the tone for your entire reception. You want the song to be memorable, romantic, and reflective of your tastes and style. Some couples go for traditional wedding songs, while others opt for more contemporary choices. So, is “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” an appropriate song choice for a wedding? In this blog post, we will explore the history of the song, analyze its lyrics, and discuss its suitability for wedding ceremonies.
The History of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a popular song from the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Written by composer Harold Arlen and lyricist Yip Harburg, the song has become a classic and is often associated with hope, dreams, and yearning. While it wasn’t a huge commercial success when it was first released, it has since become a beloved and iconic song that has been covered by a wide variety of musicians and artists.
Analyzing the Lyrics
At its core, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a song about hope and the pursuit of dreams. The lyrics speak of a faraway place where troubles melt like lemon drops, where bluebirds fly, and where dreams really do come true. It’s a song that encourages us to keep striving for something better, even when things seem bleak or hopeless.
So, how does this translate to a wedding entrance song? On the one hand, the lyrics are certainly romantic and inspiring – they speak to the idea of two people embarking on a new journey together, full of hope and promise. On the other hand, the song’s themes are fairly ambiguous – it’s not necessarily a song that screams “wedding entrance.”
Suitability for a Wedding
Ultimately, whether or not “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is appropriate for a wedding depends on a few different factors, including the tone of the wedding, the couple’s personal preferences, and the context in which the song is played. Here are a few things to consider:
1. The tone of the wedding: If you’re having a more traditional or formal wedding, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” might not be the best fit. However, if you’re having a more laid-back, whimsical, or outdoor wedding, the song could be a great choice.
2. Your personal preferences: If “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a favorite song of you and your partner, it might be a meaningful choice to include it in your wedding ceremony. Conversely, if you’re not particularly attached to the song or don’t feel a strong emotional connection to it, there might be other choices that feel more appropriate.
3. The context in which the song is played: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” could work well as a processional song for the wedding party, or as a first dance song for the couple. However, if you’re playing it during the ceremony itself, it might not be the best choice, as the lyrics aren’t specifically about marriage or love.
Alternatives to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
If you’re considering “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for your wedding entrance song but aren’t quite sold on it, here are a few other options to consider:
1. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley: A classic and romantic choice for a wedding entrance song.
2. “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles: A heartfelt and sentimental song that speaks to the idea of commitment and choosing your partner.
3. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri: Another classic and romantic choice that has become popular in recent years for weddings.
4. “At Last” by Etta James: A soulful and timeless choice that captures the joy and anticipation of starting a new life together.
Conclusion
In the end, whether or not “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is appropriate for your wedding really depends on your personal preferences and the overall tone of your ceremony. While it may not be the most obvious choice for a wedding entrance song, it’s a beautiful and inspiring song that could work well in the right context. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a song that feels meaningful and reflective of your love and relationship.
FAQ
What is the traditional song for the aisle at a wedding?
The traditional song for the aisle at a wedding is commonly known as “Here Comes The Bride”, but is actually a piece of classical music titled “Bridal Chorus” by Richard Wagner. This beautiful piece is played during the bride’s entrance to the wedding ceremony and has become a timeless classic.
Originally composed for the opera “Lohengrin” in 1850, the Bridal Chorus has been a popular choice for weddings since the late 19th century. The song’s melody is often played on an organ, but can also be heard on a string quartet or played by a soloist.
However, it is worth mentioning that some couples prefer to stray away from classical music for their wedding processional. Modern music, such as romantic ballads or acoustic covers, have also become popular choices for couples. This is a great way to add a personal touch to the wedding ceremony, reflecting the couple’s individual tastes and personalities.
While there may be different variations and interpretations of the wedding processional song, the Bridal Chorus remains the most traditional and popular choice for many couples. Its timeless melody adds an enchanting element to the wedding ceremony, making the walk down the aisle a truly magical moment for the bride, groom, and guests alike.
What’s the best song to walk down the aisle to?
Choosing the perfect song to walk down the aisle to is an important part of wedding planning. The right music can set the tone for the entire ceremony and create a memorable atmosphere for everyone in attendance. So, what is the best song to walk down the aisle to?
Well, the answer to this question is subjective and varies depending on personal taste. However, there are some popular and classic songs that are commonly selected as the perfect tune for the bride’s grand entrance. Let’s explore some of the most popular options.
Firstly, “At Last” by Etta James is a timeless classic that has been a favorite choice for brides for decades. The song’s romantic lyrics and smooth melody create a beautiful and emotional atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for walking down the aisle.
Another popular choice is “Over The Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. This simple yet lovely song is famous for its soothing and dreamy melody, and it’s perfect for brides who want to create a whimsical atmosphere during their wedding ceremony.
For couples who prefer a more contemporary song, “Adore You” by Harry Styles is an excellent option. This emotional ballad is perfect for a modern wedding, and the romantic lyrics will resonate with all the guests.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, “Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac is a beautiful and emotional song that will create an intimate and romantic atmosphere. The calming and gentle melody will make all your guests feel at ease during your wedding ceremony.
Other popular options include “Lucky” by Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, and “Canon in D” by Pachelbel. These songs are timeless classics that have been popular choices for brides all around the world.
The best song to walk down the aisle to is subjective and varies depending on personal preference. However, there are plenty of timeless classics and popular songs to choose from, each with their unique charm and emotional appeal, and selecting the perfect tune will make your wedding ceremony truly unforgettable.
What song do you play at a wedding when the bride and groom leave?
The final moments of a wedding ceremony are truly special, with the newlyweds emerging down the aisle hand in hand as a married couple for the very first time. This is known as the recessional, and it is customary to play a song for the happy couple as they make their way back up the aisle and out of the ceremony space.
Choosing the perfect recessional song for a wedding can be a tricky task, but there are many options that couples can consider. Some popular choices include classical pieces such as Handel’s “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” or Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For those who prefer more contemporary music, a song like “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire or “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” by Jackie Wilson can also make for a great recessional choice.
When selecting a song for the recessional, it’s important to keep in mind the tone and style of the wedding itself. A more traditional or formal wedding might lend itself to a classical piece, while a more relaxed or casual affair might benefit from a fun or upbeat modern song.
The choice of recessional song should reflect the personal tastes and preferences of the couple. It’s their special moment, after all, and the song they choose will be a lasting reminder of the love and joy they shared on their wedding day.
How long should the song be for the bride to walk down the aisle?
The processional music, which plays as the bride walks down the aisle, is an integral part of a wedding. The song has to be striking enough to set the mood and make the bride feel special on her big day. However, the question often arises, how long should the song be for the bride to walk down the aisle? In general, the average length of a song for the processional is about 3 minutes, but there are several factors to consider when selecting the right music and length.
Firstly, the length of the aisle plays a significant role in choosing the right song. If the aisle is long, it’s best to choose a song that is long enough to cover the distance. On the other hand, if the aisle is short, a shorter song may suffice. Secondly, the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen can also impact the song length. If there are more people walking down the aisle, it will take more time, which means you may need to select a longer song or play another song to fill the time.
It is also important to take into account the tempo and style of the song. A slow song with a simple tempo may need to be longer to give the bride enough time to walk down the aisle. Conversely, a faster-paced song may be shorter as it can cater for a faster walk.
It is ideal to choose a song that also resonates with the bride. A song that has significant meaning to her can enhance the entire wedding experience. If the chosen song is too short, the DJ can fade it out and lead into another. It is important to discuss the matter with your DJ or band well in advance to ensure that they are prepared to make the necessary adjustments.
While choosing the perfect song for the bride to walk down the aisle, one must take time to think about and consider the song’s many attributes, such as length, tempo, and style. With the right song and sufficient preparation, the musical accompaniment for your wedding procession can be a beautiful memory and a lovely moment to cherish for years to come.