Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and making the right choices when it comes to music is crucial in setting the perfect tone. Music has the power to evoke emotions within us, and that is especially true on your wedding day. One of the most important components of any wedding ceremony is the music, and it is certainly an element that you should spend time thinking about.
One question that often arises when planning a wedding ceremony is what the songs that accompany the procession are called. These songs that are played during the wedding processional are known as processional songs. Whether you dream of a traditional and classical wedding ceremony, or something more modern, this guide is going to break down everything there is to know about what the songs you walk down the aisle to are called, and some suggestions to consider for the perfect wedding ceremony playlist.
What Are Processional Songs?
Processional songs are played as the bride, groom, and wedding party enter the ceremony, walking down the aisle to the altar. These songs create a picturesque scene, where the bride takes her first steps down the aisle, embarking on a new journey in her life. Typically, this is a slower, more melodic song that sets the perfect romantic mood for the ceremony. The processional music that you choose will depend entirely on your personality, interests, and wedding theme.
Classical Processional Songs
Classical processional songs have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more couples are reverting back to tradition and timeless elegance. These historical pieces have a way of making your wedding ceremony feel so much grander and absolutely timeless. Here are some classical processional songs that you might consider for your wedding ceremony:
1. Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner
2. Trumpet Voluntary in D Major by Jeremiah Clarke
3. Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
4. Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn
Modern Processional Songs
If you’re not one for tradition and you’d like to add some modern flavour to your wedding ceremony, then contemporary processional songs will work beautifully. Let your personality shine by selecting something that speaks to your style as a couple. Here are some modern processional songs that you might consider for your wedding ceremony:
1. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
2. Marry Me by Train
3. Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
4. Perfect by Ed Sheeran
Group Processional Songs
If you want to create a dramatic effect during your wedding ceremony, then group processional songs might be the perfect choice for your wedding playlist. Typically, your wedding party and the bride and groom enter the music as a group. Here are some group processional songs you might consider for your wedding ceremony:
1. The Rose by Bette Midler
2. Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
3. Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
In Conclusion
The beauty of choosing the right music for your wedding is that there are no right or wrong answers. The songs that you choose should be a reflection of you as a couple and what is important to you both. Whether you choose traditional classical pieces, something modern, or a unique combination of these, the right processional songs will set the tone for a perfect ceremony. We hope that this guide has helped you understand what the songs that accompany the procession are called, and all that you need to know to start planning the perfect wedding ceremony playlist.
FAQ
What do you call music before a ceremony?
Before a ceremony, such as a wedding, graduation, or religious event, it’s customary to play background music to set the tone and create a suitable atmosphere for the forthcoming ritual. This is referred to as prelude music and is usually played for around 30 minutes before the event.
Prelude music is typically soft and calming, as it’s meant to help guests settle into their seats and prepare themselves emotionally for the upcoming ceremony. It can be instrumental music played by a band, string quartet, or solo artist or simply played over a speaker system. Popular instrumental prelude music includes classical pieces like Bach’s “Air on a G String” and Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” or contemporary options like “Marry Me” by Train or “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.
In some traditions, prelude music also serves a practical purpose. During religious ceremonies, it’s often played to give guests time to confess their sins or say a prayer before the formal proceedings begin. Similarly, in a wedding setting, prelude music can give any late-arriving guests time to get seated before the ceremony starts, without disrupting the bride’s procession down the aisle.
Prelude music is a crucial element of any ceremonial event. It offers a chance for guests to emotionally prepare themselves and take time to reflect on what is about to happen, creating a memorable and meaningful experience for all involved.
What is ceremony recessional songs?
When planning a wedding ceremony, choosing the right music is crucial in setting the mood and tone of the event. And one of the most important musical decisions you will make during your wedding ceremony is what song to play for the recessional. If you’re wondering what ceremony recessional songs are, it simply refers to the music that plays when you and your partner walk down the aisle after the ceremony as a married couple.
Recessional songs are the perfect way to end your ceremony on a high note and get your guests excited for the reception. They should feel uplifting, celebratory, and joyful and should reflect the mood of the moment. Often, the song chosen for this moment will be more upbeat and lively than the processional song, which is played during the entrance of the wedding party.
The best ceremony recessional songs are usually those that evoke strong emotions and memories in both the bride and groom and their guests. Some of the most popular options include “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder, “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles, “Love on Top” by Beyoncé, and “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne, among others.
You can also choose to personalize your ceremony recessional by selecting a song that has a special meaning to you as a couple. This could be a song that you both share fond memories of or that speaks to your relationship in a unique way. Whether you choose a popular hit or a lesser-known gem, the most important thing is that the song you choose should feel authentic to you and your partner, and capture the spirit of the moment.
The ceremony recessional song is an essential part of any wedding ceremony, as it sets the tone for the festivities to come. Whether you go for a classic hit or choose to personalize your song, make sure it’s a track that will have everyone on their feet and ready to party.
What is prelude music at a wedding ceremony?
Prelude music is an integral part of any wedding ceremony. It is the music that is played as guests arrive and find their seats before the actual ceremony begins. The prelude music sets the mood for the wedding and adds to the overall ambiance of the ceremony. It is often used to establish the tone of the wedding and to prepare the guests for what is to come.
When choosing the prelude music for a wedding ceremony, there are several things to consider. The first is the type of music that the couple wishes to have played. This can vary depending on the couple’s taste, the theme of the wedding, or the setting of the ceremony. For example, if the wedding is held in a cathedral, then classical music might be more fitting than popular music. Alternatively, if the wedding is held on a beach, then a more relaxed and casual musical selection might be more appropriate.
Another factor to consider when selecting prelude music is the length of the ceremony. Most prelude music consists of instrumental pieces that are between two and four minutes long. Ideally, the prelude music should be long enough to allow all of the guests to arrive and find their seats, but not so long that it becomes tedious or boring.
The prelude music can also be used to introduce the bridal party. This can be accomplished by selecting a different piece of music for each member of the bridal party as they enter the ceremony. The music can be chosen based on the personality of the member or their relationship to the couple.
Prelude music is an essential part of any wedding ceremony. It welcomes guests and sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony. When choosing prelude music, it is important to consider the style of the wedding, the length of the ceremony, and the personalities of the bridal party. With the right music, the prelude can be a beautiful and memorable part of any wedding ceremony.
