Weddings are beautiful, magical and memorable events and music plays a crucial role in setting the mood and tone of the occasion. One of the most important songs played during weddings is the pre-processional song. This song sets the stage for the ceremony, leading up to the entrance of the bride and groom and their bridal party. In this blog post, we will be discussing what pre-processional songs are and the different ways to choose the perfect pre-processional song for your wedding.
What is a Pre-Processional Song?
A pre-processional song is a musical piece that is played leading up to the entrance of the bride, groom, and the bridal party. It is the music that is played when the honored family members or the grandparents are walking down the aisle, taking their seats, and getting ready for the entrance of the bride and groom. This song creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, preparing the guests for the main event.
The pre-processional song is typically slower and more measured than the processional song, which is played when the bride enters, and is usually a more upbeat and celebratory tune. The pre-processional song can be instrumental or have lyrics, but it shouldn’t be too flashy or overpowering as it is simply a background for when the honorary family members walk down the aisle.
Choosing the Perfect Pre-Processional Song
There are countless options to choose from when it comes to the pre-processional song, ranging from classical to contemporary pop songs. When selecting your pre-processional song, it’s important to consider the mood you want to set for your wedding ceremony.
Here are some tips for choosing the perfect pre-processional song:
Consider the Theme of the Wedding
The pre-processional song should be consistent with the overall theme of your wedding. If you’re having a traditional wedding, consider classical pieces like “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel. If you’re having a modern wedding, you may want to opt for a contemporary song that evokes a romantic and sentimental vibe.
The Emotion You Want to Evoke
Think about the emotion you want to evoke with your pre-processional song. Do you want to create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere or a joyful and upbeat ambiance? The lyrics or melody of the song should reflect the emotions you want to evoke for your ceremony.
Personal Preferences
Your pre-processional song should be special and personal to you and your partner. You might have a shared favorite song that you can use as your pre-processional song or a song that has special significance to your relationship.
Consider Working with a Musician or DJ
If you’re not quite sure where to start with selecting your pre-processional song, consider working with a professional musician or DJ. They can suggest songs based on your preferences and help you make an informed decision.
Popular Choices for Pre-Processional Songs
If you’re still unsure of what to choose for your pre-processional song, here are some popular choices that can inspire you:
• “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”by Johann Sebastian Bach
• “Air, from Water Music” by George Frideric Handel
• “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
• “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
• “Marry Me” by Train
Conclusion
The pre-processional song is an essential part of your wedding ceremony. It sets the tone and atmosphere, creating an emotional buildup leading up to the entrance of the bride and groom. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to choose the right song that reflects your personality, brings the desired emotions and creates the ambiance that you want for your special day. With these tips and popular choices in mind, hopefully, you can select the perfect pre-processional song that will be remembered for years to come.
FAQ
What is the difference between a prelude and a processional?
When it comes to a wedding ceremony, music plays an important role in setting the tone and creating a memorable atmosphere. There are two key musical moments in a wedding ceremony: the prelude and the processional. While the two may seem similar, they serve different purposes and are distinct from each other.
A prelude is typically the music that plays as guests are arriving and finding their seats. It serves as background music and helps to create a welcoming atmosphere as guests take their places. The prelude is usually fairly subdued, featuring instrumental pieces or songs with calm and relaxing vibes. The idea is to create an ambiance that helps guests feel relaxed and in a good mood as they wait for the ceremony to begin. The prelude can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how long it takes for all guests to arrive.
On the other hand, the processional is the music that plays as the wedding party enters the ceremony space and makes their way down the aisle. The processional is often a more recognizable melody, such as “Here Comes The Bride,” but can also feature more contemporary or alternative songs. The purpose of the processional is to signify the start of the ceremony and create a sense of tradition and formality. The music should build in intensity as the wedding party makes their way down the aisle and should come to a conclusion just as the bride arrives at the altar.
While the prelude and processional may seem similar since they both involve music at a wedding ceremony, they serve different purposes. The prelude is the background music that plays as guests arrive, while the processional is the music that signifies the start of the ceremony and accompanies the wedding party’s entrance. By understanding the roles of these two important musical moments, you can help ensure that your wedding ceremony has a beautiful and meaningful soundtrack that creates a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
What is a prelude song for a wedding?
A wedding ceremony is an extraordinary occasion with lots of emotions, and the music played during these events is essential to setting the tone and creating the right ambiance. Prelude music is an essential element of a wedding ceremony, and it is played before the start of the ceremony. Prelude music sets the mood for the wedding ceremony, and it typically lasts for about 30 minutes.
Prelude music is often played live by musicians such as a string quartet, acoustic guitarist, or pianist. Alternatively, it can also be played via a speaker system. The music played during the prelude is typically mellow, unobtrusive, and serves as background music rather than something that requires attention. The goal is to set an ambiance of calmness and serenity, which can help the guests relax and enjoy the moment.
The prelude music is often chosen by the couple or the wedding planner, and it can have a significant impact on the mood and feel of the wedding ceremony. Different couples have different preferences and ideas to set the mood for their special day. Some prefer classical pieces from composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, or Vivaldi. Others may choose mellow contemporary tracks from artists such as Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, or John Legend.
The genre of music chosen will depend on the overall theme and style of the wedding, the venue, and the couple’s preferences. It is important to select prelude music that complements the style of the ceremony and the overall tone of the wedding. For example, if the wedding ceremony is a traditional one, classical music could be the ideal choice, while contemporary pieces will be best suited for a more modern or non-traditional ceremony.
The prelude song sets the tone and ambiance for a wedding ceremony and is typically a mellow, unobtrusive piece of music. The selection of the prelude song depends on the couple’s preferences, the wedding theme and style, and the venue architecture. Wedding planners and couples should carefully select prelude music that complements the overall feel of the ceremony and sets an appropriate mood to ensure that guests have a memorable experience.
What is the bride entrance song called?
The moment when the bride walks down the aisle towards her future husband is one of the most highly anticipated moments of a wedding ceremony, and the music that accompanies this momentous occasion can have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere and emotional resonance of the event. The song played during this moment is often referred to as the bride entrance song, but there are many other names used to describe it, including bridal processional song, bridal processional music, the walk down the aisle song, and the bridal processional song.
The bride entrance song is typically a slow, melodic piece of music that’s designed to evoke a sense of romance, majesty, and anticipation. The choice of song can vary depending on personal preferences, cultural traditions, and the overall theme or ambiance of the wedding ceremony. Some popular choices for the bridal processional include classical pieces, such as Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel or the Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn, while other couples may opt for more contemporary pieces, such as A Thousand Years by Christina Perri or Marry Me by Train.
The bride entrance song often serves as the musical accompaniment to one of the most deeply symbolic moments of the wedding ceremony. As the bride makes her way down the aisle, she’s often escorted by her father or another loved one, and the music becomes a soundtrack to this poignant journey. This moment can be especially meaningful, as it’s a visual representation of two families coming together, with the bride bringing her unique history and identity to the union.
The bride entrance song is a highly significant aspect of a wedding ceremony, as it sets the tone for one of the most memorable moments of the event. The song can be chosen based on personal preferences or cultural traditions, but it is always carefully selected to evoke a sense of romance and majesty. Whether the song is classical or contemporary, the bride entrance song will always serve as the soundtrack to an unforgettable moment when two families come together to celebrate the union of two people in love.
What is the wedding song before Here Comes The Bride?
If you’re planning a wedding or have attended one, you might have heard the famous wedding march, “Here Comes the Bride” by Richard Wagner. However, what many people don’t know is that there is another wedding song that is traditionally played before the bride’s grand entrance.
The song in question is called “Bridal Chorus” and was also written by Richard Wagner. “Bridal Chorus” is a popular piece of classical music that has been a fixture in weddings for centuries. It’s also known as “Here Comes the Bride” or “Wedding March.”
The “Bridal Chorus” was composed in 1850 by German composer Richard Wagner, not long before he began composing the epic four-opera cycle that includes the well-known “Ride of the Valkyries” and a musical work of significant controversy because of Wagner’s exploitation by the Nazis.
The piece is still commonly played at the beginning of the wedding ceremony as it signifies the start of the processional. It’s a joyous and uplifting tune that sets the tone for the rest of the wedding ceremony.
“Bridal Chorus” is also a relatively short piece of music that’s easy to play, making it the perfect choice for musicians of all skill levels. It’s also a well-known piece of music, so many wedding guests will recognize it as the bride makes her entrance.
“Bridal Chorus” is the traditional wedding song played before “Here Comes the Bride.” While it’s not as well-known, it’s still a beautiful piece of music that holds significant sentimental value for many couples tying the knot. Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding or not, the “Bridal Chorus” is a must-play song for all weddings.