Weddings are one of the most beautiful and romantic occasions in a couple’s life. They often involve months of planning and preparation, from choosing the perfect dress to finding the ideal venue. One of the most important parts of a wedding is the music, especially the songs that accompany the wedding march. The song that starts the wedding march is one that is steeped in history and tradition.
The Origin of the Wedding March:
The wedding march has a long and interesting history. It was first used in a wedding procession during the 19th century. Prior to this, music was not commonly used in weddings, and the bride would simply walk down the aisle to the sound of the guests’ voices. However, in the 19th century, as music became more popular, the wedding march began to emerge as a popular choice for wedding processions.
The wedding march was first popularized by German composer Felix Mendelssohn. In 1842, he composed a piece of music now commonly known as the “Wedding March” for a production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” When the music was later played at a royal wedding in Britain, it symbolized an act of rebellion, as it was not typical for music to be played during the ceremony. However, the music was so popular that it soon became commonplace for weddings throughout the world.
The Song that Starts the Wedding March:
So, what is the song that starts the wedding march? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. There are actually two pieces of music that are commonly used for wedding processions. The first is Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March,” which was specifically composed for a wedding scene in the play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The second is the famous religious hymn “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert.
When used in a wedding procession, the “Wedding March” is typically played first, followed by “Ave Maria” as the bride makes her entrance. However, in some traditions, the order is reversed, and “Ave Maria” is played first.
The Significance of “Ave Maria” in Weddings:
While the “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn is a popular choice for wedding processions, “Ave Maria” carries a special significance in religious ceremonies. The song is a hymn to the Virgin Mary, and it has been sung during Catholic weddings for many years. The song’s lyrics speak of the importance of faith and the power of prayer, making it a fitting choice for a religious ceremony such as a wedding.
In addition to its religious significance, “Ave Maria” is also a deeply romantic song. The melody is hauntingly beautiful, invoking a sense of love and devotion that is perfect for a wedding ceremony. Whether used alone or in combination with the “Wedding March,” “Ave Maria” is a beautiful and meaningful choice for any wedding procession.
Other Popular Choices for Wedding Processions:
While “Ave Maria” and the “Wedding March” are the two most popular choices for wedding processions, there are many other songs that can be used as well. Here are a few other popular choices:
– Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”: This is a popular choice for the bride’s entrance and is a piece of classical music that is instantly recognizable.
– Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus”: Also known as “Here Comes the Bride,” this piece of music is often used in weddings in the United States and is a popular choice for brides who want a traditional wedding.
– John Legend’s “All of Me”: For couples who want to incorporate a modern pop song into their wedding, “All of Me” by John Legend is a great choice. The song’s lyrics speak of love and devotion, making it perfect for a wedding ceremony.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the song that starts the wedding march is one that is steeped in history and tradition. While there are two main choices for wedding processions – Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” and Schubert’s “Ave Maria” – other songs can be used as well. Ultimately, the choice of music for a wedding procession is a personal one, and couples should choose a song that is meaningful to them. Whether it’s a traditional piece of classical music or a modern pop song, the most important thing is that the music sets the tone for a beautiful and memorable wedding ceremony.
FAQ
What is the wedding entrance song called?
The wedding entrance song is traditionally called the processional, and it is a very important part of any wedding ceremony. It is the music that you and your wedding party will walk down the aisle to, and it can set the tone for the entire ceremony. There are many different types of processional songs, and you can choose one that best reflects the style and theme of your wedding.
You can choose a classic processional song that has been used in weddings for centuries, such as “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel, which is a beautiful and timeless piece of music that is perfect for a formal or traditional wedding. Other classic processional songs include “Bridal Chorus” by Richard Wagner, popularly known as “Here Comes the Bride,” and “Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke.
If you prefer a more modern or contemporary sound, you can choose a popular song that has special meaning for you and your partner. Many couples select songs that are meaningful to them or that tell their love story, such as “Marry Me” by Train, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, or “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.
It is also possible to create a unique and personalized processional song by working with a musician or composer to create something that is custom-made for your ceremony. This can be a great way to add an extra special touch to your wedding and make it truly unforgettable.
The choice of processional song is up to you and your partner, and it should reflect your personal style and tastes. No matter what you choose, the wedding entrance song – or processional – is sure to be a beautiful and memorable part of your special day.
What is the song called when the bride and groom leave?
The selection of a wedding recessional song, also known as the wedding exit song, is an essential part of planning your wedding ceremony. The wedding recessional song is played as the bride and groom walk back down the aisle as newlyweds, followed by the wedding party and guests. This moment is a joyful and celebratory one, announcing the start of a new chapter in the couple’s lives.
There are many popular wedding recessional songs to choose from, ranging from traditional to modern. Some traditional choices include Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March,” Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” and Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” These classic songs have stood the test of time and have been used in weddings for centuries.
More modern options include upbeat and joyful songs that reflect the couple’s personality and taste. Some popular choices include “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith, “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake, “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne, and “Marry You” by Bruno Mars.
Before choosing your wedding recessional song, make sure to check with your wedding venue or religious institution to see if they have any restrictions on music selection. It’s also essential to consider the tone of the song and whether it matches the mood of your wedding ceremony. A wedding recessional song should be a happy and celebratory tune that encapsulates the excitement of the moment and leaves guests with a feeling of joy and love.
The wedding recessional song is the music played as the bride and groom walk back down the aisle as newlyweds. The choice of wedding recessional song is an opportunity to express the couple’s personalities, taste, and style and should create a joyful and celebratory tone that reflects the momentous occasion.
What is the women’s march theme song?
“The March of the Women” is a powerful and historic song that has become a symbol of the women’s suffrage movement. It was composed by Ethel Smyth in 1910, with lyrics by Cicely Hamilton, and quickly became the anthem of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU). The WSPU was a militant feminist organization based in the United Kingdom, whose members employed unconventional tactics such as hunger strikes, vandalism, and arson to bring attention to their cause.
The song’s lyrics were inspired by Emmeline Pankhurst, a leader of the WSPU, who had encouraged Smyth to compose a march that could be used as a rallying cry for suffragettes. The lyrics contain powerful messages of solidarity and determination:
Shout, shout, up with your song!
Cry with the wind, for the dawn is breaking;
March, march, swing you along,
Wide blows our banner, and hope is waking.
The song’s catchy melody and rousing lyrics made it popular not only among suffragettes, but also among broader segments of the women’s movement throughout the UK and beyond. It was frequently sung at rallies, protests, and other events in support of women’s rights.
In recent years, “The March of the Women” has experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to its adoption as the theme song of the Women’s March movement. Following the election of Donald Trump in 2016, millions of women took to the streets in cities across the United States and around the world to protest misogyny, racism, and other forms of discrimination. The Women’s March organizers chose “The March of the Women” as the movement’s official theme song, and it has been sung at rallies and marches ever since.
“The March of the Women” is a powerful and historically significant song that has played an important role in the women’s suffrage movement and continues to inspire people today. Its message of unity, strength, and resilience remains as relevant now as it did over a century ago.
What song plays at the end of a wedding ceremony?
The wedding ceremony is a special and important moment in a couple’s life that usually involves careful planning and attention to detail. The choice of music is definitely a key aspect of the wedding ceremony, not only because it helps set the atmosphere and mood, but also because it can enhance the emotions felt by the couple and their guests. One key moment when music is particularly important is at the end of the wedding ceremony, as the newlyweds exit the venue.
Most often, the music played during the wedding recessional is a triumphant and joyful piece that celebrates the couple’s love and new marriage. The traditional choice for a wedding recessional is Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March,” a lively and recognizable melody that has been used in countless weddings for generations. Other popular classical choices for the recessional include Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” Vivaldi’s “Spring,” and Handel’s “Hornpipe,” all of which evoke feelings of happiness, optimism, and celebration.
For couples who prefer a more contemporary sound, there are plenty of modern tracks that are equally fitting for the wedding recessional. Examples include “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder, “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne, and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake. These songs are upbeat, energetic, and have a positive message that fits perfectly with the atmosphere of a wedding.
The choice of music for the wedding recessional is up to the couple, and the most important thing is to choose a song that speaks to their personal tastes and relationship. However, it’s worth considering the impact that the music will have on the overall ambiance and emotions of the event, and selecting a song that sets the right tone for the joyful occasion.
