Weddings are joyful celebrations that celebrate love, unity, and commitment. Couples spend months or even years planning their perfect wedding day. Every little detail from the dress, decor, flowers, venue, and food is scrutinized to ensure the day is memorable. The ceremony is one of the most significant parts of the wedding day, where the bride and groom exchange vows and become one. As the ceremony ends, the newly married couple walks out hand in hand as a symbol of the start of their life together. One of the crucial elements of the wedding ceremony is music, and choosing the right song for the recessional is just as important as the bridal walk in song.
History of the Wedding Ceremony
Wedding ceremonies are steeped in tradition and customs dating back centuries. In ancient times, marriages were mainly based on alliances between families, and the wedding ceremony was viewed as a contract between two families. The bride and groom were not involved in the planning of the ceremony and had no say in its conduct. The ceremony often included religious rituals, cultural customs, and symbols, and the bride and groom were not allowed to see each other before the ceremony.
Over time, the wedding ceremony evolved and became more romantic, personal, and intimate. Today, couples have more say in the planning of their wedding, and their personalities, cultures, and values are reflected in the ceremony. The walkout song at the end of the ceremony has become an excellent opportunity for couples to showcase their style and personality.
The Traditional Song to Walk Out of a Wedding Ceremony
The traditional song to walk out of a wedding ceremony is Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” These songs have been popular choices for decades, and many couples still opt for these songs today. The “Wedding March” was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1842 as a part of his incidental music for a production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” It quickly became popular and was used by the British Royal family in 1858 at a royal wedding. Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” is a popular classical work, and the choral symphony is frequently played at weddings due to its celebratory nature.
Contemporary Walk out Songs
While traditional songs are still popular, many couples are opting for contemporary songs that reflect their tastes and style. A popular choice is “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder. It’s an upbeat and lively song that signals a celebration. Another popular choice is “Love on Top” by Beyonce, a fun and energetic song that captures the excitement of the newly married couple. These songs are perfect for couples who want to make a statement and have a little fun on their big day.
Unconventional Walk out Songs
For couples who want to break free from tradition, choosing an unconventional walk out song is an excellent way to showcase their personality. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz is a popular choice for couples who want to express their love in a laid-back and unique way. Another unconventional choice is “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey, perfect for couples who have a love for classic rock music.
Considerations When Choosing a Walk out Song
Choosing a walk out song for your wedding ceremony is a personal choice and should reflect the personality of the couple. When choosing your walk out song, several considerations should be made. First, consider any restrictions your wedding venue may have on music choices. Some religious or cultural venues may have specific requirements for music choices.
Secondly, consider the pace of the song. Your walk out song should be played at a pace that is easy to walk to and should be timed to end when you reach the exit. Slow paced songs may drag on, while fast-paced songs may cause you to rush.
Lastly, consider the lyrics of the song. The lyrics should reflect the message you want to convey as newlyweds. The song should be celebratory and convey the love and commitment shared between the couple.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the walk out song at the end of the wedding ceremony is an essential part of the wedding day. While traditional songs like Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” are still popular choices, many couples are opting for contemporary or unconventional songs that reflect their unique personalities. Regardless of the song choice, selecting the perfect walk-out song is a way for the couple to showcase their love and commitment as they begin their new life together.
FAQ
What is the wedding entrance music called?
The wedding entrance music is typically referred to as the processional. It is the piece of music that is played as the bridal party, including bridesmaids and groomsmen, enter the ceremony venue and begin their walk down the aisle. The processional sets the tone for the entire wedding ceremony and creates a special ambiance for guests and the couple alike.
The processional can be played by a live band, a string quartet, or a solo musician. Some of the most popular choices for bridal processional music include classical pieces such as Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus,” and Handel’s “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.” However, modern couples often choose nontraditional and personal songs for the soundtrack of their big day. Popular modern choices include songs like Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love,” John Legend’s “All of Me,” and Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” to name a few.
The choice of wedding entrance music ultimately comes down to the preference and personality of the couple. The music is an important part of the wedding experience and can set the tone for the rest of the event. Whether it’s a traditional piece or a contemporary favorite, the entrance music should be chosen with care and thoughtfulness to ensure that it reflects the couple’s unique love story and creates a memorable and meaningful moment for them and their guests.
How do you end a wedding ceremony?
A wedding ceremony is always a beautiful and memorable event, but sometimes the question arises, how do you end it? There are different ways to conclude a wedding ceremony, depending on personal preferences, culture, and religion. However, most wedding officiants end with the line, “You may now kiss the bride!” That is because a kiss signifies the completion of the ceremony, symbolizing the union of the couple.
However, if you are not comfortable with this traditional phrase, you don’t have to include it. Your wedding ceremony should reflect your unique style and preferences. You can remove the line altogether or change it to, “You may seal your promise, union, or marriage with a kiss.” This statement is inclusive of all types of couples and relationships.
Other alternatives to ending your wedding ceremony include asking your officiant to close with a quote about love and commitment. You could also end the ceremony with a symbolic gesture like lighting a unity candle or a sand ritual. These options are popular for blending two families together or symbolizing the couple’s joint commitment.
In addition, depending on your culture or religion, you may have specific rituals and traditions to follow at the end of your wedding ceremony. For example, in Indian weddings, the couple may exchange flower garlands and walk around the sacred fire seven times. In Jewish weddings, the couple may break a glass. These unique ceremonies add an individual touch that sets your wedding apart.
There are many different ways to end your wedding ceremony. Whether you choose a traditional “kiss the bride” moment, opt for a symbolic gesture, or draw upon culture and religion, the most important thing is to make the ceremony reflect you and your partner’s love and commitment to each other.
How does the wedding party exit?
The exit of the wedding party is one of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony. It is the first moment that the newly married couple will be seen together by their guests as a married couple. But how does the wedding party actually exit the ceremony?
Traditionally, the wedding party will exit in pairs even if they enter separately. The pairs are usually made up of the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, and may be mixed or matched according to preference. For example, one Bridesmaid may be paired with one Groomsman, or two Bridesmaids may be paired with two Groomsmen.
Once the formal exit procession begins, the bridesmaids and groomsmen will walk down the aisle in pairs, starting with the couple closest to the altar. They will then proceed out of the ceremony venue followed by the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer. It is important to make sure that each couple that exits the ceremony leaves enough room between themselves and the couple in front of them so that each pair can be seen and appreciated as they exit.
Finally, the parents and grandparents of the couple will exit the wedding venue, which often signifies the end of the formal ceremony itself. This exit is often accompanied by a recessional song and applause from the guests, who are thrilled to have witnessed this important and special moment in the couple’s lives.
The exit of the wedding party is a momentous occasion that marks the end of the formal ceremony itself. Typically, the pairs of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen will exit in sequence followed by the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer and then the parents and grandparents, with each couple leaving plenty of room between themselves and the couple in front of them. The couple exit as a newly married couple, excited for the amazing journey ahead of them as they begin their lives together.
How do you pull out of a last minute wedding?
It’s never easy trying to get out of a wedding, especially when it’s last minute. However, sometimes circumstances arise that force you to decline the invitation. While it’s not an ideal situation, it’s essential that you handle it delicately and thoughtfully to minimize any hurt feelings.
The first thing to do when considering backing out of a wedding is to let the couple know as soon as possible. The sooner you inform them, the easier it is for them to adjust accordingly, whether it means finding another guest to fill your place or adjusting their seating plan. Remember, the couple is putting a lot of effort into making their special day a memorable one, so it is important to give them enough time to work around the changes you’ve presented them.
Additionally, it is important to come up with a legitimate reason why you cannot attend the wedding. Whether it’s a family emergency, work obligation, health concern, or any other valid reason, letting the couple know why you can’t make it can help them better understand your decision. Sometimes it may be tempting to just make up a reason to avoid the wedding, but always remember that honesty is the best policy.
It’s also worth noting that couples typically need to give a final guest count to the caterer a week or so before the wedding. Therefore, if you back out at the last minute, they’ll likely have to pay for your plate anyway even though you won’t be attending. Keep this in mind when you’re considering whether or not to decline the invitation.
It’s crucial that you reach out to the couple personally to let them know that you can no longer attend. A graceful and apologetic phone call or a heartfelt email expressing your regrets can work wonders in maintaining your relationship with the couple. Make sure to convey your remorse for not being able to attend their wedding and express your sincere apologies.
Backing out of a wedding last minute can be challenging, but sometimes, it’s simply unavoidable. By handling the situation thoughtfully, communicating honestly with the couple, and explaining your reasons in a courteous tone, you can minimize any potential hurt feelings and keep your friendship intact. Remember, while your attendance at the wedding is important, it shouldn’t overshadow your integrity and honesty in handling the situation.
