Weddings are a dazzling and magical celebration of love shared between two individuals. They are a time to bring together friends and family for a day of love, romance, and joy. Every part of a wedding ceremony is essential, from the flowers to the vows, but one moment that’s most anticipated is when the bride enters the ceremony. The music played during this procession is crucial, setting the tone for the bride’s grand entrance, and it’s often referred to as the Bridal Chorus or Here Comes The Bride.
In this blog, we will dive into why Here Comes The Bride is the go-to music choice for the bride’s entrance, even in modern-day weddings. We’ll take a look at the history behind it, the importance of music in weddings, and some alternatives for couples who may not want to go with tradition.
The History of Here Comes The Bride
Here Comes The Bride is a well-known piece of classical music that’s played during weddings, and has become a staple in wedding celebrations around the world. The Bridal Chorus was composed by Richard Wagner in 1850 and is also known as the Bridal March. It comes from the opera “Lohengrin,” a German romantic opera that tells the story of a knight in shining armor who rescues a damsel in distress.
Wagner created the Bridal Chorus as a traditional scene in the play as the knight leads the bride to the altar. The music plays in anticipation of the bride, and it was intended to be grand, dramatic, and romantic.
This beautiful piece of music reflects the significance of the ceremony, the love and devotion of the couple, and the grandeur of the occasion. The popularity of the Bridal Chorus soon spread worldwide, making it one of the most popular pieces of classical music, especially for weddings.
The Role of Music in Weddings
Music plays a huge role in any wedding, and it has the power to enhance the atmosphere, evoke emotions and create unforgettable, timeless memories. Quite often, couples spend a lot of time and thought into choosing the right music for their wedding, including the bridal entrance music. A wedding is an opportunity for the couple to express their personality, their style, and even their cultural roots.
As the bride walks down the aisle, the music sets the tone for her entrance and signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the couple’s lives together. It is a moment where everyone’s eyes are on the bride, and the music adds a touch of drama and romance. The music can create tension and anticipation as the bride’s arrival draws closer.
Choosing the right music for the bridal entrance is a significant aspect of the wedding, and it should reflect the couple’s personality, beliefs, and values. The music should create an atmosphere that reflects the couple’s vision of their wedding day.
Alternatives to Here Comes the Bride
While Here Comes The Bride is a classic and traditional choice, it may not be the right choice for every couple. Nowadays, couples are opting for more contemporary and less traditional music that reflects their personality and style.
Some couples choose to walk down the aisle to songs that hold a special meaning in their relationship, rather than the traditional Bridal Chorus. Other popular options include instrumental music, covers of contemporary love songs, or even songs that directly mention the word “bride” or “wedding” in their lyrics.
Here are some alternative suggestions to Here Comes The Bride:
- At Last by Etta James
- Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
- A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
- Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- Marry Me by Train
- Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles
- Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
- Perfect by Ed Sheeran
The possibilities are endless, and couples can get creative and select music that resonates with them, whether it’s classical, pop, rock, or country music.
Conclusion
Every wedding is unique, and the music should reflect the couple’s style, personalities, and their love story. It’s an opportunity to create a romantic, magical atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on the couple and their guests.
Here Comes The Bride is a traditional and classic choice for the bridal entrance, and it has stood the test of time. However, with the modernization of weddings, couples can be more creative and adventurous with their choices.
Ultimately, the bridal entrance music should be a reflection of the couple’s love story, and the music should evoke the emotions they feel for each other. The right music will create the perfect atmosphere and set the tone for the special day, and it’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
FAQ
What is the bride entrance song called?
The moment when the bride enters the wedding venue is always one of the most emotional and special moments of the entire event, and a lot of thought is typically given to the music that accompanies her as she makes her way down the aisle. The song that’s played during this moment is typically referred to as the bridal processional song, but there are several other names that are commonly used as well.
One of the most popular names for this song is the walk down the aisle song. This name is pretty self-explanatory and is used because the bride is literally walking down the aisle as the song plays. Usually, this song is chosen to be particularly evocative and emotional, often featuring lyrics or music that reflect the love and commitment that the bride and groom have for each other.
Another name that’s used to describe the song played during the bride’s entrance is the bridal processional music. This term is more general in nature, encompassing any music that’s played during the bridal procession, not just the song that is played when the bride herself is making her entrance. This can include other pieces of music that are played as members of the bridal party enter, as well as during various different parts of the ceremony.
Finally, the term bridal processional song can also be used to describe the music played during this moment. This name is perhaps the most formal of the different options, and is most often used by professional musicians or those working in the wedding industry. Regardless of the name used to describe it, however, the song played during the bride’s entrance is always integral to the overall success and emotional impact of the ceremony.
What is the traditional music for the bride walking down the aisle?
The wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most special days in a person’s life, and every little detail counts. One of the most memorable moments of a wedding ceremony is when the bride walks down the aisle, and music plays a significant role in making this occasion even more special. There are a variety of traditional tunes that brides choose to accompany their walk down the aisle, but two pieces stand out above the rest.
The first piece is ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,’ a stunning work by Johann Sebastian Bach. This piece exudes a sense of majesty and beauty, which makes it perfect for the bride’s entrance. The melody is soft, creating a serene ambience as the bride gracefully makes her way towards her partner. The rich, warm harmonies and ethereal textures are sure to create a magical moment that everyone present will cherish.
The second traditional tune that is almost synonymous with the bride’s walk down the aisle is Wagner’s ‘Bridal Chorus’ from Lohengrin, popularly known as “Here Comes the Bride.” This piece is upbeat, joyous and celebratory, suitable for brides who want to add a touch of grandeur to their entrance. As the chords begin to play, the guests stand to welcome the bride as she walks down the aisle, adding to the sense of occasion. The Bridal Chorus is a timeless classic, and its continued popularity is a testament to its ability to create a sense of festivity and joy.
Whether brides choose ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring’ or ‘Here Comes the Bride,’ they can rest assured that their walk down the aisle will be memorable and special. These time-honoured traditional melodies provide the perfect backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime moment, and their beautiful harmonies will ring in the memories of the wedding day for years to come.
What is the traditional song to walk out of the wedding ceremony?
In many cultures and traditions, music plays an important role in wedding celebrations. From the processional music to the last dance, music is believed to set the tone and create a romantic ambiance that makes weddings memorable. One of the most quintessential moments in any wedding ceremony is the recessional, which signifies the couple’s exit from the ceremony space and marks the end of the wedding ceremony.
Traditionally, the recessional would be accompanied by Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” or Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”. Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” is one of the most popular wedding songs used in Western countries. Its slow and stately pace is often used to accompany the bride and groom in a grand exit from the ceremony space. The song is played by an organ, but more modern versions may also feature a string quartet or other instrumental ensemble.
Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” is also a popular choice for the recessional. Although it is more commonly associated with celebrations and triumphs, it has a jubilant and celebratory quality that makes it perfect for weddings.
However, just because Mendelssohn and Beethoven are the traditional choices doesn’t mean that you are limited to these songs. You can choose any song that you feel would be fitting for your wedding ceremony. Many couples choose to have a more modern or personal song that is special to them for their recessionals.
Some popular contemporary options include “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles or “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder. Alternatively, you could choose a song that reflects your cultural heritage, like a traditional Jewish hora or a fun Bollywood dance number. The most important thing is that the song should be a representation of the couple’s personality and style and their unique love story.
Does the groom get a walk out song?
The wedding day is one of the most memorable and special days of someone’s life. Every detail of the event matters, including the music. Music sets the tone, and it’s a way to express emotions and feelings. It helps to make the atmosphere lively and enjoyable for all the guests. For years, people have been including music in every aspect of the ceremony, including the bride’s processional, recessional, and first dance. But, what about the groom? Does he get a walk out song too?
It’s important to remember that the wedding day belongs to both the bride and groom, so it only makes sense that the groom should have his moment to shine as well. The walkout song is typically played as the couple exits the ceremony as newlyweds, but the groom should have his own song as he walks down the aisle to take his place.
While the groom’s walkout song doesn’t get as much attention as the bride’s entrance music, it holds just as much significance. It’s the groom’s moment to show off his personality, style, and taste in music. The song can even represent his relationship with the bride and their journey together.
Choosing the perfect groom’s walkout song can be a fun and easy process. The couple can choose a song that represents the groom’s favorite artist, genre, or era. They can also select a song that holds sentimental value to them. Additionally, the song choice can be based on the wedding theme, such as a traditional ballad for a classic wedding or a modern song for a contemporary wedding.
The groom deserves his own walkout song just as much as the bride deserves her entrance music. It’s a small detail that can make a big impact and make the ceremony more enjoyable and memorable for everyone. So, when planning the wedding music, remember to choose a song that represents the groom’s personality and style.
What is the processional song?
The processional song is an integral part of a wedding ceremony. It is a piece of music that is played at the beginning of the ceremony as the wedding party makes their way down the aisle and takes their places for the ceremony. This is typically the moment when the guests stand up and turn their attention to the entrance of the wedding party.
The selection of the processional song is a significant detail that the couple may choose together as part of the wedding planning process. It can be a piece of music that is significant to the couple, or simply a beautiful melody that creates the desired atmosphere for the ceremony.
The processional song can be played by live musicians or as a recorded track. The choice of live or recorded music will depend on the couple’s preference and budget. Live music provides a more personal touch and can create a feeling of intimacy, while recorded music is less expensive and provides a more consistent quality of sound.
There are many options for music that can be used as a processional song. Traditional choices include classical pieces such as “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel and “Bridal Chorus” by Richard Wagner, while modern choices may include popular love songs or contemporary instrumental pieces.
Regardless of the type of music chosen, the processional song sets the tone for the ceremony and creates a memorable moment for both the couple and their guests. It is an important detail to consider when planning a wedding, as it will help create the desired atmosphere and add a personal touch to the overall experience.
