A wedding is a ceremony of great magnificence, held to solemnize a marriage. It is a momentous occasion where family and friends gather to witness the union of two individuals. One of the traditions that make the wedding ceremony stand out is the use of the wedding march.
The wedding march is a traditional piece of music used during a wedding ceremony. It is played to signal the entrance of the bride, the processional. The wedding march is often associated with the march from Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Nights Dream or Wagner’s ‘Bridal Chorus’.
In this blog post, we explore the use of the wedding march in weddings.
The Origins of the Wedding March
The wedding march has a long history that stretches back several centuries. The idea of a musical procession can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where music was used during military and civic ceremonies.
In the early days, wedding music was often created by local musicians who would play on the streets outside the wedding venue. As the tradition of having a musical procession into the venue developed, the music became more formalized, and specific tunes were written and used for this purpose.
The use of the wedding march as we know it today came about during the Romantic Era in the 19th century. Composers such as Felix Mendelssohn and Richard Wagner popularized the use of a specific piece of music as the wedding march.
The Significance of the Wedding March
The wedding march is a symbolic representation of the bride’s journey to her new life. It signals the start of the procession, where the bride walks down the aisle towards her future husband. The music adds a sense of grandeur and significance to the occasion and sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony.
The music also signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the couple’s life, where they will start their own journey together as a family.
Types of Wedding Marches
While Mendelssohn’s ‘Wedding March’ and Wagner’s ‘Bridal Chorus’ are the most popular wedding marches, there are other options available. Some couples choose to use classical pieces like Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ or Handel’s ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.’ Others opt for modern popular music like ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’ by Aerosmith or ‘Marry Me’ by Train.
Alternatives to the Wedding March
If couples prefer not to use the wedding march, there are other alternatives. Some couples choose to have a live musician or band perform during the processional. Others choose to have a choir or sing a hymn in place of the wedding march.
Conclusion
The wedding march is an essential part of the wedding ceremony, creating a grand entrance for the bride and starting the proceedings with a sense of grandeur. With a range of options available, from traditional classical pieces to modern pop songs, couples can choose a march that reflects their style and personality. Whatever the choice may be, the wedding march remains an integral part of the wedding ceremony that symbolizes the journey of two individuals starting a new life together.
FAQ
What is the significance of the wedding march?
The wedding march, also known as the Bridal Chorus, is one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of music in the world. It has become an integral part of the wedding ceremony, and for many people, the wedding march represents all that is romantic and beautiful about getting married. However, the history and significance of the wedding march are not as straightforward as one might think.
The music commonly known as the wedding march was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1842 as part of his incidental music for William Shakespeare’s play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The piece was written to accompany a scene in which the characters Titania and Oberon, a Pagan god and goddess, are married in a fairy-filled forest. Mendelssohn’s composition perfectly captures the whimsical, romantic, and magical themes of the play, and it quickly became beloved by audiences.
However, some religious leaders, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, found the piece to be inappropriate for Christian ceremonies because of its Pagan origins. As a result, the wedding march was initially not played in church weddings and was instead used primarily in secular settings, such as wedding receptions.
Over time, the popularity of the wedding march grew, and it became more commonly used in church ceremonies. However, some controversies still surround the piece. In particular, some critics argue that the wedding march is not suitable for modern weddings, given its association with patriarchal traditions and the idea of a father giving away his daughter to be married.
Despite these criticisms, the wedding march remains a beloved and essential part of the wedding ceremony for many people. For them, it represents the universality of love, marriage, and commitment, and the joy that comes from celebrating these things with family and friends.
The significance of the wedding march lies in its ability to capture the magical and romantic elements of getting married, as well as its history and cultural associations. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it remains an essential part of the wedding ceremony for many people around the world.
Is Wedding March used for processional or recessional?
The “Wedding March” is a classical piece of music composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1842 for Shakespeare’s play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Since then, it has become a popular choice in weddings around the world. One of the common questions that arise when planning a wedding ceremony is whether “Wedding March” is used for processional or recessional.
Traditionally, the “Wedding March” is used as the recessional music at the end of the ceremony. After the couple is pronounced married, they begin their exit down the aisle, and the wedding party follows. This is the perfect moment for the “Wedding March” as it is a triumphant, joyful piece of music that matches the occasion’s celebratory feeling.
However, there are no strict rules when it comes to selecting the music for a wedding ceremony, and some couples choose to use “Wedding March” as processional music instead. The processional music is played as the wedding party enters the ceremony space and takes their places before the ceremony begins. In this case, the “Wedding March” is typically played softly and slowly to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere, signaling the importance and significance of the event.
It is worth noting that there are different versions of “Wedding March,” and some are better suited for the processional than the recessional. The traditional version has a strong, triumphant sound that works well as recessional music, while a softer arrangement of the same piece is more appropriate for the processional.
The “Wedding March” is commonly used as recessional music, but it can also be appropriate for the processional, depending on the arrangement and the couple’s preferences. it is up to the couple to choose the music that best reflects their style, personality, and the overall mood they want to create on their special day.
What is the traditional bridal march?
The traditional bridal march is a ceremonial music piece played during a wedding ceremony to mark the entrance of the bride. It is also known as the bridal chorus or “Here Comes the Bride.” This music is typically played by an organist or pianist, but can also be performed by other instrumentalists such as a string quartet or brass quintet.
The bridal march has a long history and is deeply rooted in various cultures and traditions. In Western societies, it has been popularized as an essential part of a wedding ceremony since the 19th century. The music is usually played as the bride walks down the aisle escorted by her father or another significant male figure in her life, on her way to join her groom at the altar.
Though the bridal march remains a popular choice for many couples, it is important to note that some venues or religious institutions may have restrictions or guidelines for music played at their weddings. Therefore, it is always best to check with the appropriate authorities before selecting a bridal march or other pieces of music for the ceremony.
The traditional bridal march is a special and significant piece of music played during the wedding ceremony to signify the bride’s entrance. It has a lengthy history and cultural significance, making it an important part of many couples’ big day.