Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, so it’s normal to want everything to be perfect. That includes the prelude and processional music that will set the mood for your special day.
In this blog post, we’ll cover exactly what wedding prelude and processional music are, how they differ, and some ideas on what kind of music you should choose for each.
What is Wedding Prelude?
The wedding prelude is the music played before the ceremony begins. This is typically a time when guests are arriving, taking their seats, and getting settled in for the ceremony. The prelude music sets the tone for the wedding ceremony, and it’s usually about 20 to 30 minutes long.
While the prelude music is playing, guests are usually mingling and chatting with others in attendance. It’s a time for them to relax and enjoy the ambiance of the wedding venue.
The type of music played during the prelude sets the tone for the wedding ceremony. Some common choices include classical music, instrumental music, or modern love songs, to name a few. You’ll want to make sure the music is soft and subtle so that it doesn’t overpower the conversations happening among guests.
What is Wedding Processional?
The wedding processional is the music played as the wedding party walks down the aisle to the altar. This music is an essential part of the wedding ceremony and sets the mood for the bride’s entrance. The processionals are typically played in the same order as the wedding party enters the ceremony.
It’s important to pick the right song for the wedding processional as it’s typically the most important part of the ceremony. Select a song that matches the mood you want to set for your wedding.
How are Wedding Prelude and Processional Different?
Although the prelude and processional are both types of music played during a wedding ceremony, they serve different purposes.
The prelude serves as background music while guests arrive for the wedding ceremony, and it shouldn’t overpower the conversations happening among guests. In contrast, the processional music sets the tone for the bride’s entrance and should be selected carefully to create the ambiance you want at your wedding.
It’s essential to choose the right type of music for each to ensure that your wedding ceremony has the atmosphere you desire.
Ideas for Wedding Prelude and Processional Music
When it comes to choosing the right music for your wedding, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Wedding Prelude Music Ideas
– Classical Music
– Instrumental Music
– Traditional Folk Music
– Jazz Music
– Soft Rock Music
Wedding Processional Music Ideas
– Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
– Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke
– A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
– Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner
– Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
These are just a few ideas, but there are many other songs to choose from. You can also hire a professional musician to play the music live if you prefer.
Conclusion
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you want everything to be perfect. The wedding prelude and processional music you choose play a significant role in creating the ambiance and mood for your special day.
Choose music that speaks to you and matches the mood you want to create for your wedding ceremony. With the right music, you’ll have a wedding that you’ll cherish forever.
FAQ
What does prelude mean in a wedding?
Prelude music is an important element of a wedding ceremony. It is a type of instrumental music that is played before the actual ceremony begins. The purpose of prelude music is to create an ambiance of anticipation and excitement while guests are being seated. This music is meant to welcome and entertain guests as they wait for the ceremony to begin.
Prelude music is typically played by a pianist, organist, or string quartet. It can range from traditional songs to modern pop hits or even classical pieces. The choice of music depends largely on the taste and preferences of the bride and groom. Some couples prefer classical or instrumental pieces, while others opt for more contemporary or modern songs.
In addition to setting the mood for the ceremony, prelude music also serves as a buffer before the processional. This is the time when the bridal party and the bride herself make their way down the aisle. The prelude music helps to smooth any awkward pauses or silences that may occur during this process.
Prelude music is an essential element of a wedding ceremony. It is a chance for couples to personalize their ceremony by choosing songs that resonate with them and their guests. It also creates an enjoyable and memorable experience for guests, as they wait with excitement for the beginning of the ceremony.
Who walks mother of the bride down the aisle?
When it comes to wedding traditions, the idea of walking down the aisle is a cherished and symbolic moment for many families. While the bride is often the main focus of attention, one person who is also highly valued is the mother of the bride. Even though she may not be the one getting married, she has played a significant role in the life of the bride, contributing time, effort, and nurturing to help the bride grow into the person she is today.
In the wedding, it’s common for the bride’s father to escort her down the aisle, traditionally giving her away to the groom. However, for the mother of the bride, the question arises, who will walk her down the aisle? In most cases, it is the responsibility of a groomsman to escort the mother of the bride to her seat. This is the traditional choice and gives the guy another few moments in the spotlight.
If the bride’s father has passed away or he isn’t present in her life, then the choice of who will walk the mother of the bride down the aisle becomes even more pressing. In such situations, the bride can choose another important figure in her life, such as her stepfather, brother, uncle, grandfather, or a trusted friend.
However, nowadays, with changing times, more bride’s opt to walk down the aisle solo, without anyone else accompanying them. Similarly, the mothers don’t feel like they need to be “given away” to the groom like their daughters. In such cases, the mother can choose to enter from a different entrance, like the groom’s side of the aisle.
While the tradition of walking down the aisle can be a beautiful custom, it’s essential to remember that there’s no one right way to do it. The bride and groom can choose the approach that feels best for them, whether that includes walking down the aisle together, escorted by different people, having no escort at all, or even walking alongside the mother of the bride. At the end of the day, what matters most is the love between the bride and groom, and those special moments that they share.
What is the order of the recessional walking?
The recessional walk is an important part of a wedding ceremony, as it marks the first public appearance of the newlywed couple as husband and wife. The order of the recessional walking follows a certain etiquette and is typically organized by the wedding planner or officiant.
The order of the recessional walking generally starts with the newlyweds walking arm in arm, with the bride on the groom’s right side. They lead the recessional walk and are followed by the parents of the bride, then the parents of the groom, all walking arm in arm as well. The grandparents of the couple usually follow the parents in a similar manner.
Next in line are the flower girl and ring bearer, walking together or separately depending on their age and preference. They can either walk arm in arm or hold hands while walking down the aisle.
The maid of honor and the best man follow the flower girl and ring bearer. Traditionally, the maid of honor walks arm in arm with the best man on her right.
Finally, the bridesmaids and groomsmen end the recessional walk, walking arm in arm in pairs. The women walk on the left side of their partner, while holding onto their partner’s right arm. The guests follow the bridal party and typically remain standing until the newlyweds exit the ceremony venue.
It is important that the recessional walk is well-organized and that the participants are aware of the walking order. This helps ensure that the bride, groom, and wedding party exit the ceremony venue smoothly and without confusion. By following this etiquette, the recessional walk can become a beautiful and memorable moment for all involved.