Processional Songs for Walking Down the Aisle
2020
The processional song sets the mood for the entire wedding ceremony. It makes a statement about you as a wedding couple — not just as a bride.
Are You Walking Down The Aisle?
Some brides choose not to walk down the aisle. There is a line of thinking that the whole concept of “giving the bride away” echoes the patriarchal society we live in. That’s totally fine. The bride and groom can both walk down the aisle – or the bride can walk alone.
If you choose to walk down the aisle, it’s traditionally accompanied by music. We call this the processional song. The processional is the start of the actual ceremony rituals. Yes, there is music played as guests meander in and take their seats. However, the first official ceremony song typically starts with the processional song.
If the bride would like a special song just for her and a different song for the wedding party, then you have two processional songs. This should be coordinated with your wedding planner and professional DJ. The wedding rehearsal is an important night for practicing the timing of this walk. If the song is too long, your DJ should help you choose how to edit the songs.
A special song should also be considered for the recessional. The wedding couple starts the recessional after the announcement of the new married couple to their guests from the officiant. Then, the wedding party exits. The wedding party is followed by the wedding guests from front to back rows. But, that’s another blog post.
But We’re a Same-Sex Couple
Celebrate yourselves. This is what a wedding is all about. Why not both walk down the aisle? You can choose to walk together or each have a special person to walk with you — one person at a time. You can each have a song that speaks to your part in the marriage. Have fun with it.
Ultimately, the wedding is about you — the wedding couple. Its purpose is to celebrate your union with your closest friends and family. The song choice should be a fun part of your wedding planning.
Walk Down The Aisle To Your Favorite Song
Walking to the altar from behind wedding guests to start the wedding ceremony is known as the processional.
This part of the ceremony is customarily set to music. When choosing a processional song, it is important to factor in who is walking down the aisle and how long the aisle is at the wedding venue. The people walking down the aisle could include the entire wedding party or just the bride.
Should I Choose a Traditional Processional Song?
There’s nothing wrong with traditional songs. If you like the expected then there are plenty of traditional songs to choose from. Traditional wedding processional songs listed below include “Wedding March” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, “Trumpet Tune” by Henry Purcell and “Canon In D Major” by Johann Pachelbel.
If you choose to shake things up, then choose a song that reinforces your theme. If you have a beach-themed wedding, we would suggest “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” sung by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. We have also included romantic pop songs which include “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys and “A Whole New World,” from the movie Aladdin, by Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle.
Our wedding processional songs list includes many genres such as classical, jazz, country, rock, indie, new age, and more.
What Is the Best Processional Song?
No matter your favorite music styles or the theme of your wedding, you can definitely find a song on our list that will fit your needs. If you like country music, Zac Brown Band would be a good start. If you would like the processional to be more of a pomp and circumstance type of song, then consider The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
We tried to list the more popular traditional and non-traditional songs. If you have a special processional song that you think we should add to our list, please add your song suggestion through the comment section below
The Best Wedding Processional Songs List
Processional song list curated by Matthew Campbell
Last Updated: June 24, 2020
Listen to our best processional songs playlist on Spotify.
Other related song lists to read:
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Great list!
Thanks RJ. Glad you like it.
Sometime in the morning The Monkees
Thanks for the suggestion Laurie! Great song!
Natalie Cole – Our Love
Thank you Pam. We will add it to the list!
Michelle Featherstone – We are Man and Wife
Russel Dickerson – Yours
Taylor Swift – You are in Love
Safteysuit – Never Stop (wedding version)
Thanks Natalie. We will add them to the list!
Bryant Adam- After All
Thanks Joan. Forgot to tell you we added it to the list as a duet with Michael Buble.