When it comes to setting the tone for a wedding, few elements are as crucial as the processional. The music that fills the air as you make your entrance can have a lasting impact on the entire event, making it essential to choose wisely. With this in mind, couples have the freedom to select a single song or curate a unique playlist for each member of their bridal party. While traditional options remain timeless, we recognize that every couple is unique.
To cater to diverse tastes, we’ve compiled a list of processional music spanning classic, modern, and alternative genres, allowing you to create a soundtrack that reflects your personal style.
What is a processional song at a wedding?
The processionional song, also known as the wedding march, is a significant musical element in any ceremony. It’s the tune that accompanies key figures, including the bride’s family members, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and of course, the bride herself, as they make their way down the aisle.
Classic Wedding Processional Songs
The wedding processional is an integral part of any traditional or classical wedding. One popular approach is to choose instrumental tracks that feature soaring crescendos and subtle fades, perfect for cueing your entrance. Here are some beloved options: Chapel of Love by The Dixie Cups, a timeless favorite with its iconic lyrics. For a more refined option, Fur Elise by Beethoven offers a beautiful and elegant choice. Alternatively, Arioso by J. S.
Bach provides an instrumental masterpiece that is sure to delight both the bridal party and guests. If you’re looking for something a bit more ethereal, Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy offers a stunning and romantic option. And finally, The Wedding Song (There is Love) by Peter, Paul & Mary is a classic choice that has been a staple at weddings for years, its spiritual and uplifting lyrics making it an excellent choice for any couple.
Modern Wedding Processional Songs
As you prepare to walk down the aisle, why not set the tone with some modern tunes that will delight both your wedding party and your guests? A well-chosen processional song can elevate the entire atmosphere of your special day. For inspiration, consider Bruno Mars’ romantic ballad ‘Marry You’, which features lyrics like ‘It’s a beautiful night, we’re looking for something dumb to do; hey baby, I think I wanna marry you…’ This upbeat track is sure to get everyone in a celebratory mood.
Alternatively, you might opt for Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s iconic collaboration on ‘Crazy in Love’, which boasts an energetic vibe and memorable lyrics like ‘I look and stare so deep in your eyes; I touch on you more and more every time…’ Beach House’s ethereal tune ‘Real Love’ is another great choice, with its dreamy quality and poignant lyrics that evoke a sense of longing.
If you’re looking for something a bit more contemporary, Sia’s emotive ballad ‘Salted Wound’ could be the perfect fit, featuring lines like ‘You are the feel, and knew it anyway. Take a chance, it wasn’t what you know; take my hand, and don’t let go…’ Finally, Adele’s soulful rendition of ‘Make You Feel My Love’ is a timeless classic that’s sure to bring a tear (or two!) to your guests’ eyes.
Whatever your taste, there’s a modern processional song out there to match – so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the one that feels just right for you.
Unique Wedding Processional Songs
As you’re preparing for your special day, you may be looking for some unique and unexpected wedding songs to make a lasting impression on your guests. For a truly memorable entrance or processional, consider these uncommon yet meaningful tracks that will leave everyone feeling all the feels. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s ‘Over the Rainbow’ is a sweet and sentimental choice perfect for a beachside or tropical destination wedding.
Released in 1990 as part of his album ‘Ka ‘Ano’I’, this song is sure to bring tears to your guests’ eyes with its poignant lyrics: ‘Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high. And the dreams that you dream of, once in a lullaby.’ Eric Clapton’s soulful ballad ‘Wonderful Tonight’ is another great option for a wedding processional. With its soft and beautiful melody, this 1997 release from his album ‘Slowhand’ captures the essence of love and devotion.
The lyrics: ‘It’s late in the evening; she’s wondering what clothes to wear. She’ll put on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair, and then she asks me, do I look all right? And I say, yes, you look wonderful tonight,’ will surely resonate with your loved ones. Kodaline’s ‘The One’ is a great choice for a lively and upbeat processional that will leave everyone feeling goosebumpy.
Released in 2015 as part of their album ‘Coming Up for Air’, this song features lyrics that perfectly capture the essence of love: ‘Cause you make my heart feel like it’s summer when the rain is pouring down. You make my whole world feel so right when it’s wrong. That’s why I know you are the one, that’s how I know you are the one.’ Bruno Mars’ charming and upbeat track ‘Just the Way You Are’ is another great option for a wedding processional.
With its catchy melody and sweet lyrics: ‘When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change, ‘cause you’re amazing just the way you are,’ this 2010 release from his album ‘Doo-Wops & Hooligans’ will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Sara Bareilles’ ‘I Choose You’ is another great choice for an upbeat and fun processional song.
Released in 2018 as part of her album ‘The Blessed Unrest’, this track features lyrics that perfectly capture the essence of love and commitment: ‘Tell the world that we finally got it all right, I choose you. I will become yours and you will become mine, I choose you, I choose. You, yeah.’
Popular Wedding Processional Songs
Alternative Wedding Processional Songs
When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding procession song, many couples opt for classic love songs. However, some brides and grooms may prefer a more unique and alternative tune to mark their special moment. For those who are looking for something different, here are some alternative music options that are slightly unconventional but still beautiful and meaningful. One option is ‘History in the Making’ by Darius Rucker, a country song that exudes romance and nostalgia.
The lyrics speak of taking time to appreciate the beauty of the moment, making it a perfect fit for a wedding procession. Another great choice is Pentatonix’s rendition of ‘Hallelujah’, which offers a unique and emotive take on this classic Leonard Cohen song. For those who prefer something more upbeat, ‘All This Time’ by OneRepublic is a love song that captures the essence of waiting for the one you love.
Lana Del Rey’s ‘Love’ is another great option, with its dreamy quality and captivating melody making it an excellent choice for couples looking for something different. Finally, ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ by The Verve offers a beautiful and emotive rock ballad that is perfect for couples who want to mark their special moment with something unique. These alternative songs offer a fresh take on the traditional wedding procession song, and are sure to make your big day even more memorable.
Wedding Party Processional Songs
As you’re preparing the perfect playlist for your wedding day, don’t forget about the special moments when your groomsmen and bridesmaids make their grand entrances. If you’ve opted for unique tunes for each group, here are some top picks to consider incorporating into your ceremony.
Bridal Party Ceremony Entrance Songs
Get ready to set the tone for your special day with these timeless tunes! First up, Beyoncé’s ‘Love on Top’ is sure to get your bridesmaids and guests grooving from ear to ear. Released in 2011 as part of her album ‘4’, this upbeat track has lyrics that’ll resonate with anyone who’s ever felt the joy of being in love: ‘Now everybody ask me why I’m smiling out from ear to ear, (they say love hurts). But I know (it’s gonna take the real work), nothing’s perfect but it’s worth it.
‘ Next up, Carole King’s sensual R&B number ‘You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman’ is a must-play for any wedding playlist. With lyrics that speak directly to the heart of every woman who’s ever felt uninspired and found love again: ‘Looking out on the morning rain, I used to feel uninspired. And when I knew I had to face another day, lord, it made me feel so tired. Before the day I met you, life was so unkind; but your love was the key to my peace of mind.
‘ If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, Colbie Caillat’s ‘I Do’ is the perfect choice. With its catchy beat and lyrics that’ll have your bridesmaids singing along: ‘You make we wanna say I do, I do, I do, do dododododo doo, yeah, I do, I do, I do, do dododododo doo.’ And finally, The Beatles’ classic ‘All You Need Is Love’ is a feel-good anthem that’s sure to bring smiles all around: ‘There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done, nothing you can sing that can’t be sung.
Nothing you can say, but you can learn how to play the game. It’s easy.’ For a tropical island or beach wedding, Bob Marley’s reggae classic ‘Is This Love’ is the perfect choice. With its infectious beat and lyrics that’ll have your guests swaying to the rhythm: ‘I want to love you, and treat you right. I want to love you, every day and every night; we’ll be together, with a roof right over our heads. We’ll share the shelter, of my single bed.’
Groomsmen Ceremony Entrance Songs
