RSS Feeds: Your First Processional: Choosing Your Wedding Songs
Picking the right Wedding Songs for your processional should be a simple, easy task to accomplish. The problem is most people don't have a clue as to what songs fit in this particular area of their ceremony. At the end of this article, I will include a list of traditional (and non-traditional) First Processionals for you to peruse. But right now, let's go over what the processional is and how to plan it then we'll go over music ideas for you.
Here's a brief explanation of the processional. This is where the parents and any other special people (aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, etc.) are honored by having them walk down the isle. Don't go too crazy and include everybody in the processional (like your second cousin, twice removed). It should be saved for the most important people in your life. Parents can be walked down by an usher or groomsman or they can walk down as a couple. The parents of the groom, for instance, could walk down as a couple if still married. The following is the entrance order, but in reverse. The last person down the isle before the groomsmen enter (then the bridesmaids) would be the bride's mom. Before her, would be the groom's mom. And before her would be the grandparents of the bride, then the grandparents of the groom. Any other special people would come before the grandparents. Notice how the most important, the more special the person is, the later they walk down the isle? I know, it seems backward, but it's like a Hollywood movie: The most important events happen at the end! Start with your close special people, then the grandparents of the groom, then the bride's grandparents, then the parents of the groom, then, finally, the bride's mom finishes the first processional. She won't be escorted by the father of the bride, as he will be walking the bride down the isle. The bride's mom can be escorted by her son (this is where you say a cute "awwww!") or any other person she'd prefer. This is the First Processional, or the Processional for the Parents. What follows is the Second Processional, or the Processional for the Bridesmaids. Finally, the Third Processional, or the Bride's Processional follows next.
The wedding song you choose for your parent's processional can range from classical to contemporary and should reflect your style and/or your parent's tastes. Some traditional songs are Air On A G String by Bach, Greensleeves, and of course, the oh-so popular and much overused Canon in D Major by Pachalbel. Now, if you've always pictured your family walking down to an overplayed wedding song, that's fine. There are so many different versions of these songs available, and you can always find one that has a new, distinctive feel to it. Currently, I have 17 different versions of Canon in D Major in my music library! Another way to go is using contemporary songs, such as Con Ti Partiro by Andrea Bocelli (or by any other artist, for that matter) or even a Josh Groban song. If you'd prefer instrumentals, many times you can find instrumental versions of these songs and these go over like a classical piece. I once had a client use the instrumental version of Crazy For You by Madonna. And I've even had some clients have tons of fun with this, the very start of their wedding day, by playing a fun, over-the-top song like Chapel of Love by the Dixie Cups.
Whatever wedding song you choose for your First Processional, just make sure the bride and the bride's mom love it. The groom and everyone else can simply "like" it—I think you'll be able to get away with that! Now, as promised, here's a list of wedding songs and music ideas for your First Processional!
- Adagio – Mozart
- Air – Handel
- Air on a G String – Bach
- Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring – Bach
- Prelude No. 1 In C Major – Bach
- Sheep May Safely Graze – Bach
- Siciliano – Bach
- My Heart Will Go On (Piano) – Christopher Peacock
- Ode To Joy – Beethoven
- The Wedding Song – Petula Clark
- Ave Maria – Pavarotti
- Canon In D Major – Pachelbel
- Con Ti Partiro (the Bellagio song) – Bocelli
- Flower Duet – Traditional
- Greensleeves – Traditional
- Minuet – Mozart
Also, search for these song titles by title only (leave the artist blank) and you'll find a wide selection of different versions. Oh, and don't forget another great source–movie soundtracks! Good luck! I hope this helps you with your Wedding Songs selections.
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