Ideas For Wedding Processional and Recessional Music
Selecting appropriate music for a wedding ceremony requires careful consideration. The decision will be influenced by a range of factors, such as the location of the ceremony (i.e. church or civil wedding), as well as your views on traditional, contemporary or humorous musical choices. In all cases there are a range of options available.
Traditional Processional Music
There are a number of classical pieces which have become traditional for use in wedding ceremonies, and some of the most recognisable are used for the entrance of the bride. One of the most common pieces of wedding processional music is 'The Bridal Chorus' from the opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner (although it is not generally used in Catholic weddings). In English speaking countries it is often referred to as 'Here Comes the Bride' or 'The Wedding March'. However, the term 'wedding march' actually applies to any piece of music, of marching tempo, that is used to accompany the entrance or exit of the bride, and thus there are numerous other musical options available.
For example, another classical piece commonly used as processional music, is 'The Prince of Denmark's March' by Jeremiah Clarke, also known as 'The Trumpet Voluntary'. The popularity of this piece can be partly attributed to its use during the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles in 1981. Alternatively, another popular classic is La Rejouissance from 'The Royal Fireworks' by George Frideric Handel. This is a non religious piece so is suitable for use in a civil ceremony.
Traditional Recessional Music
Wedding recessional music is played to accompany the exit of the bride and groom and the rest of the bridal party as they leave the ceremony venue. As with processional music, there are a wide range of religious and non-religious classical pieces which have become popular over the years. One of the most commonly used is Mendelssohns wedding march from 'A Midsummer Nights Dream'. Alternatively, Handle's Hallelujah chorus from the Messiah is also very popular and can provide a particularly uplifting ending to the ceremony.
Alternative or Humorous Recessional Music
There are many other suitable classical options available for use as processional or recessional music, but these days some people prefer to opt for a more contemporary or even humorous choice of accompaniment. So here's our list of top ten humorous and alternative recessional songs:
- 'Signed Sealed Delivered' by Stevie Wonder
- Indiana Jones Theme Music
- Starwars Theme Music
- 'Another One Bites the Dust' by Queen
- 'At Last' by Etta James
- Mission Impossible Theme Music
- Rocky Theme Music
- Superman Theme Music
- 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' by The Verve
- 'Wild Thing' by The Troggs
A Final Word of Advice
At the end of the day, its important to choose something you're comfortable with and that fits the occasion. However, if you are still undecided or torn between the traditional and contemporary approach, then why not compromise and search the internet for a classical string arrangement of your chosen contemporary song. You might be surprised how many mainstream pop songs have been re-arranged in classical instrumental format that can bring an element of fun, but in a tasteful way. If you still need inspiration, you can find more ideas at
