2. Wedding Songs For Your First Processional

Choosing the right wedding songs for your processional should be a simple process. The problem is most people don't have any idea what songs fit in this particular ceremony event. I’ll first review what the processional is and how to plan it then go over music ideas for you. I will include a list of traditional (and non-traditional) First Processionals at the end of this article.

First, here’s a brief description 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. They can be escorted by an usher or groomsman or they can process as a couple. The groom’s parents, for instance, could walk down as a couple if still married. Don't go too crazy and include everybody in the processional (like your 3rd cousin, twice removed). It should be reserved for the most important people in your life. I’ll go over the entrance order in reverse. The last person down the isle would be the bride’s mom. Before her, would be the groom’s mom. And before her would be the bride’s grandparents, then the groom’s grandparents. 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 movie. The most important stuff happens at the end! Start with your close special people, then the groom’s grandparents, then the bride’s grandparents, then the groom’s parent’s, then, finally, the bride’s mom finishes the first processional. She won’t be escorted by the bride’s father, as he will be walking the bride down the isle. The bride’s mom can be escorted by her son (I know, you can say “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. We'll cover those processionals next time.

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 sensibilities. Some traditional songs are Air On A G String by Bach, Greensleeves, and of course, the ever-popular, much overused Canon in D Major by Pachelbel. Now, if you've always pictured your family walking down to an over-played wedding song, that's fine. There are so many different versions of these songs available, you can always find one that has a new, unique feel to it. I currently have 16 different versions of Canon in D in my music library! Another way to go is using contemporary songs, such as Con Ti Partiro by Andrea Bocelli (or by anyone else, for that matter) or even a Josh Groban song. If you’d prefer no vocals, many times you can find instrumental versions of these songs that will work well. 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, make sure the bride loves it and the bride’s mom loves it. The groom and everyone else can simply “like” it and you should be fine! 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

Ave Maria – Pavarotti

Canon In D Major – Pachelbel

Con Ti Partiro (the Bellagio song) – Bocelli

Flower Duet – Traditional

Greensleeves – Traditional

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach

Minuet – Mozart

My Heart Will Go On (Piano) – Christopher Peacock

Ode To Joy – Beethoven

Prelude No. 1 In C Major – Bach

Sheep May Safely Graze – Bach

Siciliano – Bach

The Wedding Song – Petula Clark

Also, search for these song titles and leave the artist blank and you’ll find a wide variety of versions. Oh, and don't forget another great source--movie soundtracks! Good luck and thanks for stopping by Wedding Songs and Music Ideas!