Traditional Wedding Processional Ideas

The traditional wedding processional is a classical song or instrumental only piece. Of course, the most traditional of all is the “Here Comes the Bride” that everyone knows well. The name of this song is actually “Bridal Chorus” from Lohengrin by Wagner. It can be played by the organist, on the piano, or even by a strong quartet, but it is easily the most recognizable wedding processional of all time.

If you are looking for something traditional for your wedding, but want something a little bit different from the usual “Here comes the Bride”, I have compiled a list of great processionals that are appropriate for a more traditional wedding ceremony.

One of my favorite classical pieces that is often used as a wedding processional is “Trumpet Voluntary in D” by Henry Purcell. As a bride, you will feel as if you are floating down the aisle with this beautiful and joyous tune. If you can find a trumpet player to play along with your church organist, I highly recommend this song. The trumpet brings so much joy to the occasion with its bright cheerful tone.

If you are looking for something a bit softer, another popular choice for the traditional wedding is “Canon in D” by Pachelbel, (also called Pachelbel's Canon). This song is most beautiful when played by a string quartet, but an organ or piano arrangement can also be very sweet. Most people in the congregation will recognize the song and it brings a sweeter, softer mood to the wedding than the previous examples.

Another soft choice is Bach's “Air in G”. I love this song with its beautiful tension and melody. This is a formal and slow choice perfect for a traditional wedding in a church that has a long aisle or a very traditional décor.

In contrast, something like Handel's “Water Music” is more jubilant and fast-paced, suited well to a ceremony that has a lighter mood. I would recommend this for a daytime or morning wedding in the summer or spring months, as it has that very joyful light tone to it.

Mozart's “Andante” from Divertimento No. 1, Bach's “Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring”, Handel's “Largo” from Xerxes, and “Spring” from Vivaldi's Four Seasons are also some wonderful choices. My best advice is to start with this list and listen to the music. Try to pick a processional that best matches the mood and setting of your wedding. Don't choose a slow, somber song for a morning wedding on the beach. For that wedding, you would do better to choose a sunny, joyful processional. However, the slower processional might be perfect for an evening wedding in a large church where everyone will be dressed in black tie.

The most important factor in choosing the right traditional wedding processional for your wedding ceremony is to choose music that best reflects the mood and style of your event. Picture the wedding just as you want it to be while you are listening to each choice and try to imagine everything from whether it is light or dark outside down to what everyone sitting down is wearing. If the song seems to fit and you feel beautiful walking to the tempo and rhythm of the song, then set that choice aside in the”keep” pile. But if you feel slightly uncomfortable about the song feeling too fast or too somber, just set that aside in the “no” pile and keep listening. The right wedding processional for you will stand out and feel right when you hear it.