Wedding Songs

When it comes to wedding music, there is one thing that every bride asks herself; what song will be playing when she marches down the aisle?

In order to answer this question you need to ask yourself several questions.  First, what kind of a wedding are you planning?  Are you going for a large, traditional wedding, or are you having a small informal family gathering?  Is your service going to be non-traditional, or will it be set on a theme of some sort?  All of these things need to be taken into consideration before you select your wedding music.  And then of course, there is the question of whether you have live music, pre-recorded music and who you will get to play either kind.

If you are opting for a traditional wedding you may want to opt for an organist, string quartet or orchestra to keep with the mood of the wedding.  For smaller weddings a pianist or DJ is perfectly acceptable, while for non-traditional weddings, the sky is, quite literally, the limit.  But what songs are there to choose from?  Let’s take a look at some of the most popular pieces to march down the aisle to:

Traditional Songs:

The Bridal Chorus (also known as here comes the Bride) from “Lohengrin” by Wagner.  The ultimate traditional wedding march, this Bridal Chorus is recognized around the world and fits into any wedding ceremony, even those that are non-traditional with a little creativity.

The Four Seasons by Handle.  A little less grand (and traditional) than the Bridal Chorus, The Four Seasons adds a lovely touch of sophistication to any gathering, and can make a beautiful choice for a wedding song.

Cannon in D by Pachelbel is another rather traditional piece which has often been used for weddings, though usually as a processional or recessional, but using it as a wedding march can be a breath of fresh air, especially if performed by a string ensemble or small orchestra.

Water Music by Handle.  This graceful piece is lovely for smaller and less formal weddings as some beautiful renditions are available to be used by a DJ or a small string ensemble. 

Trumpet Voluntary in D by Purcell.  This magnificent piece is very grand and is usually reserved for very large or very exclusive weddings as it sounds best if used with a full- orchestra or organ and is long enough to accommodate even very long aisles.

Non-Traditional Songs:

In My Life by the Beatles.  You can’t get much more non-traditional than the Beatles, and In My Life is a beautiful representation of the genre.  For the non-traditional couple, this may indeed be a perfect fit.

When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge.  For the smaller or non-traditional wedding, there is nothing like choosing a song that speaks to the heart to march down the aisle to, and this heart-touching piece will provide just that.

Unforgettable by Nat King Cole.  One of the perfect songs to play for a non-traditional wedding, especially if using a DJ, this song says it all, and lays the foundation for a very romantic evening.

I Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley.  Another perfect song for those using a DJ, this song is great for Elvis fans, or just for those who want to their hearts to rule the day.

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.  There is just something about his voice that brings tears to your eyes, and for those with a romantic streak, this can be the song of songs for your wedding day.