When the excitement of being engaged wears off (just a little), you’re faced with the reality of needing to make a LOT of decisions in a relatively short amount of time. Even with a long engagement (hey, thanks COVID!), the wedding planning process can still be overwhelming. Let’s not fool ourselves, guys. Planning a wedding can easily become a second full-time job, and it’s not one that you were expecting to have!
(For a quick win, check out our list of 10 favorite songs for walking down the aisle)
So, today we’re going to talk about songs for walking down the aisle, otherwise known as processional music, for your wedding ceremony. The mood this song creates can set the tone for your entire celebration, so be sure to choose carefully!
In this blog post, we’re going to talk specifically about classical music and why you might want to go with this genre for your wedding ceremony. No worries, we’ll be back to talk about pop music in another post. There’s so much incredible music to choose from, the possibilities are truly endless. In future posts, we’re also going to cover music for prelude, processional, unity ceremony, recessional, and postlude. There’s lots to do, so buckle up and let’s dive in!
(Want to avoid putting your ceremony together on your own? Check out our wedding ceremony templates for easy music selection.)
We’ve worked with over a thousand couples to choose their wedding ceremony music, and we’ve seen brides freeze because they’re just not sure about the kind of music that they want. They’ve come to us stressed and unsure of themselves, completely overwhelmed and not knowing where to start. So here’s the thing – let’s take it one step at a time. Step one, we’re going to choose a genre. Without further adieu, here are 10 reasons to choose classical music for your ceremony:
- It’s Timeless
Walking down the aisle to Trumpet Voluntary like Princess Diana did in 1981 will send shivers down the spine of even the most stoic Father of the Bride.
If you choose music that’s stood the test of time, you won’t look back on your wedding video in 10 years and wonder how you could have possibly chosen “that” pop tune for your grand entrance. Rest assured that your timeless choices will feel just as good in a few decades when your children are grown and are planning their own weddings.
- It’s Elegant and Formal
Classical music is elegant like no other. And let’s face it: the most formal hour of your wedding day will probably be the ceremony. Hair & makeup are perfect, dresses are pristine, ring bearers are excited (and still fully clothed), and groomsmen are pretty much on their best behavior. If you’re looking for elegant & formal, set the scene for your celebration with classical music. Its precision will support the formality of your ceremony perfectly.
- It’s Relaxing
The right classical music choices can definitely be relaxing. Listen to the Aria from the Goldberg Variations and feel the stress just melt away. Spend five minutes with the Romanze from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and not only will you unwind, but we can almost guarantee a smile.
Most couples would love to be as relaxed as possible on their big day. If you listen to classical music and immediately exhale to relax, this might be a great choice for you.
- It’s Required
Yes, many churches have guidelines for the type of music that can be played in their sanctuary. Classical only? No problem. There’s classical music to evoke every single possible mood.
Talk with your ceremony musicians about how you want the mood to feel as your guests are being seated, how you want the mood to feel as you’re walking down the aisle, and how you want the mood to feel as you’re walking out after you’re married. They will help you choose the right music to create the perfect musical landscape for your wedding day.
Oh, and it will be gorgeous.
- It’s Logical
If you know, deep in your heart, that you want to incorporate classical music at some point in your wedding day, the ceremony is a really great place to do it. A lot of couples feel that they’re going to hear plenty of jazz, pop, rock, and current hits during their cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. It makes sense to begin the formalities of the day with the most traditional music, and then transition to lighter styles as the mood of the day shifts to the party!
- It’s Unique
Yes, there are a handful of traditional classical wedding songs that are heard a lot. But, there’s a huge array of classical music that isn’t commonly played at weddings.
Roll up your sleeves and start listening. Or, just ask your ceremony musicians for some suggestions of unique classical music that works well for ceremonies. We’re willing to bet they’ve got some great ideas.
(Want to ditch the guesswork? Check out our wedding ceremony templates for already-done-for-you simplicity.)
- It’s Traditional
Classical music has been around for a long time, so by sheer definition, it’s traditional. Traditional “wedding music” is classical. The Bridal Chorus. The Wedding March. The Prince of Denmark’s March. Pachelbel’s Canon in D.
The reason this music is still popular today is because it’s stood the test of time.
But let’s take it one step further: there are few things sweeter than walking down the aisle to the same piece of music your mother did on her wedding day.
And that, my friend, is a tradition worth keeping.
- It’s Exciting
Ever watch a bunch of string players really tear into a great piece of music, digging into the strings, bows flying? It’s pretty damn cool. Check out the 3rd movement from Vivaldi’s Summer (The Four Seasons), the 3rd movement from Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, and the 4th movement from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
Exhilarating stuff.
Bach still excites us, almost 300 years later. If that’s not proof of great music, what is?
- It’s Your Dream
A lot of people get goosebumps every.single.time they hear Pachelbel’s Canon in D.
The right music at the right time will give you goosebumps, misty eyes, and happy tears.
If you’ve been dreaming all your life of walking down the aisle to a particular piece of classical music, by all means, let’s do it!
- It’s Sophisticated, Captivating, and Alluring
There’s absolutely nothing like it. On the one day of your life when you can create exactly the mood you want, do. And if sophisticated is how you want to feel on your wedding day, make sure to choose music that creates and supports that mood.
So, there you have it! I hope this was a helpful intro to classical wedding ceremony music and some good reasons to go this route for music selection.
Take a spin through our wedding ceremony ideas and get access to 25 already done for you templates to mix & match ideas. Classical AND pop! And no worries, we’ll be back with a post about pop ceremony music very soon. Hang tight.