7 Surprising Wedding Processional Songs: YES or NO?

Ready to Walk Down the Aisle to Something Unexpected?

Planning your wedding? Of course, you are! And while the dress, the venue, and the cake often steal the spotlight, the music sets the tone for the entire day. But what about the wedding processional songs? Are you stuck with the same old Canon in D? It's beautiful, sure, but maybe you're craving something a little... different.

This guide is your go-to resource for finding unique and memorable wedding processional songs. We'll explore surprising options, helping you decide if they're a "YES" or a "NO" for your big day. We'll also cover practical tips for choosing the perfect songs and avoiding common pitfalls. Get ready to create a processional that truly reflects you and your partner's style.

Here's what you'll discover:

• Unexpected song ideas that go beyond the traditional
• How to choose wedding processional songs that fit your personality
• Practical tips for working with your musicians or DJ
• Song lists for different moods and styles
• Common mistakes to avoid when selecting your processional music

Let's dive in and find the perfect soundtrack for your walk down the aisle!

Breaking Tradition: Unexpected Processional Song Choices

Let's face it: some wedding processional songs have been played at so many weddings, they've become almost cliché. While there's nothing wrong with tradition, you might want to infuse your ceremony with a bit more personality. So, what are some unexpected options?

Consider these ideas:

• Acoustic Versions of Pop Songs: Think a stripped-down version of your favorite pop anthem. This can be a great way to incorporate a song you both love without sacrificing the elegance of the moment.
• Instrumental Movie Soundtracks: Many film scores offer beautiful and moving melodies that are perfect for a processional.
• Classical Music with a Twist: Explore lesser-known classical pieces or modern interpretations of classics.
• Folk or Indie Music: These genres often have heartfelt lyrics and gentle melodies that can create a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Song Examples:

• "A Thousand Years (Piano Version)" by The Piano Guys — A contemporary classic, reimagined for a beautiful instrumental feel.
• "Concerning Hobbits" by Howard Shore (from The Lord of the Rings) — A whimsical and joyful piece perfect for a lighthearted processional.
• "Hallelujah (Instrumental Version)" by Vitamin String Quartet — A deeply moving song, stripped down to its emotional core.
• "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver — A hauntingly beautiful song choice for a more alternative feel.

The key is to choose something that resonates with you both and reflects your unique love story. Don't be afraid to step outside the box and create a processional that truly stands out.

Is It a "Yes" or a "No"? Considering Your Wedding Style

So, you've got some unconventional wedding processional songs in mind. Fantastic! But before you finalize your decision, it's crucial to consider your overall wedding style. Will the music choice complement the atmosphere you're trying to create?

Here’s a breakdown of different wedding styles and suggested processional music:

• Traditional Wedding: While you might be tempted to stick with the classics, you can still incorporate a touch of uniqueness. Opt for a less common classical piece or a modern arrangement of a traditional hymn.
• Rustic Wedding: Folk, bluegrass, or acoustic music would be a perfect fit for a rustic-themed wedding. Think acoustic guitar, banjo, or even a small string band.
• Modern Wedding: Embrace contemporary music! Instrumental versions of pop songs, electronic music, or even a custom-composed piece can create a chic and stylish atmosphere.
• Bohemian Wedding: Folk, indie, or world music would be ideal for a bohemian wedding. Think acoustic instruments, layered harmonies, and a relaxed vibe.
• Beach Wedding: Calming acoustic tunes, reggae, or even ukulele music can create a relaxed and beachy atmosphere.

Examples:

• Traditional: "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel — A classic choice that still resonates with many couples.
• Rustic: "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel (Acoustic Cover) — A folksy and heartfelt option.
• Modern: "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy (Electronic Remix) — Adds a contemporary edge to a timeless classic.
• Bohemian: "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" by Iron & Wine — A beautiful and evocative song choice.
• Beach: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole — A classic Hawaiian tune that evokes a sense of peace and serenity.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if a song is a "yes" or a "no" is to listen to it in the context of your wedding venue and imagine yourself walking down the aisle to it. Does it feel right? Does it enhance the atmosphere you're trying to create? If so, then go for it!

Step-by-Step: Choosing Your Wedding Processional Songs

Choosing your wedding processional songs can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller steps can make the process much easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Brainstorm with Your Partner: Start by discussing your musical tastes and preferences. What songs are meaningful to you both? Are there any songs that evoke special memories? Consider making a shared playlist on a music streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music.
2. Consider Your Wedding Style: As discussed earlier, your wedding style should influence your music choices. Think about the overall atmosphere you're trying to create and choose songs that complement that style.
3. Listen to Different Options: Don't limit yourself to the usual suspects. Explore different genres, artists, and instrumental versions of songs. Listen to your options in the context of your wedding venue to see how they sound.
4. Consider the Length of the Aisle: The length of the aisle will determine how long your processional songs need to be. Choose songs that are long enough to cover the entire walk, but not so long that they become boring. Discuss this with your musicians or DJ.
5. Think About the Order of the Processional: Who will be walking down the aisle and in what order? This will influence the number of songs you need. Some couples choose a separate song for the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, and the bride.
6. Get Feedback: Once you've narrowed down your options, get feedback from trusted friends or family members. They can offer a fresh perspective and help you make the final decision.
7. Finalize Your Choices: Once you're happy with your wedding processional songs, finalize your choices and communicate them to your musicians or DJ. Make sure they have enough time to learn the songs and prepare for your wedding.

Remember to trust your gut and choose songs that you both love. After all, it's your wedding day!

Working with Musicians or a DJ: Practical Tips

Once you've chosen your wedding processional songs, it's time to communicate your choices to your musicians or DJ. Clear communication is key to ensuring that your music is played correctly and creates the desired atmosphere.

Here are some practical tips for working with musicians or a DJ:

• Provide a Detailed Playlist: Create a detailed playlist that includes the song titles, artists, and specific versions of the songs you want to be played. If you have specific instructions for when to start or stop a song, be sure to include those as well.
• Meet with Your Musicians or DJ in Advance: Schedule a meeting with your musicians or DJ to discuss your music choices and any specific requests you have. This is a good opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns.
• Provide Sheet Music or Recordings: If you're using live musicians, provide them with sheet music or recordings of the songs you want them to play. This will help them learn the songs and ensure that they're played correctly.
• Confirm the Timing: Discuss the timing of the processional with your musicians or DJ. How long will it take for each person to walk down the aisle? When should each song start and stop?
• Designate a Point Person: Designate a friend or family member to be the point person for your musicians or DJ on the day of the wedding. This person can answer any questions and handle any issues that may arise.
• Trust Their Expertise: While it's important to communicate your preferences, also trust your musicians or DJ's expertise. They have experience playing at weddings and can offer valuable advice on music choices and timing.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding processional songs are played flawlessly and create the perfect atmosphere for your walk down the aisle.

And if you're still looking for the perfect DJ, PartyMusicPlaylist can help you find local professionals in your area, making the process even easier!

Song List: Romantic & Emotional Processional Songs

Need some inspiration? Here are some romantic and emotional wedding processional songs that are sure to tug at the heartstrings:

• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley — A timeless classic that speaks to the power of love.
• "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran — A modern love song that's perfect for a romantic processional.
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri — A popular choice for a reason: it's beautiful and deeply moving.
• "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen — A powerful and emotional song that can be incredibly impactful.
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong — A classic song that celebrates the beauty of life and love.
• "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack — A soulful and romantic song about the magic of first love.
• "At Last" by Etta James — A timeless ballad about finding true love.
• "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele — A heartfelt song about unconditional love and support.
• "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran — A romantic and upbeat song about growing old together.
• "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne — A soulful and heartfelt song about finding your soulmate.

Song List: Upbeat & Joyful Processional Songs

Want to create a more celebratory and joyful atmosphere? Here are some upbeat and joyful wedding processional songs:

• "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles — A classic song that radiates positivity and happiness.
• "Marry You" by Bruno Mars — A fun and upbeat song that's perfect for a celebratory processional.
• "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves — A feel-good song that's guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face.
• "Happy" by Pharrell Williams — An infectious song that's impossible not to dance to.
• "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder — A classic soul song that's full of energy and excitement.
• "You Make My Dreams (Come True)" by Hall & Oates — A joyful and upbeat song about finding your dreams come true.
• "Everything" by Michael Bublé — A romantic and upbeat song about finding everything you need in one person.
• "I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles — A sweet and joyful song about choosing to spend your life with someone.
• "Better Together" by Jack Johnson — A mellow and upbeat song about the joy of being together.
• "Riptide" by Vance Joy — An Indie folk song with a happy, upbeat feel.

And remember, you can use PartyMusicPlaylist to easily share these song lists with your wedding party and gather song requests for the reception too! Create Your Playlist today.

Tips for Making Your Processional Unique

Want to make your wedding processional songs truly unique and memorable? Here are some tips:

• Choose a Meaningful Song: Select a song that has special meaning to you and your partner. This could be a song that was playing when you first met, a song that reminds you of a special moment, or a song that simply resonates with your relationship.
• Consider an Instrumental Version: An instrumental version of a popular song can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your processional.
• Personalize the Lyrics: If you're using live musicians, ask them to personalize the lyrics of a song to reflect your relationship.
• Incorporate a Musical Interlude: Add a musical interlude between songs to create a more dramatic effect.
• Surprise Your Guests: Choose a song that no one expects. This will add an element of surprise and make your processional more memorable.
• Create a Custom Mix: Work with your DJ to create a custom mix of your favorite songs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Processional Music

Choosing the wrong wedding processional songs can have a negative impact on your ceremony. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Choosing a Song That's Too Long: Make sure your processional songs are the appropriate length for the aisle. Songs that are too long can become boring and detract from the moment.
• Choosing a Song That's Too Slow or Too Fast: The tempo of your processional songs should match the pace of the walk down the aisle. Songs that are too slow can make the walk feel draggy, while songs that are too fast can make it feel rushed.
• Choosing a Song with Inappropriate Lyrics: Pay attention to the lyrics of your processional songs. Avoid songs with lyrics that are sad, negative, or inappropriate for a wedding ceremony.
• Ignoring Your Partner's Preferences: Make sure to choose wedding processional songs that you both love. It's important to compromise and find songs that reflect both of your musical tastes.
• Waiting Until the Last Minute: Don't wait until the last minute to choose your processional songs. Give yourself plenty of time to explore different options and make the best decision for your wedding.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Processional

Here's some pro advice to ensure your processional is flawless:

"Consider the acoustics of your venue. A grand cathedral will require different music than a small outdoor garden." — Wedding Planner, Sarah Miller

"Don't be afraid to consult with your musicians or DJ. They have years of experience and can offer valuable insights." — Professional DJ, Mark Davis

"Rehearse the processional with your chosen music. This will help ensure that everything flows smoothly on the big day." — Wedding Coordinator, Emily Carter

By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your wedding processional songs are perfect and create a truly unforgettable moment.

Remember, your wedding is a reflection of your love story. Choose music that celebrates that story and creates a memory that will last a lifetime!