Romantic, Classical or Upbeat – what will you choose?
Selecting the perfect music to walk down the aisle (professionally called ‘processional music) for your wedding ceremony involves more than simply choosing a beloved tune. Certain qualities make some songs particularly well-suited for that momentous walk down the aisle, with tempo being perhaps the most crucial element.
Romantic Selections
For couples seeking contemporary romance, Calum Scott and Leona Lewis’s “You Are the Reason” offers a beautifully tender duet that captures the essence of modern love. Eva Cassidy’s rendition of “Time After Time” provides a timeless alternative, with its touching promise of unwavering support, with the promise that if you’re lost, your lover will find you ‘time after time’.
Classical Compositions
When considering classical pieces, timing is everything. The elegant “Air from Water Music” by Handel and the ethereal “Flower Duet” from Delibes’ Lakmé are perennial favourites. With classical selections, it’s essential to identify the perfect moment to begin walking—you wouldn’t want the dramatic main theme to play whilst you’re still waiting in the wings! Similarly, consider how the piece will conclude as you reach the altar to avoid any awkward musical endings. And if you’re having a traditional church wedding, talk to your organist – they often have amazing music to offer, and it doesn’t have to be Mendelssohn’s Wedding March!
Beloved Classics
There’s something special about choosing a song that resonates with guests across generations. Ray Charles’s “Come Rain or Come Shine” exemplifies this perfectly, with its passionate declaration of eternal devotion. Enya’s mystical “Only Time” offers a more contemplative choice, though equally moving.
Upbeat Options
Should you fancy something more contemporary and spirited, Bruno Mars’s “Marry You” brings an infectious joy to proceedings, whilst Taylor Swift’s “Paper Rings” offers a playful testament to true love transcending material concerns as she’s happy to marry even with ‘paper rings’. However, do consider the ambient music playing as guests arrive—a jarring shift in style might prove rather startling!
Gentle Pacing
The ceremonial walk calls for a slower pace than everyday movement, allowing guests to admire your carefully chosen attire and your photographer to capture those precious photographs. Moreover, if you’re accompanied by an older relative, a gentler tempo helps maintain elegance and dignity. Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” provides the perfect unhurried accompaniment, as does Adele’s emotional interpretation of “Make You Feel My Love.”
Remember to test your chosen song’s timing during rehearsals, marking clear cues for when to begin walking and considering how the music will fade or conclude as you reach your destination. The perfect choice will set the tone for your entire ceremony, creating a beautiful soundtrack to a moment you’ll cherish forever.