Aisle Always Love You: Your Ultimate Guide to Wedding Processional Songs

Feature Photo by The de Jaureguis 

To choose the perfect wedding processional song is to pick the soundtrack to your new beginning. It’s that magical tune that will make your heart flutter, bring a tear to your eye, or maybe even get your guests reaching for the tissues. Whether you’re dreaming of a timeless classic, a modern hit, or something uniquely “you,” the right song will set the perfect tone as you make your grand entrance.

So, let’s dive into the melody of your love story and find that tune that’ll make your walk down the aisle feel like a scene straight out of a rom-com! When determining your wedding processional song, here are some elements to consider:

 

Think about how you want to feel walking down the aisle. Music is universally beloved for its ability to evoke emotions, which means you have the special power to choose what you, your partner, and your guests will feel during the wedding processional. Certain songs, melodies, and tempos evoke different emotions appropriate for a wedding ambiance, ranging from ecstatic joy to sentimental love to beautiful bliss. Think about which emotions you want to feel while making your way to the altar – and select a song that encapsulates that feeling.

For example, “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles has a happy tone and lyrics about looking forward to bright days, capturing the optimism and anticipation that comes with love. On the other hand, the modern favorite, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri captures the timeless and eternal nature of true love, expressing devotion and commitment over the upcoming years. As you can see, both of these songs are romantic and sweet, but they evoke different feelings.

Also consider pacing and length —two little details that can make a big difference in your wedding processional song choice. Do you want a slow, dramatic procession or an upbeat, bouncy walk? A wedding processional song with a slower, steady tempo allows for a graceful walk, while a slightly faster tempo might suit a more upbeat or casual ceremony. However, a song that’s too fast might have you speeding to the altar, while one that’s too slow could make it feel like you’re on a never-ending stroll.

Additionally, you want a song that’s just the right length—not too short that it ends before you’ve made it halfway, and not too long that you’re left awkwardly standing at the altar while it wraps up. Chat with your venue coordinator about suggestions for how long it typically takes to go down their aisle length – they’ve seen a lot of weddings at the venue, and they know what works best for the space. Ideally, the song should be long enough to cover the entire procession, from the wedding party to your grand entrance. If it’s a bit longer, no worries—your DJ or musician can fade it out or loop a section to keep the vibe going without any awkward pauses.

The melodic structure of your wedding processional song is like the secret ingredient that adds that “oomph” to your grand entrance. Imagine the music starting softly and then gradually building up, just like the excitement in the air as everyone waits to see you. A song with a beautiful, flowing melody that rises and falls creates a natural sense of anticipation—kind of like the musical equivalent of a “ta-da!” moment. Whether it’s a gentle piano tune that tugs at your heartstrings or a sweeping orchestral piece that gives you all the chills, the melody can guide your steps down the aisle, making each moment feel even more magical. So, when you’re picking that perfect tune, think of it as the melody that’ll make your entrance feel like the crescendo of your love story.

We’ll always love a traditional wedding classic song (ie, Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”), but don’t forget that this can also be an opportunity to infuse some personal meaning into your wedding ceremony. Your processional song is more than just background music. Choosing a song with personal meaning is like adding a little love note to your ceremony – even if its just a secret between you and your partner. If you’re opting for a non-traditional wedding processional song, think about one that is significant to you and your partner. Whether it’s a song that reminds you of when you first met, something from an artist you’ve seen in concert together, or one with lyrics that feel they were written especially for you. Whatever it is, a song that holds a special place in your heart will make your walk down the aisle feel even more magical.

Speaking of personal meanings…if the your processional song choice has lyrics, take time to fully listen to the song and make sure the meaning resonates with how you want to feel on your wedding day. Think romantic sentiments and declarations of love. Try to avoid any phrases of hesitation or anxiety – you don’t want to plant those seeds! For example, “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish is an absolutely stunning song with a great tempo, however, the lyrics are ridden with anxious tension and yearning. The sentiment “When did it end? All the enjoyment,” is not necessarily how you want to start your forever with!

You want everyone at your ceremony to be fully “in the moment,” and any unusual or inappropriate lyrics can be distracting. If there’s a song you just love, but perhaps the lyrics aren’t romantic or wedding-appropriate, try an instrumental version. There are so many artists that release beautiful piano or string renditions of popular songs – start your search with Vitamin String Quartet, Duomo, 2CELLOS, Brooklyn Duo, Music Lab Collective and The Chillest. Many couples opt for instrumental versions of songs to focus on the music rather than the words.

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Ready to pick out your perfect wedding processional song? Check out some of our favorites here: