The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Processional Songs
A comprehensive guide to selecting wedding processional songs, featuring playlists, tips on timing, and expert advice for DC weddings.
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Processional Songs
Your wedding processional is one of the most anticipated moments of your ceremony—those magical first steps that lead you toward your partner and your future together. As a DC-based violinist who has performed at countless weddings across the District, Maryland, and Virginia, I’m thrilled to share my expertise on selecting the perfect musical backdrop for this unforgettable walk.
Understanding the Wedding Processional
What Exactly Is the Processional?
The processional is the formal entrance of the wedding party—officiant, wedding party members, flower children and ring bearers, and finally, the couple. The music you choose for this portion of the ceremony establishes the emotional tone for everything that follows.
The Role of Music in the Processional
Processional music serves two vital roles: it signals to your guests that the ceremony is beginning, and it creates the specific atmosphere you envision. Whether you want something solemn and traditional or light and contemporary, your musical selections are the primary tool for creating that feeling.
Timeless Classical Favorites
For many DC couples marrying in historic venues like the Hay-Adams, the Smithsonian Castle, or the National Museum of Women in the Arts, classical music provides an unmatched sense of elegance and gravity.
1. Pachelbel’s Canon in D
The quintessential choice. Its repetitive, building structure provides a soothing, regal buildup that works for almost any length of aisle. It creates a spirit of calm and romance as you step through the doorway.
Deep Dive: Why Canon in D is the #1 Wedding Choice →
2. Wagner’s Bridal Chorus (Traditional “Here Comes the Bride”)
For couples desiring a deeply traditional entrance, this is the classic selection from the opera Lohengrin. It is the ultimate signal that the “main event” has arrived.
3. Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince of Denmark’s March)
If you want a regal entrance with a touch of majesty, this triumphant baroque piece is perfect. It projects beautifully in large ballrooms or outdoor spaces.
4. Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
A favorite for couples looking for beauty and spirituality. Its flowing, serene melody creates a brief oasis of peace during the flurry of your wedding day.
5. Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
A festive and lively alternative. This peppy piece is full of joy and elation, perfect for couples who want to infuse their ceremony with high energy from the start.
Contemporary and Modern Selections
If your wedding reflects a more modern aesthetic—perhaps at a sleek venue in Navy Yard or a rooftop in Adams Morgan—modern songs arranged for strings can be deeply personal.
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri: Its sweeping melody translates beautifully to violin and cello.
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran: An modern classic that creates an immediate emotional connection with guests.
- “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: When played with the right intensity, it offers a poignant and sophisticated atmosphere.
- “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift: Popularized by Bridgerton, this is a current favorite for a romantic, “indie-classical” feel.
Comparison: Classical vs. Modern
| Style | Vibe | Best Instrument | Best DC Venue Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical | Timeless, Formal, Regal | String Quartet | Willard InterContinental |
| Modern | Personal, Trendy, Emotional | Solo Violin + Backing Tracks | Line DC Hotel |
| Bridgerton-Style | Whimsical, Fun, Elegant | String Trio | Anderson House |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Music
Venue Acoustics and Environment
Washington DC offers a diverse array of wedding venues, each presenting unique acoustic challenges and opportunities:
- Historic Hotels and Ballrooms: These often have high ceilings and hard surfaces (like marble), which create natural reverberation. Full string quartets sound exceptionally rich in these spaces.
- Outdoor Gardens: In venues like the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral, sound travels differently. You may need fuller instrumentation or subtle amplification to ensure every guest hears the melody.
Timing and Pacing
The length of your walk is the most critical logistical factor when choosing wedding processional songs:
- The Wedding Party Walk: Typically longer, requiring music with a steady beat.
- The Couple’s Entrance: Requires a transition to a new song or a dramatic increase in volume to signal the arrival.
Designing Your Processional Flow
Single-Song Processionals
A single-song processional creates a unified atmosphere for the entire entrance. Excellent for smaller weddings or shorter aisles.
Multi-Song Processionals
Many couples choose one song for the wedding party and a specific “reveal” song for the bride or couple. This allows for a clear “grand entrance” moment.
Working with Nataly’s Ensembles for Your DC Wedding
String Quartet Options
Ideal for larger venues (100+ guests). Provides the fullest, richest sound with two violins, viola, and cello.
String Trio & Duo
Perfect for medium-sized venues or more intimate ceremonies (50-100 guests). More economical while still providing beautiful harmonies.
Final Thoughts
Your processional music should speak to your relationship, complement your venue, and create the emotional atmosphere you envision. As a violinist who has performed at hundreds of DC weddings, I encourage you to select music that resonates with you personally.