When it comes to choosing your wedding day playlist, the music you select sets the tone, cements the ambiance, and guides your guests' emotions throughout the day. The processional is traditionally the first time guests lay eyes on the couple, and while you may have hosted a welcome cocktail upon arrival, your walk down the aisle marks the true beginning of your event. Set the mood; you'll want to pick a song that feels personal and special to you as a couple, and also one that fits the vibe of your venue and celebration.
Some couples may opt for classical music selections throughout the ceremony and make more personal song selects for the reception and after-party; others may want something more mainstream and modern playing throughout the day. Ray Jarrell of Jarrell Entertainment suggests working with your chosen entertainment specialists to curate a personal experience. Consider "a gospel choir or having live artists play their version of your favorite processional song," Jarrell advises. As for how to handle the decision-making process, Josh Friedman of Elan Artists encourages couples to pick a processional song first, "then build the rest of your ceremony selections around that." ALR Music recommends going traditional—with a modern twist. "If you're more Prince than Pachelbel, don't feel the need to compromise," says Le Roux, the company's managing director. Or, consider stepping outside the box; upon discussing ceremony music, Hank Lane Music recommends that couples not limit themselves—consider an outside-the-box option, like a New Orlean's style Second Line, to lead you and your bridal party down the aisle.
No matter what style of music you prefer or have in mind for your processional, remember that this day is about you as a couple. Work with your planner and your entertainment professionals to guide you—or, simply consult this list. Here, 25 processional song ideas from the industry's greatest entertainers.
“Canon In D” by Roman Street
This wedding classic is foolproof—and a slightly more elegant version than the standard "Here Comes the Bride" bridal chorus.
“How Would You Feel” by Ed Sheeran
With lyrics like, "You are the one girl / And you know it's true" this not-so-basic Ed Sheeran ballad is apropos for the aisle.
“All Love Everything” by Aloe Blacc
Your ceremony should have energy and be full of positivity. This catchy Aloe Blacc song is all that and more.
“The Bones” by Maren Morris
If country music is your vibe, your guests will understand the strength of your love instantly with this moody hit.
“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
For the free spirit or the Beatles-obsessed, "Here Comes the Sun" is an ethereal, upbeat choice for the ceremony—be it for the processional or the recessional.
“River” by Leon Bridges
Raw and real, "River" is as sexy and romantic as they come for a modern-day love story.
“Butterflies” by Kacey Musgraves
Set the tone with a song about finding your wings—this song is both sweet and subtle.
“Beneath Your Beautiful” by Labrinth ft. Emeli Sandé
This tune is everything you want in a modern love song.
“Unchained Melody” by Lykke Li
It's important to not only think about what song you'll walk down the aisle to, but how your guests will best enjoy it. This Righteous Brothers' classic sounds beautiful played by a live quartet or performed as an acoustic set, but this version by Lykke Li is ethereal and elegant in place of the croony original.
“First Day Of My Life” by Bright Eyes
All you have to do is listen to the lyrics of this song to resonate with its positive, reflective energy.
“Higher Love” by James Vincent McMorrow
"Higher Love" is powerful and emotionally charged in all its renditions and remixes, but this one's soft sound is undeniably romantic.
“Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” by Elvis Presley
"[We've] definitely been seeing influence by the wedding scene in Crazy Rich Asians featuring the Kira Grannis version of Elvis’s "Can’t Help Falling In Love With You," says Erik Marshall of Hank Lane Music. Opt for the original or enlist your own vocalist for a modern rendition.
“Rather Be” by Vitamin String Quartet
A Jarrell Entertainment top pick, an instrumental version of Clean Bandit's "Rather Be" featuring Jess Glynne is an upbeat and playful option for a walk down the aisle.
“Collide” by Tiana Major9
With lyrics like "Crash into you," this tune is emotional but undoubtedly wedding-worthy.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
This popular song feels dreamy, genuine, and sets a serene mood. This tune would suit a beach ceremony in particular; and if you aren't into lyrics for your ceremony walk, ask your musicians to play an acoustic version instead.
“January Wedding” by The Avett Brothers
Getting married in January? if you consider yourself more country than classic, then opt for this elegant banjo banger.
“Hoppípolla” by Sigur Rós
Create a dreamy mood with this fan favorite. Consider hiring live musicians to play over the track for a more elevated feel.
“Largo from Xerxes” by Handel
Have a set of strings to play this one live during the ceremony for a classic yet contemporary feel.
“Sea of Love” by Cat Power
A true love song, this Cat Power classic is delicate and whimsical in all the best ways.
“This Feeling” by Alabama Shakes
With a casual, distinctive, and soulful sound, this song has lyrics like, "And it feels so nice to know I'm gonna be alright..." which sets the mood and makes for a unique—and bluesy—energy.
“Angel” by Jack Johnson
The romantic lyrics of this melody are sweet, and this song feels far more current than a classical arrangement. If you're looking for live music but a more formal quartet isn't your vibe, opt for a solo guitarist to play this track.
“I’m Kissing You” by Des’ree
If sultry, soulful R&B is more your style, then this 1996 chart-topper will hit all the right notes.
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Johann Sebastian Bach
Add in a gospel choir to sing along to your classical tunes, and make a musical statement during your ceremony and processional. For your recessional, have them switch to a more modern sound that best speaks to your style as a couple.
“Ave Maria” by Andrea Bocelli
If a choral sound is what you're looking for, this song selection sounds beautiful in a church or a more intimate setting.
“Bridal Chorus” by Richard Wagner
For the traditionalist, "Here Comes the Bride" is about as classic as you can get. According to Elan Artists, "most couples have a strong preference on this song one one way or another." If you're not sold on the traditional tune, don't force it—opt for another tune off this list.
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
