If Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” or Pachelbel’s “Canon” are not your cup of tea, or if you’d like your ceremony to be a bit more unique, more of a reflection of your unique tastes and interest, rather than just going with the traditional route, here are some alternative thoughts to consider.
First, would you like your processional to have a regal, fanfare quality? Stately, significant, with beat clearly defined? This would be more like the Wagner “Bridal Chorus” in feel. Or would you prefer a more flowing piece – more similar to the Pachelbel Canon?
The second question: Would you like the piece to be recognizable to you and/or many of your guests – or would you prefer something completely different?
The third question: Is there a piece that you already have a special feeling about that you’d like to use for you walk down the aisle? Virtually anthing is possible (though different selections work better than others). Bear in mind the length of your walk and whether that’s long enough to really get a feel for the piece. I’m happy to talk about any possibilities though, in terms of whether they would work well for a particular instrument combination, or any other thoughts about how to make a particular selection workable.
Here are a couple of thoughts in the “somewhat familiar” and “fanfare-ish” realm:
- “Trumpet Tune” by Purcell
- “Trumpet Voluntary” by Clarke (also known as the “Prince of Denmark’s March”)
Here are a few thoughts in the “familiar” and “more flowing” realm:
- “Air” from “Water Music” by Handel
- “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by J.S. Bach
- “Sheep May Safely Graze” by J.S. Bach
- Theme from “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven
As I’ve mentioned, virtually anything can be workable. As you proceed, bear in mind that all of the above selections work well for virtually any instrument combination. Alternative options, including some of the ones listed below, may work well for some instrument combinations but not necessarily for others – so do ask!
Here are a few less common processionals I’ve experienced. Most will be familiar to most of your guests, but are not commonly chosen as processionals:
- “Carol of the Bells”
- “Leezie Lindsay” traditional Scottish folk song
- “Meditation” from “Thais” by Jules Massenet
- “If We Hold On Together” from “Land Before Time”
- “All I Ask of You” by Andrew Lloyd Weber
- “Sinfonia” from “Cantata 156” by J.S. Bach
This gives you an idea of the possibilities. Clearly there are too many to list here, but feel free to let me know what you like and what you don’t – I love the process of helping find the perfect processional for a unique wedding! If you want something very uncommon and less familiar, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance in finding it!
