Song Ideas for Your Ceremony Processional

Each week, we feature music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Jon Blak, whose client list includes Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri and Ryan Leslie. He describes his style as "retro/future”, a seamless blend of old and new that translates well to wedding guests of all ages. "I love the challenge of crossing genres and generations and playing a diverse mix that's totally seamless. At the end a wedding, I'd like the bride and the groom to be exhausted from dancing!" Jon is known infusing any event with energy and cool, while always keeping the client's musical preferences front and center in his music selection.

wedding processional

Photo Credit: Holli B Photography

It's almost here—the most important day of your life! All of the planning and preparation is finally about to pay off, and you need the right music to set the stage. After the butterflies have settle a bit, it'll be time to stroll down the aisle. That’s where I come in.

The wedding ceremony is arguably the pinnacle of any wedding. It’s the point where the couple is officially joined in marriage. The music should be fitting such an important occasion. 

Some couples prefer the traditional tunes of the “Bridal Chorus,” the prelude to Act III of the Lohengrin Opera (also known as “Here Comes the Bride”). Other couples may prefer a song that symbolizes their love for one another, à la “Light My Fire” by The Doors.

With many wonderful tunes to choose from, here is my list of processional songs for the traditional and not-so traditional couple.

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Classical: 
“Pachelbel’s Canon” – Johann Pachelbel
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op 61” – Boston Pops Orchestra
“Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III” – Stephen Cleobury
“Romeo and Juliet: Love Theme” - Arthur Fiedler and Boston Pops Orchestra

Funky: 
“Best of My Love” – The Emotions
“Love’s Theme” – Love Unlimited Orchestra
“Just My Imagination” – The Temptations
“Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder

Soulful: 
“Ribbon in the Sky” - Stevie Wonder
“All My Life” – K-Ci & JoJo
“At Last” - Etta James
“If This World Were Mine” – Cheryl Lynn and Luther Vandross

Indie: 
“First Day of My Life” - Bright Eyes
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)" – Vitamin String Quartet
“Light My Fire (String Quartet Tribute to The Doors)” - Vitamin String Quartet

The great thing about all of the songs listed above is that they come in various instrumentals, from steel drum bands, to string and brass orchestras. Couples always usually seem to find a way to mix the classical with the funky.