The bridal entrance (or processional as it is also known) is such a special moment, one that will stay with you forever so choosing the all important music to accompany you is a big deal. Many brides love the idea of making their entrance to the familiar and traditional ‘Bridal March’ but as beautiful and fitting as this is, there are lots of other romantic, emotional or even haunting contenders for this special walk down the aisle as well. From chart hits like Ellie Goulding to classics like Eva Cassidy, there are are some truly gorgeous songs that are made for a big moment like this. To give you an idea of some popular choices, we enlisted the help of those that know wedding music best – the ceremony musicians who play at weddings on a daily basis. Wedding musicians Lucy Kavanagh, Brenda Grealis, Nikki Kavanagh and Catherine Byrne share some of their most requested bridal entrance songs from the past year – here are 20 gorgeous options for your processional…
Lucy Kavanagh (Singer & Pianist) – View Profile
Listen to some of Lucy’s samples here
My top 5 most requested songs for the bridal entrance are…
1. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri. This works so well as a processional! As well as being lyrically so appropriate, it also has a lovely walking pace and enables the bride and her bridal party to really take their time walking up the aisle, it only happens once – soak it all in!!
2. Feels Like Home – Chantal Kreviazuk. This song is still a popular choice for the processional! It’s extremely powerful, so have tissues at the ready!
3. Grow Old With Me – Tom Odell. This upbeat, cheerful tune is perfect for the quirky couple! Works beautifully with piano – always a real bonus for me!
4. She Moves Through the Fair – Traditional. A classic choice that works beautifully alongside some Irish hymns and other instrumentals throughout the ceremony.
5. Can’t Help Falling in Love (originally by Elvis Presley, however Ingrid Michaelson is the version I play). A pretty song that definitely tugs at the heartstrings!
Brenda Grealis (Harpist, Pianist, Singer) – View Profile
Listen to some of Brenda’s samples here
As well as singing, I also perform both harp and piano instrumentals for the bridal entrance. My most requested entrance pieces would be…
1. Pachelbel’s Canon in D as a harp instrumental.
2. Nella Fantasia sung or played as an instrumental.
3. A Thousand Years sung with piano.
4. The Secret Wedding (Theme Tune from Braveheart) – Harp Accompaniment.
5. Songbird by Eva Cassidy sung with either harp or guitar.
Nikki Kavanagh (Singer) – View Profile
Listen to some of Nikki’s samples here
The following are the most popular songs I’m asked to sing at weddings – the same songs have stayed strong at the top for the last few years with Ellie Goulding and Ella Henderson making a new appearance!
1. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding. Beautiful vocal piece which is quite short so suitable for smaller aisles or smaller bridal parties.
2. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri. Works great with piano or guitar and with male of female vocal, it’s quite long so ideal for larger aisles but can of course be trimmed.
3. At Last – Etta James. Beautiful again with piano or vocal, it’s quite uplifting.
4. Marry Me – Train. A quirky one that has been very popular this year, beautiful lyrics.
5. Yours – Ella Henderson. Another new one which has strong emotion and is really sweet.
Catherine Byrne (Singer) – View Profile
Listen to some of Catherine’s samples here
Here are some popular choices for the bridal entrance:
1. Instrumentals can be beautiful – Gabriel’s Oboe, Pachelbel’s Canon in D, The Secret Wedding from Braveheart or perhaps an instrumental version of a more contemporary song for example Run by Snow Patrol also covered by Leona Lewis, sounds amazing as a piano and violin duo.
2. The One by Kodaline was one of my most requested songs last year.
3. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri is still very popular.
4. My final choices are two timeless songs, the lyrics are beautiful and the songs will never date. Moon River (originally by Henry Mancini). Perfect for a vintage themed wedding.
5. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley.
