Classical Instrumental Preludes, Processionals, and Recessionals
The Prelude is played or sung while guests are arriving; usually starting a half- hour before the start of the wedding. The pieces chosen for the prelude should be reflective and happy, as this will set the mood for the entire ceremony or Mass. The mothers are usually seated just before the entrance of the bridal party and the bride (you may choose special music to be played for the seating of the mothers).
The Processional is the bridal party's procession down the aisle as well as the bride's arrival. Music for the bridal party should be happy and stately, while the bride's entrance should be more triumphant and regal.
The Recessional is the bride and groom leaving as a newly wed couple, the music should be triumphant, joyful and celebratory.
The following are good examples of instrumental prelude music and processionals for the seating of the mothers, entrance of the bridal party, the entrance of the bride, and then the exiting of the bride and groom with the wedding party.
The Processional is the bridal party's procession down the aisle as well as the bride's arrival. Music for the bridal party should be happy and stately, while the bride's entrance should be more triumphant and regal.
The Recessional is the bride and groom leaving as a newly wed couple, the music should be triumphant, joyful and celebratory.
The following are good examples of instrumental prelude music and processionals for the seating of the mothers, entrance of the bridal party, the entrance of the bride, and then the exiting of the bride and groom with the wedding party.
Air on G String
Air (Suite 1, #6) from Water Music Alleluia from Exulte Jubilate Arrival of the Queen of Sheba Ave Maria Ave Maria Brandenberg Concerto #5 I. Allegro Bridal March Canon in D Carillion De Westminster Clair De Lune Concerto in D for Trumpet (Allegro) Grand March from Aida Greensleeves Holsworthy Church Bells (Alla) Hornpipe (Suite 2, #2) from Water Music Hornpipe (Suite 1, #9) from Water Music Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring Lord’s Prayer Morning from Peer Gynt Nimrod from Enigma Variations Ode to Joy Panis Angelicus Rondeau Sheep May Safely Graze Spring: Movement I from The Four Seasons Sonata for Trumpet (Allegro) The Lord Bless You And Keep You Trumpet Minuet Trumpet Tune Trumpet Voluntary Wedding March Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream Wedding March from Lohengrin (a.k.a. "Here Comes the Bride") |
Bach
Handel Mozart Handel Bach / Gounod Schubert Bach Hollins Pachelbel Vierne Debussy Fasch Verdi Vaughan-Williams Wesley Handel Handel Bach Malotte Grieg Elgar Beethoven Frank Mouret Bach Vivaldi Stradella Various composers Hollins Purcell Clarke Callaghan Mendelssohn Wagner |