Some couples decided to walk down the aisle to the tried-and-true wedding music, while others had string trios or acoustic guitarists perform renditions of modern hits, and some brides and grooms chose their favorite tunes in all of their original glory.
When it comes to choosing the music for your wedding, much thought is placed into decisions for the first dance, mother-son dance, father-daughter dance, and even the entire wedding reception playlist. What might get left on the back burner is the selection of songs for your wedding ceremony that will set the right mood for your event.
While many brides choose to walk down the aisle to traditional classical songs, many other couples decide to go a more modern route. There isn't a right answer. You should ultimately select the songs that best represent your personalities and the formality of your event.
We looked to some of our real weddings to discover what real brides and grooms chose for their wedding processional songs in recent years. Some couples chose the tried-and-true wedding music, while others had string trios or acoustic guitarists perform acoustic or string renditions of modern hits, and some brides and grooms chose their favorite tunes in all of their original glory.
If you're worried about selecting a song for your wedding processional that may go out of style – but you still want ceremony music that is fresh and contemporary, choose modern tunes for the ceremony music as your parents, grandparents, bridesmaids, and groomsmen take their places at the altar, and have your bridal processional song be a more traditional track.
For some wedding processional song ideas, see what 17 real brides and grooms chose for their nuptials, below. From classic favorites to modern-day hits, couples can't help falling in love with these processional song ideas – whether performed in their original glory or by a string quartet or piano soloist. The processional song selections chosen by these couples prove that "Here Comes the Bride" doesn't have to be your only choice – there are over a thousand song options to choose from, but these are some unique song ideas from real brides and grooms!
The best song for wedding processionals is a personal choice, but here are some of our couples' favorite wedding processional songs:
All of the processional song ideas from real Inside Weddings couples above could also be a great fit for you and your beloved. Other popular choices include "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley – or the cover by Haley Reinhart, instrumental renditions of popular songs by Vitamin String Quartet, "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, "A Whole New World" from Aladdin, "Better Together" by Jack Johnson, and so many more.
For more ideas, check out these unique songs for your walk down the aisle, and see what tunes other brides chose for their first dance and father-daughter dance songs. And be sure to see if your favorites made Spotify's list of 50 most popular wedding songs.
Opening photo by Amy Anaiz Photography; Bridal Salon: Bridal Reflections; Venue: Oheka Castle; From Real Wedding: San Francisco 49ers NFL Player Dontae Johnson's Castle Wedding in New York