What is a Wedding Processional?

Mrs. Swadling and her father getting out of the car before beginning the bridal processional.
(Infinity Play Entertainment file photo, September 2022)

The wedding processional is a time-honored tradition that dates back centuries. It is a moment of joy and celebration as the bride and groom make their way down the aisle to the altar. The processional is a symbolic representation of the couple’s journey together and is often accompanied by music, flowers, and other decorations.

The earliest known wedding processional dates back to ancient Rome, where the bride and groom would be accompanied by a procession of family and friends. This procession would often include musicians, dancers, and other entertainers. The procession would make its way to the bride’s home, where the couple would exchange vows and exchange rings.

In the Middle Ages, the wedding processional was a much more elaborate affair. The bride and groom would be accompanied by a large procession of family and friends, as well as musicians, dancers, and other entertainers. The procession would make its way to the church, where the couple would exchange vows and exchange rings.

In the modern era, the wedding processional has become much more simplified. The bride and groom are typically accompanied by their wedding party, and the procession is often accompanied by music. The procession usually makes its way to the altar, where the couple will exchange vows and exchange rings.

The wedding processional continues to evolve. In what is a time-honored tradition, the modern processional is anything but traditional. Couples have started to cast aside the traditional organ “Bridal Chorus” by Richard Wagner in favor of using songs that mean something to the couple. The bridal party might dance down the aisle, a-la “The Office” style. Instead of the bride being accompanied by the father down the aisle, a mother, a brother, truly anyone may accompany the bride.

In whatever way you feel is best, know that now, more than ever, this is a day to make your own! Let us help you set the music to your perfect day.

Still struggling to figure out the perfect processional song? We’ve compiled a Spotify playlist solely to help out brides and grooms figure out these “mini-events” and their accompanying songs throughout the big day.