Today’s bride doesn’t need to be tied to old traditions. Instead of walking down the aisle to “Here Comes the Bride”, why not consider choosing a song that better suits you as a couple? When thinking about a song to use it should be something that offers the perfect backdrop for taking those important steps towards your new beginning. The song should be neither too fast nor too slow. Choose from classic traditional, traditional alternative, religious, and contemporary.
Here are some of the top choices for different aisle-walking songs:
• Canon – Johann Pachelbel
• Allegro from Spring of the Four Seasons – Vivaldi
• From This Moment On – Shania Twain
• Glory of Love – Peter Cetera
• Here, There, and Everywhere – The Beatles
• Ode to Joy – Beethoven (9th symphony)
• All I Ask of You – Andrew Lloyd Webber (from Phantom of the Opera)
• Lara’s Theme from Dr. Zhivago – Maurice Jarre
• The Way You Looked Tonight – Michael Buble
• Somewhere in Time – John Barry
• Heaven – Bryan Adams
• After All – Peter Cetera and Cher
• All My Life – America
• A Walk to Remember – Mandy Moore
• Moon River – Henry Mancini (From Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
• Endless Love – Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
No matter which choice you decide on there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure that the church or venue has a sound system that you can use for the music. Find out what format the song needs to be in so you have it ready. Assign a friend (someone not in the wedding party) to cue the music when needed. Test the song at the church ahead of time so you know how to operate the system and set the volume properly. Sometimes instrumental versions are better than those with words. If you prefer, you can choose to have music performed by live musicians. If so, be sure to choose them well ahead of time and listen to their rendition of the song to make sure it is exactly as you expect it to be. Check with the church to find out if musicians are allowed and where they need to be placed.