Music is a key factor for many different parts of your wedding: co*cktail hour, the first dance, the father-daughter dance and more. But the bride entrance song is one of the most important songs, as it will set the tone for the ceremony. You definitely want to choose a song that best suits your love story. Have you two been picturing a classic, organ melody to serenade you down the aisle? Would a soft, acoustic tune capture your love the best? Are you looking for something more light-hearted and upbeat?
We know it can be tough to browse through so many wedding entrance song selections, so we did the work for you. Check out these bride ceremony songs that will make the moment everything you've dreamed of and more.
Best Bride Entrance Songs
"Can't Help Falling in Love" by Kina Grannis
Recreate the jaw-dropping bride entrance scene from Crazy Rich Asians with this lovely acoustic cover.
"XO" by Beyonce
Want to switch it up from acoustic guitar or piano? Consider this classic love ballad with gorgeous vocals and beats.
"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
This Hawaiian cover is a dreamy pick that will definitely set a romantic tone for your ceremony. If you’re having an outdoor wedding and want a song that’s a bit nontraditional but has a beautiful melody, then this wedding entrance song is perfect for you.
"All Of Me" by John Legend
This John Legend tune has everything you're looking for in a bride entrance song: gorgeous piano, pretty melodies and heart-warming lyrics.
"Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
A popular pick for first dance songs, Ed Sheeran’s love song can also be played as a wedding entrance song.
"One Love" by Bob Marley
This song is perfect for a destination beach wedding or an oceanfront ceremony. Bob Marley’s happy-go-lucky tune will match a laid back tropical vibe and make you feel relaxed as you make your way down the aisle.
"Best Part" by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R.
This slow R&B song is sweet and a little bit sultry.
"I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz’s catchy hit gives off major island vibes, making it a great beachy bride entrance song choice.
"A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
A popular bride entrance song choice if you wish to have a pop song to walk down the aisle to. Christina Perri’s vocals will make guests remember your entrance for years to come.
Looking to have some fun with your entrance? Consider playing this cheeky, upbeat song to get everyone on their feet and excited.
Traditional Bride Entrance Songs
"Here Comes the Bride" by Wagner
If you're searching for the ultimate traditional bride entrance song, look no further. "Here Comes the Bride" is a foolproof choice.
“Canon in D” by Pachelbel
A timeless classic that everyone will recognize, Canon in D is a beautiful (and one of the most popular!) bride entrance song to play as you make your way down the aisle. The violins and piano are at a slow pace that makes it easy for both you and whoever is walking you down the aisle to match. So, if you’re worried that you may rush down the aisle and are browsing wedding ceremony songs, this is a perfect choice.
“Butterfly Waltz” by Brian Crain
This bride entrance song is the perfect happy medium between a classical tune and something just a bit more modern. It’s definitely more upbeat than some of the more solemn classical tunes, and is particularly ideal for an outdoor, garden ceremony.
“Ave Maria” by Schubert
This is another classical pick that works best for a traditional wedding ceremony. You can opt for just an instrumental version or you can have someone cover the vocals to really set the mood for your vows.
“Somewhere Only We Know” by Vitamin String Quartet
Your guests will surely be delighted to hear this classical spin on the popular Keane song. It’s absolutely perfect for a processional—definitely worth a listen!
“Hallelujah” by Pentatonix
Of course, the Leonard Cohen original is a beautiful, emotional song, but we love this a cappella cover by Pentatonix as a bride entrance song. It’s simple, yet powerful—and may cause your guests to shed a few tears.
"Make You Feel My Love" by Adele
Soft piano and sweet lyrics make this Adele tune a perfect choice for an unforgettable walk down the aisle.
"Your Song" by Elton John
You can't go wrong with this classic song. Elton John's earnest lyrics and pretty piano will serenade you down the aisle to your partner.
"At Last" by Etta James
At last...the moment is finally here! Celebrate accordingly by walking to the tune of this popular ballad.
We love this Beatles classic that will definitely put a smile on everyone’s face. It’s a great pick if you’re browsing bride entrance songs for an outdoor ceremony, too.
“Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac
The piano and vocals of this Fleetwood Mac love song will definitely make everyone swoon as you walk down the aisle.
“Marry Me” by Train
If the title hasn’t sold you already then the lyrics definitely will of this sweet song. “Promise me/You’ll Always be, happy by my side/ I promise to/Sing to you, When all the music dies,” is one of our favorite verses that will a hundred percent have both you, your partner and your guests shedding tears.
Top Bride Entrance Songs
"Lover" by Taylor Swift
The slow beat and meaningful lyrics will help guide you down the aisle for a sweet, unforgettable entrance.
"Beyond" by Leon Bridges
This ultra-romantic ballad by Leon Bridges will make everyone in the room smile.
"Tenerife Sea" by Ed Sheeran
If you're looking for a song that's as romantic as "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran but not quite as mainstream, consider this sweet tune.
"Rich Man" by Hearts & Colors
Let this simple song be a reminder of how lucky you are to have found each other.
"Alone with Me" by Vance Joy
The gorgeous guitar and heartfelt lyrics in this song will make your bride entrance beautiful and emotional.
"Truly Madly Deeply" by Yoke Lore
This folk-style cover is perfect for brides who want an alternative song. It would be especially perfect for an outdoor, rustic-style wedding.
"The Few Things" by J.P. Saxe
For a more modern vibe, consider this simple, slow tune. Saxe's smooth vocals, quiet guitar and slow beat will make the moment magical.
"Real Peach" by Henry Jamison
Consider this sweet, folky tune for your bride entrance song. It's a warm-hearted tune that will elevate the love in the room.
"Better Together" by Jack Johnson
If you're having a beach wedding or backyard wedding, this sweet, simple song will make your entrance absolutely lovely.
"Sea of Love" by Cat Power
If you’re hosting a beach wedding ceremony, this may be the perfect bride entrance song for the occasion. With sweet and simple lyrics like “Come with me/My love/To the sea/The sea of love,” it’s ideal for a wedding by the water.
Country Songs For Bride to Walk Down Aisle To
"The Bones" by Marren Morris
The folky guitar and sentimental lyrics will create a magical moment as you walk towards your partner.
"Speechless" by Dan + Shay
For an absolutely epic entrance, play this wedding-inspired Dan + Shay tune.
"Change Your Name" by Brett Young
Young actually used this song for his own wedding video, so you know it's romantic. It's slow and sweet—and perfect if you're planning on changing your last name.
"Good As You" by Kane Brown
This funky country song has an upbeat feel that's still slow enough to walk to.
"Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves
We love the idea of playing this song if you're having your ceremony at golden hour.
"Big, Big Plans" by Chris Lane
Your guests will feel the love you have for each other while this sentimental song fills the room.
“Cowboy Take Me Away” by The Chicks
If you’re planning a barn wedding ceremony or something rustic and having been looking for country bride entrance songs, then this hit is just for you.
The number one pick and best wedding song: the romantic ballad "All of Me" by John Legend, which is an example of great songs to walk down the aisle to or marriage songs for playing throughout the celebration.
To do this, Hitched used Spotify's Playlist Miner to search for the most popular songs from the most popular public playlists that used the terms “weddings” and “first dance” within them and can reveal that the most popular wedding song for 2022 is Perfect Duet by Ed Sheeran featuring Beyoncé.
(Get ready to do a little math.) The average song is 3 minutes long. It can take 20 seconds for a couple to prepare and get from the entrance to their seats or the dance floor.
You're picking the song that will play while you and your brand-new spouse walk into the reception after your wedding ceremony. You may also pick out a wedding party entrance song, and have your favorite people walk in to their own piece of music, or you can have everyone walk into the same song that you two do.
For the wedding ceremony, you'll need prelude music three to five songs, a processional songs for when the bridal party walks, one songs for when the bride walks down the aisle, one to two songs for during the unity candle or signing of the register, and one songs as a recessional song for when you walk back down the ...
The study found that "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers was the most popular choice overall, with classic love songs by Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley earning a spot in the top 15. More contemporary songs from artists like John Legend, Ed Sheeran, and Adele also made the ranks.
These days, the bride and groom usually share the first dance, often to a song the two of them have chosen specifically for that purpose. Once the first song is over, there are various ways the evening can proceed.
In general, all members of the wedding party should take less than five minutes to walk down the aisle. The bride herself takes up around 45 seconds of that time.
One song during the processional (walk down the aisle / bridal entrance) Three songs during the signing of the register. One song during the recessional (exit of the married couple)
Wedding music commences, either a separate song for the Bridesmaids to enter and a different song for the Bride. Alternatively, the entire wedding party can use just one song. Groom, Best Man and Groomsmen are standing up front facing towards the seated guests. The Usher leads the Groom's mother to her seat.
Traditionally the wedding reception is started off with what is known as the “grand entrance”. This typically entails announcing to your wedding guests the arrival of the newlyweds and your wedding party. It's the first time you'll be entering as an official married couple.
"Good afternoon/evening and welcome to the reception for (bride and groom's names).At this time, I would like to draw your attention to the entrance, to announce the bridal party."
Traditionally, the maid of honor and best man give a toast at the reception, just before dinner is served. It's also common for at least one parent to give a speech.
1. Enter Sandman – Metallica. The quintessential walk-up/entrance song of all time is synonymous with one player – Yankees' closer and MLB's all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera.
The order of entrance is: parents of the bride, parents of the groom, ushers with bridesmaids, flower girl and ring bearer, special guests, best man, maid/matron of honor, bride and groom. In addition, go over how to pronounce the wedding party's names with the emcee.
Whatever wedding ceremony music you choose, make sure it's ambient and comfortable for listeners. Consider the volume – you don't want anything too loud – and make sure the pace is slow and calming. This will help keep your groom relaxed and give you a natural rhythm to match as you walk down the aisle towards him.
The Grandparents of the Bride: The bride's grandparents walk down the aisle first. Once they reach the front, they are then seated in the first row, on the right side. In Jewish ceremonies, the bride's family and guests sit on the right and the groom's family and friends sit on the left.
Wedding recessional songs, better known as wedding exit songs, are played as the couple walk back down the aisle as newlyweds and the guests clap wildly. Happy, celebratory and bursting with love, your wedding recessional song should reflect the excitement you're feeling inside.
As for the classics, there's nothing like Donna Summer's "Last Dance" (understandably one of the most popular choices) and The Isley Brothers' "Shout." More modern dance hits are also a fantastic choice; we love "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris and "The Time (Dirty Bit)" by The Black Eyed Peas.
Bride and Groom: After the grand entrance, the couple is now the center of attention! Here, they will dance their first dance as husband and wife. Some couples choose to also include the mother and father of the bride and groom dances immediately after their first dance, so timing can vary.
Most couples have a grand entrance, also known as a grand march, to introduce themselves as the newly-wed couple, introduce their wedding party, and let their guests know that the party can begin.
The bride and groom will dance first. This is the usual format. Then the parent dances with the couple - the father with the bride and the mother with the groom. The groom's father will then dance with the bride and the groom with the mother-in-law.
This list will help you out. Trusty classics include "At Last" by Etta James, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley, and "So In Love" by Ella Fitzgerald. The more modern picks include "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele, "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones, and "That's How Strong My Love Is" by Alicia Keys.
Keep your first dance short and sweet. Your first dance should be between 2.5 to 3 minutes long. Unless you are a professional dancer, dancing in front of people for more than 3 minutes could feel like forever! Plus, you don't want to bore your guests with the limited dance moves you have.
Something to keep in mind is that too many slow songs can bring down the mood of a wedding reception. A good rule of thumb is to have one slow song for every five fast songs. Guests typically need a rest from dancing after about 20-30 minutes, which equals about five fast songs.
Special dances between a bride and her father-in-law or the groom and his mother-in-law make each side of the wedding couple feel honored and included. These dances between a wedding couple and their spouses' parents are perfect for any wedding — traditional or not.
5. Wedding Party Dances. After the parent dances, the wedding party is invited to take the floor. The best man and maid of honor traditionally dance together first, followed by the rest of the crew.
Does the mother of the groom give the bride a gift? The mother of the groom traditionally brings a small gift to the bridal shower. When it comes to the wedding itself, the mother of the groom can give the bride a more sentimental gift, like a family heirloom, to officially welcome her into the family.
Wedding music commences, either a separate song for the Bridesmaids to enter and a different song for the Bride. Alternatively, the entire wedding party can use just one song. Groom, Best Man and Groomsmen are standing up front facing towards the seated guests.
Their bridal party will walk down the aisle first in an attempt to hide the bride for the big reveal. Then the bride walks down the aisle until reaching the mandap and exchanges garlands with the groom. Then the couple, the parents of the bride, and the priest will sit under the mandap to begin the ceremony.
Whatever wedding ceremony music you choose, make sure it's ambient and comfortable for listeners. Consider the volume – you don't want anything too loud – and make sure the pace is slow and calming. This will help keep your groom relaxed and give you a natural rhythm to match as you walk down the aisle towards him.
A. The groom's parents precede the bride's mother during the processional. Here's a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom's parents. Then the bride's mother takes her turn.
Wedding recessional songs, better known as wedding exit songs, are played as the couple walk back down the aisle as newlyweds and the guests clap wildly. Happy, celebratory and bursting with love, your wedding recessional song should reflect the excitement you're feeling inside.
As for the classics, there's nothing like Donna Summer's "Last Dance" (understandably one of the most popular choices) and The Isley Brothers' "Shout." More modern dance hits are also a fantastic choice; we love "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris and "The Time (Dirty Bit)" by The Black Eyed Peas.
2. Mother of the bride. The mother of the bride is the last person seated before the officiant, groom and best man take their places at the altar. She can walk alone or be escorted by her son, son-in-law or another relative.
A second-time groom may opt to have his parents walk him down the aisle too. A couple may also ask a child or children to escort them down the aisle as a way to include them in the day and further show the joining of two families, not just two people.
The maid of honor usually stands closest to the bride and holds the bride's bouquet. If one of your besties is a matron of honor, you can ask her to stand in the second spot.
Most civil ceremonies will have: One song during the processional (walk down the aisle / bridal entrance) Three songs during the signing of the register. One song during the recessional (exit of the married couple)
Typically, there are seven to eleven total songs for a wedding ceremony. This includes the bride's walk down the aisle, the wedding party entrance, the prelude (if applicable), and the recessional.
Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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