Tips for a Smooth

Ten Tips for a Smooth, Stately, and Stunning Wedding Processional
Slow is better. Don't hurry down the aisle! Anticipate and enjoy the beautiful walk.
If there will be several processionals (i.e., parents, bridesmaids, bride), let the music for the previous processional come to a complete end before the next processional begins.

Discuss with your musicians the number of attendants that will enter during the bridesmaids' processional (and don't forget to mention whether you are having a flower girl, ring bearer, and junior bridesmaid). This is something that can be done in the weeks leading up to the wedding and will help the musicians time the processionals. In some cases, it may help them to guide you toward the best choice of processional music.

Likewise, if you choose to have a parents' processional, let the musicians know the number of mothers/grandmothers that will be entering.

If you reach the altar before the music ends, don't worry! The music may continue a few measures to reach a graceful cadence.
For the Wagner Bridal Chorus, wait for the familiar fanfare before you begin your walk down the aisle.
For the Pachelbel Canon, consider waiting four measures (eight long notes) before walking down the aisle, especially if the aisle is short, or there are only a few bridesmaids, or if the bride is using this selection for her processional. This will allow the music to unfold.
The musicians will "go silent" approximately 3-5 minutes before the first processional. If there is an unanticipated delay before the start of ceremony, designate someone to inform the musicians. Be as specific as possible, i.e., "play ten more minutes, " or "play two more songs." This will avoid awkward silences while your guests await your arrival.
If the wedding party is entering from a place that is difficult to spot or completely out of view, you may wish to assign someone to approach the musicians and inform them the ceremony is about to begin. That way, there will be no ambiguity.
If possible, let the musicians know what the officiant's last words will be before the recessional begins. Generally, it is the introduction of the bride and groom, but because this is not always the case, it is best to be certain. The musicians may also check with the officiant if the opportunity is available before the ceremony.
Copyright 2007 Dorothy Barth. Performance of the Pachelbel Canon by flutes of fancy. Wedding magazine editors, please contact the author if you wish to print this article in your publication.
Book flutes of fancy for your wedding

A great ceremony deserves great music! Looking for wedding sheet music for your musicians? Sheet Music Plus is a useful resource. Below are just a few of their many selections. Most of the music has helpful customer reviews to aid in your selection, and repertory is available for many instruments and combinations.

    Wedding Song (There Is Love) Single for voice, piano and guitar chords. E Major. 4 pages. Published by Alfred Publishing.
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    The Bride's Guide to Wedding Music - 2nd Edition (A Complete Resource) Songbook for voice, piano and guitar (chords only). 303 pages. Published by Hal Leonard.
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    Wedding Music for Two Violins Arranged by Scott Staidle. Violin duet book for violin duet. Intermediate. 48 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
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    Big Book Of Wedding Music - 2nd Edition Songbook for voice, piano and guitar chords. 318 pages. Published by Hal Leonard.
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    The Violinist's Wedding Album for Violin and Keyboard Arranged by Lynne Latham. Set of performance parts (piano part spiral bound) for violin solo and piano accompaniment. 90 pages. Published by Latham Music Enterprises.
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    The Essential Wedding Collection (Preludes, Processionals & Recessionals) Collection for solo piano. 80 pages. Published by Hal Leonard.
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    Wedding Song By Kenny G. Set of performance parts for Eb alto saxophone, Bb tenor saxophone (optional) and piano accompaniment. Eb Major. 4 pages. Published by Hal Leonard.
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    The Wedding Album for String Quartet Arranged by Lynne Latham. Set of performance parts for string quartet (2 violins, viola, cello). 50 pages. Published by Latham Music Enterprises.
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    Contemporary Wedding And Love Songs (Second Edition) Songbook for voice, piano and guitar (chords only). 134 pages. Published by Hal Leonard.
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    The Christian Wedding Songbook Songbook for voice, piano and guitar chords. 198 pages. Published by Hal Leonard.