Dorothea Barth Musician and WriterElegant Violin Music for your Wedding or Special EventCeltic Sheet Music Arrangements
Original CompositionsPoetry and Prose

Below are audio preview samples for your processional and recessional. You can share it with your bridesmaids and groomsmen to ensure smoothly flowing processionals.

Tips for a Smooth, Stately, and Stunning Wedding Processional

1.   Slow is better. Don't hurry down the aisle! Anticipate and enjoy the beautiful walk.

2.   If there are several processionals (i.e., parents, bridesmaids, bride), let the music for the previous processional come to a complete end before the next processional begins.

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

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

5.   If you reach the altar or arch before the music ends, don't worry! The music may continue a few measures to reach a graceful cadence. 

6.   For the Wagner Bridal Chorus, wait for the familiar fanfare before you begin your walk down the aisle.

7.   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.

8.   The musician will "go silent" approximately 2 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 10 more minutes, " or "play two more songs." This will avoid awkward silences while your guests await your arrival.

9.    If the wedding party is entering from a place that is difficult to spot or out of view, you may wish to assign someone to approach the musician and inform them the ceremony is about to begin. That way, there will be no ambiguity.

10. If possible, let the musicianknow 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.

Speical Ideas for Scarlett's and Jason's wedding ceremony:

During the Prelude music (which begins 30 minutes before start of ceremony), include these selections:

1. Am Meer (By the Sea)  (Schubert)

2. Auf Dem Wasser Zu Zingen (To be Sung on the Water) (Schubert)

3. Bourree and Air from the Water Music (Handel)

Right after the ceremony, when recessional has ended and 10-minute Postlude begins, play:

1. Hornpipe from the Water Music (Handel)

2. Happiness Song (Jiangnan Folk Music)