Processional Marches

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Processional Marches

Generally, the parents of the bride and groom are the last to be seated during the Seating of the Guests selections. When the celebrant enters the sanctuary, this is the signal that the wedding ceremony is ready to begin (not a signal from a photographer). The church's wedding assistant will arrange the party for the procession and will inform the organist when the bridal party is ready.

The ceremony opens with the Bridal Procession. The Bridal Procession is divided into two parts: (1) the procession of the bridal party (parents, children, bridesmaids, sponsors etc.), and (2) the Procession of the Bride. Traditionally, a combination of two marches is used for the total procession:

1. The Trumpet Voluntary by Henry Purcell is the march most often chosen to be played for the bridal party's procession. Other selections are available. When the final person in the bridal party reaches the front of the church,

2. The Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner is then played for the procession of the bride. Brides should remain in the back of the church until they hear the majestic fanfare of the Bridal Chorus.

Alternate bridal procession selections may be substituted if you request them. One alternate piece requested often is the Canon in D by Pachelbel (Pachelbel Canon) in place of the Purcell Trumpet Voluntary. The Canon in D is a quiet, pastoral-style piece and creates a peaceful, tranquil mood, as opposed to the bright majestic music of the Trumpet Voluntary. If you wish this change, please indicate this change on your Wedding Music Selection Form.

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