There are so many beautiful piano pieces that make the perfect choice for wedding processionals. Here, Saint Augustine, FL teacher Heather L. shares a few to consider…
Are you looking for a processional song for your upcoming wedding but don’t know where to start? Well, look no further! Here are 10 wedding processionals that you can play on piano.
Whether you’re looking for something classical, romantic, or more contemporary, there’s sure to be a song on this list that will fit your needs. So get ready to take your music skills to the next level and start learning some new songs!
What is the Best Song for Wedding Entrance?
A wedding is a very special day for couples who are in love and are committed to spending the rest of their lives together and the entrance of the bride and groom is one of the most anticipated moments of the wedding day. While there are many beautiful songs that can be played for this moment, some of the best options include:
- Handel’s “Air” from the Water Music Suite
- Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary”
- Vivaldi’s “Spring” from the Four Seasons
- Gordon’s and Warren’s “At Last”
- Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me”
- Neeman’s “Hana’ava Babanot”
To learn these piano wedding processionals songs and more, be sure to sign up for piano lessons.
You’ll learn everything you need to know to play the instrument well, regardless of which piano processional songs wedding ideas come your way!
Take a look at the video below for a better idea of what you’ll cover in your piano lessons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F35UkNPC1jw
10 Best Wedding Processional Songs Piano Players Should Know
Weddings are beautiful celebrations of a couple’s lifelong commitment to one another. They’re also a great performance opportunity for pianists out there. Though the organ, string quartets, and choirs are still used, piano is commonly the main instrument at a wedding ceremony for those who choose live music.
Music has always been a vastly important part of the wedding ceremony. “Processional” is a term that refers to the order in which the wedding party walks into the ceremony site, but it also refers to the piece that’s played as the bride walks in. Every wedding is unique in its style and mood, and the music that you play is a big part of that and should be matched to that. Here’s a list of 10 popular processional pieces that you can play on the piano for your wedding gigs.
1. Handel’s “Air” from the Water Music Suite
Calm, serene, and elegant, this is a quite traditional piece originally composed for an orchestra, but because of its popularity, it’s been long transcribed for piano.
2. Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary”
Also associated with formal and traditional ceremonies, this song’s bright, vibrant feeling is a big favorite. As the name suggests, it was originally performed with solo trumpet and orchestra, but it will sound just as triumphant on the ivory keys.
3. Vivaldi’s “Spring” from the Four Seasons
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is a beautiful suite in which each section beautifully expresses the season that it’s named after. “Spring” is a vivacious, lively, bright piece with lovely movement that’s appropriate for a wedding in any season.
4. Gordon’s and Warren’s “At Last”
Most famously performed by Etta James and released in 1961, “At Last” is a perfect choice for those who’d like a less traditional sound. It’s deeply romantic and “bluesy,” the first words reading, “at last my love has come along/my lonely days are over and life is like a song.” Even if the ceremony doesn’t have a singer, the song is so well-written that it still evokes romance and devotion without having to hear any words.
5. Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me”
For a modern and contemporary ceremony, Jones’ song of romantic escape is intimate and elegant. Since it was composed originally for the piano, it will be quickly and utterly recognizable.
6. Neeman’s “Hana’ava Babanot”
Subtitled “A Love Song”, “Hana’ava Babanot” is an Israeli piece, perfect for a Jewish wedding. The translation follows:
lift your face to me,
lift your face to me
come, beloved, for you are most fair,
and have delighted me.
give me your hand and embrace me –
strengthen me again and again
7. Charpentier’s “Prelude” from Te Deum
For a formal, Christian wedding ceremony, “Prelude” from Te Deum is beautifully grand and joyful.
8. Bach’s “Air on a G String”
Slow, subtle, and a little somber, “Air” was originally intended for strings to play, but it’s also lovely on the piano.
9. Pachebel’s “Canon in D”
Perhaps the most popular processional piano pieces of all time, Pachebel’s “Canon” has been arranged and rearranged by many, so you can find a level that’s easy for you to learn.
10. The Beatles’ “And I Love Her”
If your wedding client is a classic rock fan and plans a 60s themed or “flower child” wedding, then “And I Love Her” is just right. Being the quintessential rock-and-roll band of the era, the Beatles’ love songs are always be a hit.
How to Choose the Ideal Piano Wedding Processionals for Any Occasion
A wedding is a very special event that requires a great deal of planning. One of the most important aspects of a wedding is choosing the right music to set the tone for the occasion. While many couples opt for traditional wedding march music, there are actually a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to piano wedding processional music.
The following tips will help you choose the ideal piano wedding processionals for any occasion:
Consider the overall mood you want to create. Do you want something light and airy or something more majestic?
Choose music that compliments your personal style. If you’re classic and elegant, go for something timeless like “Claire de Lune.” If you’re more modern, try something with a jazzier feel like “All of Me.”
Think about the logistics of your wedding ceremony. Will your procession be long or short? Indoor or outdoor? Make sure the length and pace of your chosen piece of music fits with the flow of your ceremony.
Finally, listen to your heart. Choose a piece of music that you absolutely love and that makes you feel happy and excited for your big day!
And the best tip?
As a wedding musician, get to know the brides and the planners that you work for in order to understand the stage that’s being set. A wedding is a sacred ceremony, but on another level, it’s a show. As a huge part of that show, it’s your job to help choose a processional that fits it!
Piano Music for Wedding Processional – A Song for Any Style!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there are plenty of wedding processionals that will work well on the piano.
By signing up for piano lessons, you can learn these pieces and be ready to play at your next wedding. With just a little bit of practice, you can add this beautiful touch to any wedding ceremony. What is your favorite processional song to play on the piano?
Heather L. teaches singing, piano, acting, and more in Saint Augustine, FL, as well as through online lessons. She is a graduate of the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, and has performed with the New York and Royal Philharmonics, the New Jersey and Virginia Symphonies, the American Boy Choir, and the internationally renowned opera star, Andrea Bocelli. Learn more about Heather here!
Photo by 古 天熱
Suzy S.