Selecting appropriate music for awedding ceremony requires careful consideration. The decision will beinfluenced by a range of factors, such as the location of theceremony (i.e. church or civil wedding), as well as your views ontraditional, contemporary or humorous musical choices. In all casesthere are a range of options available.

Traditional Processional Music

There are a number of classical pieceswhich have become traditional for use in wedding ceremonies, and someof the most recognisable are used for the entrance of the bride. Oneof the most common pieces of ">weddingprocessional music is 'The Bridal Chorus' from the operaLohengrin by Richard Wagner (although it is not generally used inCatholic weddings). In English speaking countries it is oftenreferred to as 'Here Comes the Bride' or 'The Wedding March'.However, the term 'wedding march' actually applies to any piece ofmusic, of marching tempo, that is used to accompany the entrance orexit of the bride, and thus there are numerous other musical optionsavailable.

For example, another classical piececommonly used as processional music, is 'The Prince of Denmark'sMarch' by Jeremiah Clarke, also known as 'The Trumpet Voluntary'. Thepopularity of this piece can be partly attributed to its use duringthe wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles in 1981.Alternatively, another popular classic is La Rejouissance from 'TheRoyal Fireworks' by George Frideric Handel. This is a non religiouspiece so is suitable for use in a civil ceremony.

Traditional Recessional Music

">Weddingrecessional music is played to accompany the exit of thebride and groom and the rest of the bridal party as they leave theceremony venue. As with processional music, there are a wide range ofreligious and non-religious classical pieces which have becomepopular over the years.

One of the most commonly used isMendelssohns wedding march from 'A Midsummer Nights Dream'.Alternatively, Handle's Hallelujah chorus from the Messiah is alsovery popular and can provide a particularly uplifting ending to theceremony.

Alternative or Humorous RecessionalMusic

There are many other suitable classicaloptions available for use as processional or recessional music, butthese days some people prefer to opt for a more contemporary or evenhumorous choice of accompaniment. So here's our list of top tenhumorous and alternative recessional songs:

1. 'Signed SealedDelivered' by Stevie Wonder

2. Indiana Jones ThemeMusic

3. Starwars Theme Music

4. 'Another One Bites theDust' by Queen

5. 'At Last' by Etta James

6. Mission Impossible ThemeMusic

7. Rocky Theme Music

8. Superman Theme Music

9. 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' by TheVerve

10. 'Wild Thing' by The Troggs

A Final Word of Advice

At the end of the day, its important tochoose something you're comfortable with and that fits the occasion.However, if you are still undecided or torn between the traditionaland contemporary approach, then why not compromise and search theinternet for a classical string arrangement of your chosencontemporary song. You might be surprised how many mainstream popsongs have been re-arranged in classical instrumental format that canbring an element of fun, but in a tasteful way.