10 Popular Songs to Walk Down the Aisle to From 2021
Processional Requests:
“Processional” refers to the first time you, or your wedding party enters the ceremonial location and, “walks down the aisle”. We typically offer 1-2 processional request options, or clients sometimes prefer using the same song for their entire ceremony, the choice is entirely yours!
1. Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, Johann Sebastian Bach
This song is a classic, and timeless to any year- not just 2021. This is also a great interchangeable recessional option. With the popularity of Bridgerton, and other influencing factors, classical song selections seemed to be more popular than ever this past year!
2. Canon in D, Johann Pachebel
Another traditional wedding song that took front and center during our performances in 2021! If you’re looking for a clean cut, sophisticated progression of songs, try “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” for your wedding party, and then, “Canon in D” for your own entrance to make for a classic and dramatic shift in tone. Many clients of ours appreciated the ability to choose two different options, so that the newlywed entrance down the aisle was a more noticeable, and heartfelt moment due to the change in song.
Watch our String Trio Play this song here
3. Can’t Help Falling in Love, Elvis Presley
If you want a timeless contemporary piece, this is it! Like the two songs above, this piece works well with any of our various ensembles and packages. Did Elvis write this with weddings in mind? Sure does seem like it.
Watch our Violin and Piano Duo play this song here
4. A Thousand Years, Christina Perri
I doubt we will have a year when this isn’t one of our most popular processional requests! “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri has become a modern classic in terms of wedding ceremonial music. This song pairs well with any newlywed entrance and recessional request!
5. First Day of My Life, Conor Oberst
Selfishly, I love when clients incorporate this song into their ceremonial wedding music. I was so happy to see this chosen for so many processional song requests! This song pairs well with any of our ensembles.
Recessional Requests:
“Recessional” refers to your exit from the ceremonial location. Newlyweds we have worked with in the past tend to choose an upbeat, lively song for the recessional exit.
1. Here Comes the Sun, the Beatles
This song was our top hit for recessional pieces in 2021! Maybe there was some post pandemic/ cancelling wedding optimism behind these choices? Who knows! Either way, this song works with absolutely any of our packages and ensembles.
If you aren’t picking, “Here Comes the Sun” for your recessional piece, at least consider it for your prelude music or cocktail hour.
Read our complete set lists here
2. You are the Best Thing, Ray Lamontagne
This song pairs well with any selection of processional pieces to precede it. I absolutely love when clients pick this song, because it creates so much energy upon exiting the ceremonial location, and transitioning into cocktail hour. Also, did you know that Ray Lamontagne is a Maine native?
Read more of our processional suggestions here
3. Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Handel
This classical piece is in many movies you’ve seen and loved, but probably haven’t noticed! It is up beat and swift, compared to a more steady, slow paced song for a processional entrance.
Our string ensembles are a perfect option for incorporating the “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” into your big day!
4. Beyond, Leon Bridges
I have envisioned this playing at my own wedding someday since it came out in 2018! Leon Bridges is soulful, and this song creates a magical atmosphere for any transition from ceremony to cocktail hour! If you aren’t choosing this song for your recessional, it’s also a great first dance option.
5. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
This piece was requested for a guitar solo this past summer, and it was perfect! “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” would sound great with any of our contemporary/ jazz solos or duos.
String ensemble options are featured in our packages linked here.
