Next is the processional, which accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party -- family, bridal party, and bride. The same song can be used for each, but changing songs when the bride enters adds drama and highlights her entrance. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the recessional plays. As the name implies, this music accompanies you as you recess (that is, make your exit) and is traditionally bright and lively -- a reflection of your joy.

Many couples choose to add interludes or songs played during significant moments such as the unity candle.

Following are a few examples of each. Also listed are websites where you can log on and listen to samples of ceremony music and other wedding type songs.

PRELUDE MUSIC

Traditional

• "Adagio for Strings" (Samuel Barber)
  
• "Air on the G String" (Johann S. Bach)
  
• "Largo" from (Xerxes), (George Frederic Handel)
  
• "Perfect Love" (Sir Joseph Barnby)
  
• "Serenade" (from String Quartet Op. 3 No. 5), (Franz Joseph Haydn)
  
• "Sheep May Safely Graze" (Johann S. Bach)
  
• "Sonata in G Minor for Flute and Organ" (George F. Handel)
  
• "Toccata in E Minor" (Johann Pachelbel)
  
• "Violin Concerto in A" (Franz Joseph Haydn)
  
• "Water Music" (George F. Handel)

Contemporary

• "All I Ask Of You" (from Phantom of the Opera), (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
  
• "Angel Eyes" (Jim Brickman)
  
• "Evergreen" (Barbra Streisand)
  
• "Longer" (Dan Fogelberg)
  
• "Paris Nocturne" (Dan Fogelberg)
  
• "The Gift" (Jim Brickman)
  
• "Truly" (Lionel Richie)
  
• "Wedding Song" (The Band)
  
• "You and I" (Stevie Wonder)

PROCESSIONAL MUSIC

Traditional

• “Air" (from Water Music Suite), (George F. Handel)
  
• "Bridal Chorus" (from Lohengrin), (Richard Wagner)
  
• "Canon in D" (Johann Pachelbel)
  
• "Procession of Joy" (Hal Hopson)
  
• "Rigaudon" (Andre Campra)
  
• "Spring" (from The Four Seasons), (Antonio Vivaldi)
  
• "The Prince of Denmark's March" (Jeremiah Clarke)
  
• "Trumpet Tune" (Henry Purcell)
  
• "Trumpet Voluntary" (Jeremiah Clarke)
  
• "Wedding March" (from The Marriage of Figaro), (Wolfgang Mozart)

Contemporary

• "Appalachia Waltz" (Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Mark O'Connor)
  
• "Sunrise, Sunset" (from Fiddler on the Roof), (Harnick & Bock)
  
• "The Look of Love" (Dionne Warwick/Burt Bacharach)
  
• "The Vow" (Jeremy Lubbock)
  
• "To A Wild Rose" (Edward MacDowell)
  
• "Flatbush Waltz" (Andy Statman)
  
• "Wedding Processional" (from The Sound of Music), (Rodgers & Hammerstein)

RECESSIONAL MUSIC

Traditional

• "Allegro Maestoso" (from Water Music Suite), (George F. Handel)
  
• "Brandenburg Concerto No. 1," Allegro, (Johann S. Bach)
  
• "Fugue in E-Flat Major" (from St. Anne), (Johann S. Bach)
  
• "Hallelujah Chorus" (from The Messiah), (George F. Handel)
  
• "Hornpipe" (from Water Music Suite), (George F. Handel)
  
• "Ode to Joy" (Ludwig van Beethoven)
  
• "Spring," Allegro, (from The Four Seasons), (Antonio Vivaldi)
  
• "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" (George F. Handel)
  
• "Trumpet Tune and Bell Symphony," (Henry Purcell)
  
• "Wedding March" (from A Midsummer Night's Dream), (Felix Mendelssohn)

Contemporary

• "Anthem" (Suzanne Ciani)
  
• "Beautiful Day" (U2)
  
• "From This Moment On" (Cole Porter)
  
• "Linus & Lucy" (Peanuts Theme), (Vince Guaraldi)
  
• "Little Martha" (Allman Brothers Band)
  
• "Oh! You Pretty Things" (David Bowie)
  
• "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" (Stevie Wonder)
  
• "Sunshine of My Life" (Stevie Wonder)
  
• "The Long and Winding Road" (The Beatles)

Listen online at:

• Wedding-smart.com
  
• Pianobrothers.com
  
• Weddingmusiccentral.com
  
• Weddingmusic101.com