A processional is a formal march or procession of participants, typically including the wedding party and sometimes other dignitaries, that takes place at the beginning of a wedding ceremony. It's a tradition that adds a touch of elegance and grandeur to the occasion.
In a wedding processional, the participants usually follow a specific order:
1. **Officiant**: The person conducting the ceremony, such as a minister, priest, or judge.
2. **Wedding Party**: The bride, groom, best man, maid of honor, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, in that order.
3. **Flower Girl** (optional): A young child who carries flowers or petals down the aisle to add a playful touch.
4. **Ring Bearer** (optional): A child or adult carrying a wedding ring pillow.
The processional typically begins at the entrance of the ceremony location and proceeds to the altar, where the ceremony takes place. The participants usually walk to music played by a live band, DJ, or recorded soundtrack.
Some interesting facts about processions:
* Traditionally, the bride was the last person to walk down the aisle, but this has changed over time, and now it's common for the entire wedding party to enter together.
* In some cultures, the processional is led by a special guest, such as a senior family member or a respected community leader.
* Some couples choose to skip the traditional processional in favor of a more non-traditional or personalized entrance.
Overall, the processional sets the tone for the wedding ceremony and provides an opportunity for the participants to make a memorable entrance.
In a traditional Christian wedding ceremony, the recessional is the final processional of the service. It's also known as the "exit" or "dismissal." After the couple has exchanged their vows and been pronounced husband and wife (or husband-husband or wife-wife), they will recess out of the ceremony space together.
Here's what typically happens during a recessional:
1. **The Officiant's Final Words**: The officiant will often say a few final words, thanking everyone for coming and offering a blessing or well-wishes to the newlyweds.
2. **The Couple Exits**: With their rings now on their fingers (symbolizing their union), the bride and groom will walk down the aisle together, usually to the sound of music.
3. **Wedding Party Follows**: The wedding party, including the bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl(s), and ring bearer, will follow the newlyweds out of the ceremony space.
4. **Final Farewell**: As they exit, the officiant may give a final farewell or blessing to the newlyweds, wishing them well on their new life together.
The recessional is an important part of the wedding ceremony, as it marks the official conclusion of the service and sets the tone for the celebrations that follow. It's also a special moment for the newlyweds to enjoy each other's company as they begin their new life together!
Recessional wedding songs are a wonderful way to end your special day on a high note!
The recessional is the final processional of the wedding, where the newlyweds exit the ceremony area as husband and wife. This song typically starts after the "I dos" have been exchanged, and it's usually played as the couple makes their way back down the aisle, often accompanied by applause and cheers from their guests.
Here are some popular recessional wedding songs to consider:
1. **"Here Comes the Sun"** by The Beatles - A classic choice with a bright and optimistic vibe.
2. **"Walking on Sunshine"** by Katrina & The Waves - A fun, upbeat track that's perfect for a sunny day or any time you want to celebrate!
3. **"Best Day of My Life"** by American Authors - A catchy indie-pop tune that captures the joy and excitement of your special day.
4. **"I Choose You"** by Sara Bareilles - A sweet, sentimental song with a beautiful piano melody.
5. **"At Last"** by Etta James - A soulful classic that exudes happiness and contentment.
6. **"Unwritten"** by Natasha Bedingfield - An empowering anthem about embracing the future together.
7. **"Love Shack"** by The B-52's - A quirky, fun song with a lively atmosphere.
8. **"All of Me"** by John Legend - A romantic ballad that celebrates love in all its forms.
9. **"Marry You"** by Bruno Mars - A funky, upbeat track with a playful vibe.
10. **"A Thousand Years"** by Christina Perri - A popular choice for couples who want a sweet, sentimental recessional.
Remember to choose a song that reflects your personal style and wedding theme. And don't forget to make sure the music is loud enough for your guests to hear as you exit the ceremony area!
In a Catholic wedding, the recessional is the processional in reverse - it's when the newly married couple and their attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen) exit the church or ceremony location after the nuptial Mass or civil ceremony.
Here's what typically happens during a Catholic recessional:
1. **The Offertory**: The priest will finish the nuptial Mass, and the congregation will recess out of the church.
2. **The newlyweds' exit**: The bride and groom will then process out of the church, often accompanied by their attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen).
3. **Blessing or farewell**: Before exiting the church, the couple may receive a final blessing from the priest, or a special farewell from the congregation.
4. **The recessional music**: The recessional music will start, typically a lively and celebratory tune that sets the tone for the newlyweds' new life together.
5. **The exit**: With the music playing, the couple and their attendants will process out of the church, often to the sound of applause from the guests.
In some cases, the recessional may also include:
* A **final blessing or prayer**: The priest may offer a final blessing or prayer for the newlyweds as they exit the church.
* **A special sendoff**: The congregation may choose to give the couple a special sendoff, such as tossing rice, rose petals, or blowing bubbles as they depart.
* **The wedding party's departure**: In some cases, the bridesmaids and groomsmen may also be dismissed with a special farewell or blessing before the newlyweds exit.
Overall, the recessional is an important part of the Catholic wedding celebration, marking the official end of the ceremony and the beginning of the couple's new life together.
In a traditional Christian wedding, there are two main processions and two main recessions. Here's what they entail:
**Processional:**
The processional is the formal entrance of the wedding party into the ceremony space. It typically takes place before the ceremony begins.
1. **Officiant:** The officiant (wedding celebrant) enters first, often accompanied by any necessary assistants or musicians.
2. **Groom and Groomsman:** The groom and his attendants (best man, groomsmen, etc.) enter next, usually walking down the aisle to their seats.
3. **Bridesmaids and Maid of Honor:** The bridesmaids and maid of honor enter third, often with a brief pause at the altar before taking their places.
4. **Bride:** Finally, the bride enters last, accompanied by her father (or another significant person, such as a stepfather or mother). She walks down the aisle to meet her groom.
**Recessional:**
The recessional is the formal exit of the wedding party from the ceremony space after the ceremony has concluded. It typically takes place immediately following the "I dos" and the sealing of the marriage with a kiss.
1. **Bride and Groom:** The newlyweds exit first, usually to a recessional march or song.
2. **Wedding Party:** The wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.) follows, often walking together in a procession.
3. **Officiant:** The officiant exits last, sometimes with any necessary assistants or musicians.
These processional and recessional events are an important part of the traditional Christian wedding ceremony, as they symbolize the transition from single life to married life. They also provide opportunities for photographs, music, and special moments to be captured by guests and the wedding party.
The wedding recessional order typically follows the bride and groom as they exit the ceremony location after being pronounced husband and wife. Here's a common order:
1. **Bride and Groom**: The newlyweds lead the way, often with their arms around each other or holding hands.
2. **Maid/Matron of Honor (MOH)**: Accompanied by her partner or a friend, if applicable.
3. **Best Man**: Typically followed by his date or a groomsman, if applicable.
4. **Bridesmaids**: In the order they were introduced during the ceremony, usually with their partners or dates.
5. **Groomsmen**: Similarly, in the order they were introduced, often with their partners or dates.
6. **Flower Girls/Petite Bridesmaids**: If present, they usually follow the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
7. **Ring Bearers**: The young ring bearer(s) typically bring up the rear.
Note: Some couples may choose to have a more creative or unique recessional order, such as having their wedding party members walk together in pairs or in small groups. Ultimately, it's up to the couple to decide what works best for them.
In some cases, you might also see:
* **Parents**: The bride and groom's parents may choose to join the recessional, often walking together with their children.
* **Grandparents**: In some families, grandparents might be included in the recessional, which can add a warm, loving touch to the celebration.
* **Special Guests**: If there are special guests, such as the officiant or other honored individuals, they may also participate in the recessional.
Remember, the key is to ensure that everyone knows their role and has fun!
The wedding processional order is the sequence in which the participants march into the ceremony area during a wedding. Here's a general outline of the typical processional order:
1. **Prelude music**: The ceremony music starts playing, and guests begin to take their seats.
2. **Officiant**: The officiant (minister, priest, or judge) enters the ceremony area, usually from a side entrance or through a doorway.
3. **Grooms attendants**: The groom's best man, groomsmen, ushers, and ring bearer (if applicable) enter the ceremony area, often in pairs or as a group.
4. **Groom**: The groom enters the ceremony area, usually accompanied by his father or another significant male figure.
5. **Bridesmaids**: The bridesmaids enter the ceremony area, often in pairs or as a group.
6. **Flower girl and/or ring bearer**: If applicable, the flower girl and/or ring bearer enter the ceremony area, often carrying flowers or a wedding ring pillow.
7. **Maid of honor**: The maid of honor (best woman) enters the ceremony area, usually last among the bridesmaids.
8. **Bride**: The bride is announced, and she walks down the aisle to meet her groom at the altar.
Some variations on this order include:
* Having the wedding party enter together as a group
* Involving children or pets in the processional (e.g., having them carry flowers or ring pillows)
* Adding other family members or friends to the processional, such as siblings or close relatives
* Having the bride and groom enter separately, but still at the same time (e.g., from different sides of the aisle)
Ultimately, the processional order can be customized to fit your personal style and wedding theme.
The traditional wedding recessional!
In a traditional wedding, the recessional is the processional where the newlyweds exit the ceremony space after being pronounced husband and wife. This is often one of the most anticipated moments of the day for guests, as they get to see the happy couple emerge from their intimate moment together.
Here are some key elements to consider when planning a traditional wedding recessional:
**Timing:** The recessional typically occurs immediately after the ceremony has concluded and the officiant has pronounced the couple husband and wife. This is usually around 15-20 minutes into the ceremony, depending on the length of the service.
**Order:** The traditional order for the recessional is:
1. Officiant: The officiant leads the way, usually carrying a copy of the marriage license or other ceremonial items.
2. Groom: The groom follows the officiant, often accompanied by his best man or ushers.
3. Bride: The bride exits next, often with her maid of honor or bridesmaids, and sometimes carrying a bouquet or wearing a veil.
4. Wedding Party: Any additional members of the wedding party, such as flower girls, ring bearers, or junior bridesmaids, follow the bride.
**Music:** A popular choice for recessional music is "Here Comes the Bride," although many couples opt for a different song that holds special meaning to them.
**Special Requests:** Some couples may choose to incorporate special elements into their recessional, such as:
* A surprise performance by musicians or dancers
* The release of doves or butterflies
* The presentation of a special gift or token to the couple
* A dramatic entrance, such as emerging from a fog machine or through a cloud of rose petals
**Tips:**
1. Make sure to coordinate with your vendors and wedding party to ensure everyone knows their roles and timing.
2. Consider having a "recessional song" that plays only for this portion of the day, rather than using it as background music during other parts of the celebration.
3. Don't forget to take photos and enjoy the moment yourself! The recessional is often a highlight of the wedding day.
By incorporating these elements into your traditional wedding recessional, you'll create a memorable and joyful conclusion to your ceremony that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.