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The big moment you've been dreaming of from the time you were a little girl is here. Relatives and close friends have embraced into the church. The bridesmaids have processed in and are in their places. A brief moment of quiet falls over the congregation. The bride steps forward and the organ blares out the melody from an opera written by a German anti-Semite that tells the tale of a short-lived marriage in which suspicion triumphs over love.

"HERE COMES THE BRIDE!"

I'll bet most people do not know the story behind that most familiar melody. But even if you overlook the music's original context, the tune has become so associated with soap opera weddings and made-for-TV-movies that it has become almost a parody of itself.

In the course of my duties as a church music director, I encounter many brides who are surprised to learn that there are alternatives to that much overused tune by Wagner. It's almost like they assume it to be given that "Here Comes the Bride" is the music that must be played as the bride walks down the aisle.

Another melody, much more fitting in my opinion, but still almost as overused, is the Pachelbel "Canon in D". It's a lovely piece of music. But we do not need to hear it at every single wedding for the entrance of the bridesmaids.

With just a little bit of effort, you can find something just as lovely, or even lovelier, that can be unique to your special day.

A few alternatives for the bride's processional:

• "Rigaudon" by Andre Campra – This is an organ piece that sticks with a classical feel. Majestic and dignified, it establishes the mood for the important and sacred event which is to follow.
• "Festive Trumpet Tune" by David German – A contemporary processional written by a composer who is actually still living! Hire a trumpet player to go along with your organist and you've got the makings for a powerful moment that will not soon be forgotten by your guests, or yourself.
• "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach – Not exactly an unknown work but any means, but not used as much as it should be. Set a completely different mood by having it played by a harp and solo flute, or violin maybe.
• "Hymn" by Vangelis – Want to go completely modern? This etherial piece was original written for an orchestra of synthesizers and electronic instruments, but sounds just a great when played as a piano solo.
• "O" from Cirque du Soleil – Hauntingly beautiful and simple. Could be performed in a variety of ways, from solo piano to string quartet. About as opposite from the bombastic "Here Comes the Bride" as you can get.

Obviously, we're just starting to scratch the surface of all the possibilities that are out there. If you resolve yourself to doing a bit of research (ie listening), you can find that perfect piece of music that will be exclusively yours. Use it to help create the exact mood you are looking for and your big day will be as original as it will be beautiful.

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Source by Luke D Bartolomeo