The wedding ceremony has its own dramaturgy, and live music holds it together. As a jazz singer I have accompanied dozens of ceremonies, and I know that the music for the bride's entrance is a moment no one forgets. In this article we will go through all the key moments of the ceremony and what suits each one.
My name is David Kleňha and with my trio (jazztrio.cz) I play weddings across the country — from intimate ceremonies to big parties. Here is how to approach the music for the aisle.
Four moments of the ceremony where music matters
- The bride's entrance — the peak moment. A traditional wedding march (Wagner), or a gentle instrumental version of a favourite song.
- The signing and exchange of rings — quiet, flowing background music that does not overpower the emotions.
- Congratulations — livelier, warm jazz standards setting a joyful mood.
- The newlyweds' recessional — a triumphant wedding march by Mendelssohn, ideally live.
Wedding march: Mendelssohn or Wagner?
The two best-known wedding marches have clear roles. Wagner's march (from the opera Lohengrin) is traditionally played for the bride's entrance — slow and solemn. Mendelssohn's march (from A Midsummer Night's Dream) usually plays during the recessional — joyful and triumphant. We can play both classically or in a gentler jazz arrangement that suits an outdoor civil ceremony beautifully.
Want your own song instead of the classic?
Many couples now choose their favourite song in an acoustic arrangement instead of the traditional march. Send us the title and we will prepare a version for your entrance.
Check dateAisle songs in a jazz arrangement
For aisle songs, slow, melodic pieces work best. Jazz standards such as "The Way You Look Tonight" or "La Vie en Rose" are popular, as are acoustic versions of modern hits. The length matters — the music must fit exactly the time it takes the bride to reach the altar. An experienced wedding band judges this and plays it to the second.
Which line-up for the ceremony?
An intimate ceremony suits a jazz duo — voice and piano or voice and guitar, gentle and intimate (jazzduo.cz). For a fuller sound during the ceremony, choose the trio (jazztrio.cz). For a large open-air ceremony you will appreciate the power of a quartet or quintet (jazzquintet.cz).
About the author
David Kleňha is a jazz singer and bandleader based in Prague, performing across the Czech Republic and abroad. He leads ensembles from duo to quintet and specialises in live music for weddings, balls and corporate events. Learn more on his personal site davidklenha.cz.
Frequently asked questions
Which wedding march is played for the bride's entrance?
Traditionally Wagner's wedding march (from Lohengrin). We play it classically or in a gentle jazz arrangement, or replace it with your favourite song.
Can we have our own song instead of the march?
Yes. We prepare an acoustic arrangement of your chosen song fitted exactly to the length of the bride's entrance.
What music suits the signing and ring exchange?
Quiet, flowing instrumental background music that underscores the atmosphere without overpowering the spoken word.