Only one processional song?

I have - no one knew what was going on until she was halfway down.

Why can't you have a change in music, is it a church? Seems like an odd rule that I'd fight...

I agree with m. That is a really weird rule. What's the reasoning behind it?

If they really won't let you change (and I'd ask for clarification in writing), then the officiant/priest needs to ask everyone to stand once the flowergirls are finished walking.

Most of the weddings I've been to/in differentiate by having the mothers stand when the bride enters - and the guests following their lead.

The idea is that it's a single procession, not two separate processions, so it gets a single song. m is right, it's a church. It's actually one of the only rules for the ceremony that they have (there aren't any stipulations on modesty, which I know lots of churches have, or anything like that), so I'm not exactly sure why that was so important. I'm not sure I'd have much luck fighting it, so I was hoping some of the people here who are far more creative than me can help me make the best of it!

I don't mean to be this person, but are the people at the church old/technically not proficient?

I would take two songs, build a break in there, make it on file, and give it to them that way.

But that's because I see no good reason to do it the other way.

Could you have someone combine two songs. One song plays and then time it right where the next one starts when it is your turn. They mix songs together for dance recitals and cheer competitions. Then technically it is one song but you would still have your distinguished entrance.

ETA Yes, what m said.

We do this a lot. The person playing needs to lower the music or stop for a few seconds so the officiant can say, "All rise".

If you're in a church, I'm sure the minister knows how to handle this.

I only had one song played. Most people are watching for the bride. I didn't have any issues with using one song. When I arrived with my dad, most people were watching and knew to stand.

The processional has to be played by the live musicians, who have to agree to the rule. I really have no idea why this is the issue they're choosing to make such a big deal about. I agree that it's a tad strange...

I would definitely ask for clarification.

Can you choose a song that has some kind of crescendo or change in tempo that you can start walking to? That might be enough to signify that the bride's coming now

I don't see why people would be surprised, they know you're coming. You'll be the woman dressed in white. Should be pretty straightforward

I've seen priests do the two hands, palms up, "stand up" motion during weddings. That and/or Celia's suggestion of "All rise" should clue in anyone who's confused.

It's unfortunately pretty well written out: "Liturgies, including the Rite of Marriage, begin with one procession of ministers. There is not one procession for the bridal party and another procession for the bride, but one single procession. Therefore, only one piece of music is used for everyone participating in the entrance procession, including the bride." It's literally the only rule other than things like "No Profanity". I'm not sure why they feel so passionately against two-song intros...

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm actually bringing a priest in from another parish (which I'm pretty sure doesn't have any unexpected rules opposing two-song processions) so I'll just make sure to warn him that there won't be a change in music and ask him to guide the guests through everything. I definitely feel better about this now!

That's a weird rule.

But I used only one song and it worked out fine. We timed it so I came in on the chorus-y part of the song, so the tempo had just changed (I don't speak music, hope that makes sense).

We let the bridesmaids get up there before I started walking, so that break, along with the DJ raising the volume, is what signified that it was the bride's turn.

Also the white dress probably helped. I don't think anyone was confused, but I was paying more attention to not tripping, so I'm not sure how the guests felt about it. They all stood up, so that's a good sign.