Question
I recently met with my organist and then the pastor. He won't let me march down the aisle alone at my wedding and won't allow "Here Comes the Bride." Why is he saying that people should sing during the opening procession?
--Weary in Washington
Answer
From Frank Coady of the Liturgy Network:
I am not sure that a choice of march music is the real issue.
The wedding ritual says: "If there is a procession to the altar, the ministers go first, followed by the priest, and then the bride and bridegroom. According to local custom, they may be escorted by at least their parents and the two witnesses. Meanwhile, THE ENTRANCE SONG IS SUNG."
The Catholic wedding is a liturgy. It is, above all, worship of God. Therefore, it begins with the assembly singing praise to God rather than being entertained by a fashion show. (I apologize for the sarcasm, but I think we must recognize how far we have wandered from the original intent of the Church's rite of marriage.)
The bride and groom process together to the altar. They are last in the procession because they are the celebrants of the sacrament. This is a liturgical rationale. They are not last because it is "their special day."