Guests singing during bridal procession

It sounds nice, but I think that's asking a little much. Would most of your guests even know the song?

I think this would be such a lovely idea! However, I do think it would be complicated if the majority of your guests didn't know the hymn. There would need to be someone to start and lead it, and guests would need to know that they're supposed to sing. I think you could talk it over with a few guests close to you and see what they think and if they would be willing to sing along.

I think it’s a know your crowd thing. It could be really cool if you know that people will sing. But if only half of your guests actually sing I think if could end up being really awkward.

is there someone you could have lead the song? You could mic them and invite guests to join along but this way you still have beautiful music is guests don’t sing.

If it were printed on the programs and there was a lead singer would that help?

I'm a trained choir singer so I would totally be down for this if I were a guest but I could see other people not wanting to do it. I think like PP said, if you know your crowd will do it, go for it.

I feel like your vision of this and what will actually happen are two different things. Just have your friend (if they offered) play the mandolin.

I agree with everyone, it definitely depends on your guests. If most of your guests are from semi-traditional Christian roots, chances are good they'll know at least the first verse. However, it would be awkward if only like 5 people know the hymn and the rest of your guests don't. I would suggest if you choose to do it, provide the lyrics in your program. I know the hymn by heart, but its easy to get mixed up without the words in front of you. You'll also need to designate someone to start off the singing or no one will know when to come in.

I guess this depends a lot on if this is a song you can count on your guests knowing ? I’m not familiar with it, so I wouldn’t be singing along. The problem with printing lyrics for those who don’t know it well is those people will really have to make a choice between singing (and looking at the program) OR looking at the bride walking down the aisle . I’d personally prefer to watch the bride!

I think this is a very sweet idea. But, I think that your guests will want to focus on you as you walk down the aisle, not the hymn book. I think it'd be very nice for your friend to play on her own, and would probably go smoother.

Would there be a way to incorporate another hymn into the service? Maybe after your officiant gives the message? Or, if you are having communion, choose a hymn or two for guests to sing as everyone communes? (I'm assuming that your wedding is a religious wedding in a church and there is an organist/pianist available.)

I went to my old roommate's wedding last weekend, and she had everyone sing a worship song while her and her husband were doing the Lord's Supper. She had the singer ask everyone to sing with him, and the lyrics to the song were on a piece of paper that you received when you got your program. I loved it! Not everyone sang but most people did (even if it was fairly soft). I think this sounds like a great idea! I think it'd work best if you had the lyrics for everyone. I love "Be Thou My Vision". My best friend had it in her processional as well.

That could be beautiful! Maybe add the lyrics on a page in the invitation so the guests who want to sing it would be more familiar with the lyrics. I would love to do that as a guest if it would make the bridge happy