Bridesmaids' Walk: What's The Hurry?

Planning a wedding ceremony involves several key moments, one of which is the processional, which is often considered the most important moment of the ceremony. The length of the aisle, the speed of the walk, and the choice of processional music are all factors that influence how long it takes for the bridal party to walk down the aisle. The bridal party, including bridesmaids, should take no longer than 2-4 minutes to walk down the aisle, with the bride taking approximately 30-45 seconds. Bridesmaids typically walk down the aisle before the bride, and there are various ways to organise this, including having them walk in pairs or in groups, or one by one. The length of the aisle and the pace of the walk can be adjusted to fit the length of the song, and it is recommended that the bridal party practice their timing to ensure a smooth and memorable entrance.

The length of the aisle

If you're concerned about the length of the aisle and the timing of the processional, consider having the wedding party walk in from the side or having just the bridal party walk down the aisle. This can help reduce the time spent walking down the aisle.

In general, the entire wedding party should take no longer than 2-4 minutes to walk down the aisle, with the bride taking approximately 30-60 seconds. However, these timings are not set in stone and can be adjusted to your personal preference and the length of your aisle.

Remember, it's better to go slower than to feel or look rushed. This is a special moment that you'll want to imprint on your memory, so take your time and enjoy it!

The speed of the walk

The speed at which bridesmaids walk down the aisle depends on several factors. The length of the aisle is a key consideration—longer aisles will naturally require more time, whereas shorter aisles will be quicker to navigate. The choice of processional music and its tempo can also influence the pace, as couples may want to time the walk to align with certain parts of the song.

The size of the wedding party is another factor. For instance, a couple with a large wedding party may opt for a group walk, with bridesmaids and groomsmen walking in pairs or small groups, which can help reduce the overall time. On the other hand, a smaller wedding party may allow for each person to walk down the aisle individually, taking a bit more time.

The personal pace of the bridesmaids is another variable. Some bridesmaids may prefer to walk slowly to savour the moment and ensure the photographer has enough time to capture it, while others may opt for a faster pace.

The general consensus is that the entire wedding party should take around 2-4 minutes to walk down the aisle, with the bride's entrance taking approximately 30-45 seconds. For bridesmaids, this translates to around 20 seconds per pair, according to one source. However, there is no hard and fast rule, and the speed can be adjusted to suit the couple's preferences and the specific circumstances of the wedding venue.

To ensure a smooth and well-timed entrance, it is recommended that the wedding party practices their timing, especially if they want to coordinate their walk with a specific song. This can be done during the wedding rehearsal, or by visiting the venue in advance to time the walk and get a sense of the pacing.

The choice of processional music

Timing is Key:

The length of the aisle and the pace at which the bridesmaids walk will determine how long the processional music needs to be. A song between 2 and 3 minutes is generally sufficient for the wedding party. However, it's a good idea to time the walk and edit the music accordingly to ensure it doesn't feel rushed or too long.

Instrumental vs. Vocal Music:

Instrumental music is a popular choice for processionals as it can create a beautiful ambiance without the distraction of vocals. However, if you choose a song with lyrics, consider timing the walk so that the words align with the bridesmaids' entrance for added impact.

Classic and Traditional Options:

For a classic or traditional wedding, consider timeless pieces such as "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel, "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy, or "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn. These elegant and well-known compositions are perfect for creating a formal and romantic atmosphere.

Modern and Fun Alternatives:

If you want to add a modern twist or a touch of fun to the ceremony, there are plenty of contemporary options to choose from. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars, "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles, or "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri are great choices to get your guests into a joyful and celebratory mood.

Personalisation:

Ultimately, the choice of processional music should reflect the couple's personality and style. Consider songs that are meaningful to you, whether it's your favourite artist, a song that holds special memories, or even a unique cover of a well-known tune.

Remember to take into account the length of the song, the pace of the walk, and the overall atmosphere you want to create as you make your selection. It's always a good idea to discuss your choices with your wedding party and, if possible, rehearse the walk with the chosen music to ensure everything comes together harmoniously.

The number of people in the procession

The number of people in the wedding procession will affect how long it takes for everyone to walk down the aisle. The more bridesmaids and groomsmen you have, the more organised your wedding procession needs to be. If you only have one or two people at your side, there is plenty of time for everyone to walk out individually. However, if you have a larger wedding party, you may want to pair people off or divide them into groups to save time.

For example, if you have a large wedding procession, you could send the group out in two waves, one for each side of the aisle. They can walk in pairs if you need to save time. Alternatively, you could have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in pairs, or even have the maid of honour and best man walk together.

If you have a smaller wedding party, or a short aisle, you can have everyone walk one by one. This way, you can be sure that you can cover the 2 to 3 minutes it takes for the entire wedding party to walk down the aisle.

The song's tempo

When selecting a song for the bridesmaids' walk, it's important to consider the length of the aisle and the desired speed of the walk. A faster tempo will energize the bridesmaids' stride, while a slower tempo will create a more relaxed and elegant ambiance. The song's rhythm should align with the desired pace, ensuring the walk is neither rushed nor overly prolonged.

For a seamless and elegant flow, the song's tempo should guide the bridesmaids' steps. The beats can act as an auditory cue, helping them maintain a steady pace and arrive at their designated spots at the right time. This synchronization adds a layer of sophistication and polish to the ceremony.

Additionally, the song's tempo can impact the overall duration of the processional. A slower tempo may result in a longer walk, while a faster tempo can keep the procession brisk and concise. This is an important consideration when planning the timing of the entire ceremony, especially if there are other elements, such as readings or performances, that need to be factored in.

When choosing the song, it's advisable to opt for a length between 2 and 3 minutes for the bridesmaids' walk. This allows for a balanced pace, creating a memorable moment without prolonging the procession. If the song has lyrics, the timing becomes even more critical, as you may want to align specific words or choruses with the bridesmaids' entrance for added impact.

Practicing the walk to the chosen song is essential. This allows the bridesmaids to become familiar with the tempo and adjust their stride accordingly. It's a good idea to rehearse at the venue, as the length of the aisle and the acoustics of the space will influence the overall timing and atmosphere.

In conclusion, the song's tempo plays a pivotal role in the bridesmaids' walk. It sets the pace, influences the duration, and contributes to the overall ambiance of the ceremony. A well-chosen song, with a tempo that aligns with the desired pace and atmosphere, can enhance the elegance and memorability of the bridesmaids' entrance.

Frequently asked questions