A Slow Walk: Bridesmaids And The Aisle

Timing the walk of the bridal party is an important part of wedding planning. The length of the aisle, the number of people walking down it, and the length of the song chosen are all factors that influence how long it will take for five bridesmaids to walk down the aisle. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, some estimates suggest that each pair of bridesmaids and groomsmen takes around 20 seconds to walk down the aisle, with a few seconds in between each pair. Therefore, for five bridesmaids walking in pairs with groomsmen, the estimated time would be around one minute and ten seconds, excluding any pauses or adjustments. It is essential to consider the specific details of the wedding venue and the chosen song to make a more precise estimation.

Timing and speed

The timing of your bridesmaids' walk down the aisle will depend on several factors, including the length of your aisle, the speed at which they walk, and the number of people walking down the aisle. It's important to consider the length of your chosen song and ensure it aligns with the timing of the walk.

For a small bridal party of five bridesmaids, the walk down the aisle is estimated to take around two minutes. However, this can vary depending on the length of your aisle and the speed of their walk. If your aisle is particularly long, the walk may take closer to 50 seconds per bridesmaid, or even longer. On the other hand, if your aisle is relatively short, the walk may only take a few seconds per person.

To ensure your song aligns with the timing of the walk, consider fading it out as the bridesmaids reach the altar or starting the song a few seconds in to match the desired portion of the song with their entrance. You can also have the bridesmaids walk in pairs or have one start walking when the previous bridesmaid is halfway down the aisle to create a smooth and seamless entrance.

Practising the walk beforehand can help you estimate the timing more accurately. Gather your bridesmaids and visit the venue to time their walk, taking into account the speed at which they will likely walk on the day. This will give you a better idea of how long the song needs to be and whether any adjustments are necessary.

Remember, the average wedding processional takes no more than five minutes, so aim to keep the walk down the aisle within this timeframe.

Music choice

The length of the aisle and the speed at which the bridesmaids walk will determine how long it takes for five bridesmaids to walk down the aisle. The music choice for this moment is an important consideration, as it will set the tone for the wedding ceremony and the couple's big day.

The song should be long enough so that it doesn't run out before all the bridesmaids have walked down the aisle. However, it shouldn't be too long, as this may cause the bridesmaids to rush or create an awkwardly long pause between the bridesmaids and the bride's entrance. One suggestion is to have 10 seconds of music per bridesmaid, with each bridesmaid starting to walk down the aisle when the previous one is halfway down. This timing can be adjusted during rehearsals to ensure a smooth transition.

• "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner
• "The Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn
• "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel
• "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy
• "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
• "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley or Twenty One Pilots
• "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
• "All Of Me" by John Legend
• "Marry Me" by Train
• "Hallelujah" by Pentatonix
• "Fall Into Me" by Forest Blakk
• "The Joker and The Queen" by Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift
• "Your Song" by Elton John or Ellie Goulding
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "You're Still The One" by Shania Twain
• "Forever My Love" by J Balvin and Ed Sheeran
• "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
• "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve
• "One Love" by Bob Marley
• "Chapel of Love" by the Dixie Cups
• "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys
• "God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton
• "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan, Adele, or Garth Brooks
• "Halo" by Beyonce
• "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
• "Better Together" by Jack Johnson
• "La Vie En Rose" by Michael Bublé
• "Here, There, and Everywhere" by The Beatles (steel drum version)
• "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last
• "Umbrellas" by Sleeping at Last
• "Your Song" by Elton John (strings version)
• "Take My Breathe Away" by Berlin (instrumental version)
• "Beautiful in White" (instrumental version)
• "God Bless the Broken Road" by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
• "Dawn" from Pride and Prejudice (2005)
• "Marry Me" by Train
• "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera (instrumental version)
• "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (cello version)
• "Jurassic Park" theme song (cello version)
• "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes
• "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds (piano version)
• "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Lady Antebellum
• "Slow song in Jurassic Park" (violin version)
• "It's Your Love" by Tim McGraw (acoustic version)
• "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele
• "Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker (acoustic guitar version)
• "Somebody" by Depeche Mode (instrumental version)
• "Tristan and Yvaine" from Stardust
• "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last
• "Starlight" by Muse (violin version)

Rehearsing the walk

Venue Rehearsal

It is highly recommended to rehearse the walk at the actual venue. This allows the wedding party to familiarise themselves with the space, including the length and width of the aisle, and any potential obstacles along the way. This is especially important for bridesmaids, as the style of their dresses may require extra care while moving down the aisle. During the rehearsal, the wedding party can experiment with different walking speeds and practice walking to different processional songs.

Timing and Choreography

The size of the wedding party and the order of entrance will affect the timing of the walk. For example, if the bridesmaids are walking in pairs, they can start walking when the previous pair is halfway down the aisle. If they are walking individually, a short pause between each bridesmaid can be included in the choreography. The couple can decide on the timing and choreography that best reflects their preferences and cultural background.

Managing Anxiety

Walking down the aisle can be an anxiety-inducing experience. To help manage nerves, the wedding party can practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing. It is also important to remember that perfection is not the goal. The walk should be enjoyable and memorable, so taking the time to savour the moment is encouraged.

Selecting the Right Song

The choice of processional song is crucial, as it sets the tone for the wedding ceremony. It should reflect the couple's style and cultural traditions while also allowing enough time for everyone to walk down the aisle comfortably. Couples can choose a longer song or repeat sections of shorter songs for a larger bridal party or a longer aisle.

Additional Tips

• The bride may require more time if her dress is heavy or has a long train. Rehearsing the walk in the dress beforehand can help her feel more confident and comfortable.
• The groom's entrance can be adjusted according to personal preference. He can enter from the side with the officiant, be seated at the front before the procession starts, or even mingle with guests until it is time for the bridal party to walk down the aisle.
• Young children in the wedding party, such as ring bearers or flower girls, may need extra practice to feel comfortable with their role in the procession.

By following these tips, the wedding party can ensure that their walk down the aisle is well-rehearsed and that the timing, pace, and choreography are just right for a smooth and enjoyable wedding ceremony.

Order of bridesmaids

Deciding the order of your bridesmaids is an important part of planning your wedding ceremony. Here are some tips to help you organise your bridal party:

Number of Bridesmaids

Firstly, consider how many bridesmaids you have. If you have an even number, it's quite common to pair them up with groomsmen and have them walk down the aisle together. If you have an odd number of bridesmaids, you might want to consider having them walk down the aisle solo, or pairing some of them up and having one bridesmaid walk alone.

Spacing and Timing

Think about the spacing and timing between each bridesmaid. You don't want them to be walking down the aisle one after the other in quick succession, as this can make the procession feel rushed. Instead, try spacing them out and having each bridesmaid start walking when the previous one is about halfway down the aisle. This will ensure a smooth and elegant flow to the procession.

Now, onto the specific order of your bridesmaids. There are several options you can choose from:

• Height: Line up your bridesmaids by height, with the shortest closest to the altar and the tallest farthest away. This is a great option if you want to avoid any hurt feelings, as height is completely arbitrary.
• Relationship to the Bride: Start with siblings and siblings-in-law, followed by cousins, best friends, and so on. However, be careful with this option, as you don't want anyone to feel hurt or slighted by their placement in the order.
• Length of Friendship: Arrange your bridesmaids by how long you've known them, with the newest friends on the outer edge of the arrangement. This is a good way to avoid any hurt feelings, as it's based on facts.
• Age: Have your bridesmaids stand in order of age, with the oldest closest to you and the youngest on the outer edge. This option is also based on facts, so it's less likely to cause any hurt feelings.

Remember, the maid of honour or matron of honour is typically given a place of honour, standing next to the bride regardless of the order you choose.

Rehearsal

Finally, if you're unsure about the timing or order of your bridesmaids, consider having a rehearsal. This will help you figure out the timing and spacing, and ensure that everyone in the bridal party is comfortable with their role.

Good luck with your wedding planning!

Distance of the aisle

The length of the aisle is a key consideration when planning how long it will take for five bridesmaids to walk down it. The standard ceremony seating layout with rows of chairs and an aisle down the middle typically requires an aisle width of at least 5-6 feet.

The length of the aisle will depend on the number of guests and the number of rows of chairs. For example, one user with 75-110 guests mentioned that their aisle runner was 50 feet long, while another user with 150 guests had an aisle that was 24 feet long.

The length of the aisle can also impact the timing of the entrance music. Couples may want to consider editing their chosen song to fit the length of the aisle or having the music start playing a little while before the bridal party enters.

To estimate the length of the aisle, it is recommended to gather the bridal party and try walking down the aisle together at the venue. This will help determine the timing and any adjustments needed for the music.

In addition to the length of the aisle, other factors that can influence the timing include the speed at which the bridesmaids walk and the spacing between each bridesmaid. Some couples prefer to have each bridesmaid start walking when the previous one is halfway down the aisle, while others opt for a shorter pause of around 10-15 seconds between each person.

Frequently asked questions