Creative Ways To Shorten Your Wedding Aisle

Walking down the aisle is a pivotal part of a wedding ceremony. It is the first time your guests will see you on your special day and marks your debut as a bride. The grand entrance is also one of the most photographed moments of the wedding. While there are many ways to make your walk down the aisle memorable, one way to make it less daunting is to shorten the aisle. This can be done by having the wedding party walk in two waves, one for each side of the aisle, or by pairing them off. Another option is to forgo the escort and walk down the aisle solo.

Choosing the right shoes

Choose your wedding dress first

Your wedding shoes should complement the style, colour, and length of your dress. The length and cut of your dress will determine how much of your shoes will be visible and what type of shoe you should wear. If you're wearing a tea-length gown, your shoes will be more noticeable than if you're wearing a floor-length dress with a long train. It's also important to bring your chosen shoes to your dress fittings so that any necessary alterations can be made.

Define your bridal style

If you're going for a particular style or theme for your wedding, make sure your shoes match. For example, if you're aiming for a vintage or retro look, choose shoes that echo the style of that era. Pay attention to any detailing, embellishments, or materials in your gown that you'd like to be reflected in your footwear.

Consider your venue and the weather

Think about the location of your wedding when choosing your shoes. High heels might not be the best choice for a beach wedding or a slippery dance floor. Check the weather forecast and have a backup pair of shoes in case of rain or snow. For outdoor weddings, flat shoes or boots might be more practical, especially if you're walking on grass or sand.

Prioritise comfort

Comfort is key when choosing your wedding shoes, as you'll likely be wearing them for a long day. Consider the heel height and width of the shoe to ensure you can stand and dance comfortably. You might even want to bring a second pair of flats or sneakers to change into during the reception.

Don't wait until the last minute

Start researching and trying on bridal shoes as soon as you've found your dress. You'll need to purchase your shoes in advance of your dress fittings and alterations, as the dressmaker will need to know the exact height of your shoes. Break in your shoes before the big day and always have a backup pair on hand in case of any last-minute disasters.

Don't be afraid of colour

Traditional brides might opt for white, champagne, ivory, or nude tones, but don't be afraid to add a pop of colour with your footwear. Metallics can add a touch of glitter and shine, or you could go for "something blue" in shades ranging from pale blue to royal blue.

Remember, your wedding shoes should reflect your personality and make you feel confident and happy. Whether you go for a bold statement shoe or a simple, elegant design, make sure they are comfortable and complement your overall bridal look.

Walking with the right posture

Stand Tall and Straight

Keep your spine elongated and straight. Imagine a string gently pulling your head up, helping you maintain a straight posture without dropping your head into your chest. Avoid slouching, hunching, or leaning forward, which can put unnecessary pressure on your back muscles.

Eyes Forward

Keep your eyes focused on an area about 10 to 20 feet ahead of you. This will help you avoid looking down, which can strain your neck and upper back.

Shoulders Back and Relaxed

Ensure your shoulders are relaxed and not tensed up towards your ears or slouched forward. You can do shoulder shrugs to help relieve tension and put your shoulders in a natural position.

Swing Arms Freely

Let your arms swing freely from your shoulders, not your elbows. Keep your arms around your midsection, not too high, and avoid swinging them across your body.

Step with a Heel-to-Toe Gait

Maintain a steady heel-to-toe gait. Start by striking the ground with your heel, then roll through to your toe, and push off with your toe. Avoid flat-footed steps or landing on your toes first.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Choose shoes that fit well, have good arch and heel support, and are well-cushioned. This will help absorb the shock of your feet hitting the ground and provide comfort as you walk.

Walking with the correct posture will not only make you look and feel more confident but will also help prevent injuries, reduce muscle aches, and improve your balance. It is an important aspect of your wedding day, ensuring you walk down the aisle with grace and elegance.

Timing your walk

The timing of your walk down the aisle is crucial to making your entrance confidently and ensuring your wedding party knows their part. Here are some tips to help you time your walk perfectly:

Choose Your Processional Music

Select the music you want to walk down the aisle to, whether it's the classic "Wedding March" or something more unique. This will help you and your wedding party time your steps and create a cohesive entrance.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Once you've chosen your processional music, practice walking to it several times. A wedding processional usually lasts around three to four minutes, and the timing will vary depending on the size of your wedding party. The ideal time for the bride to walk down the aisle is 30 to 45 seconds, giving everyone enough time to enjoy the moment and allowing the photographer to capture some great shots. The more you practice, the easier it will be to manage any nerves on your big day.

Time Your Steps

When practicing your walk, focus on timing your steps to the music. Count in your head as you walk to help you keep a steady pace. This will ensure you don't rush or slow down too much and arrive at the altar at just the right moment.

Plan the Wedding Party's Entrance

If you have a large wedding party, consider sending them out in two waves, one for each side of the aisle. This will help keep the entrance organized and ensure everyone has enough space. You can also pair them off to save time. Make sure to plot out exactly where each person will stand to avoid crowding the officiant during the ceremony.

Don't Rush the Moment

Your walk down the aisle is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so don't rush it. Take your time and savour every second. Smile, make eye contact with your guests, and enjoy the experience. This will also help you appear calm and confident in your photos and videos.

Rehearse at the Venue

In addition to practicing at home, it's essential to do a dress rehearsal at the venue. This will help you get a feel for the actual space and timing of your walk. It will also allow you to identify any potential trip hazards and be aware of any bright lights that might shine in your eyes during the ceremony. The more familiar you are with the setting, the more confident you will feel on your wedding day.

Picking the right music

First, decide on live vs. recorded music. Live music creates a unique and intimate vibe and can ensure everything is timed to perfection. For example, live musicians can seamlessly time the music for entrances, creating a dramatic effect. However, if you've already hired a DJ for your reception, they may be able to provide music for your ceremony too.

Next, envision the types of musicians and instruments you'd like. Consider your venue, the size of your wedding, and your wedding style. Outdoor weddings tend to work well with larger ensembles like string quartets or guitar and drum duos, providing a full-bodied sound without needing amplification. For indoor weddings, a duo or trio with a harp, flute, cello, or violin and guitar can be a good choice. The number of musicians also depends on the size of your wedding—a solo instrument like a violin or harp is best for small, intimate weddings, while a quartet is recommended for weddings with over 150 guests. Different instruments evoke different vibes—a string ensemble feels more formal, while a guitarist or keyboard player is more casual.

Keep in mind that live ceremony musicians can play more than just classical music. Most ensembles can perform instrumental versions of popular songs. "Good companies with professional musicians can play anything so long as it is written for their instrument," says Alison Lawson of Corda Entertainment. So, if you have specific songs in mind, discuss them with your musicians to see if they can accommodate your requests.

When choosing the specific songs for your wedding, there are a few key moments to consider. The prelude music plays while guests are entering and taking their seats, so choose tunes that are romantic and upbeat. The processional song is played while the wedding party walks down the aisle, so select a song that's not too fast or too slow, with a rhythm that matches a natural walking pace. The bridal processional should have a bit more drama and grandeur. The interlude music is played during transitions or rituals and is usually ultra-romantic and emotional. Finally, the recessional song should be upbeat and joyful, leading guests into the celebration.

• Prelude: "Air on a G String" by Bach, "The Four Seasons (Spring)" by Antonio Vivaldi, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley, "Your Song" by Elton John, and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
• Processional: "Canon in D" by Pachelbel, "All of Me" by John Legend, and "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder.
• Bridal Processional: "Air" by Handel, "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner, "Here, There, Everywhere" by The Beatles, and "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri.
• Interlude: "Ave Maria" by Schubert and "In My Life" by The Beatles.
• Recessional: "Love on Top" by Beyonce, "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven, "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn, "Marry You" by Bruno Mars, and "I Do" by Colbie Caillat.

Remember to choose songs that reflect your theme, vision, and personal preferences. You can also consider the length of your aisle—if you have a long aisle, you may need longer songs or more songs to cover the walk. By picking the right music, you can create a memorable and personalised atmosphere for your wedding ceremony.

Practising beforehand

Know Your Timing

Practise walking to your chosen processional music to get a feel for the timing. A wedding processional usually lasts around three to four minutes, and the timing will depend on the size of your wedding party. It should take you no more than 30 to 45 seconds to walk down the aisle, giving everyone time to savour the moment and capture some memorable photos. Counting your steps as you walk can help you perfect your timing.

Master Your Posture

Good posture will ensure you look confident and radiant in your photos. Keep your head level by lifting your chin and ensuring your earlobes are in line with your shoulders. If you tend to hunch, focus on pushing your shoulders back and down. Keep your knees bent and your feet shoulder-width apart as you walk, and engage your core by tucking in your tummy. While you should maintain good posture, remember to relax your body and allow for some natural movement.

Lock Elbows with Your Escort

If someone special is escorting you down the aisle, practise locking elbows with them. This ensures you start on the same foot and walk in sync. If you have two escorts, they can lock arms on either side of you. This also helps to ensure your bouquet or dress doesn't obscure your outfit for the camera.

Avoid Tripping

If you're wearing a long, flowy dress, a simple trick to avoid tripping is to wait until the hem of your dress hits your ankle before taking your next step. Practise this at home to perfect your stride. If you're wearing heels, strengthen your legs and ankles by walking around on the balls of your feet, and don't forget to break in your shoes before the big day.

Do a Dress Rehearsal

Practise walking down the aisle at the venue to familiarise yourself with the space and any potential trip hazards. This will also help you gauge the lighting to avoid any unflattering squinting or grimacing in photos. The more you familiarise yourself with the setting, the more confident you'll feel on your wedding day.

Smile!

While this may seem like a no-brainer, nerves can get the better of you. Practise smiling during your walk by thinking happy or goofy thoughts. Even if you feel nervous, a small smile is better than none, and it will help you exude confidence and joy.

Remember, the more you practise, the more comfortable and relaxed you'll feel on your wedding day. So take the time to master your walk and enjoy every moment of your special day!

Frequently asked questions