Bridesmaids' Aisle Walk: Choosing The Perfect Song

The bridesmaids' walk down the aisle is an important part of the wedding ceremony, but it can be a nerve-wracking experience. There are many ways to make the bridesmaids' entrance special, from the music to the procession. Whether you want a traditional or modern approach, here are some tips to help you plan the bridesmaids' walk down the aisle.

Timing and practice

The timing of the bridesmaids' walk down the aisle is crucial to ensure a smooth and elegant procession. Here are some tips to help you with the timing and practice:

• Choose the processional music: Select the music that you want to walk down the aisle to. This could be the classic "Wedding March" or something more personalised.
• Practice with the music: Do a few trial runs with the chosen music to get a feel for the timing. A wedding processional usually lasts around three to four minutes, but the timing will depend on the size of your wedding party.
• Keep a steady pace: Don't rush or slow down too much. Walk at a normal, steady pace to soak in the moment and allow the photographer to capture beautiful moments.
• Create gaps between bridesmaids: If you have multiple bridesmaids walking down the aisle, it's important to leave a nice gap between each person. This will ensure the photographer can get clear shots of each bridesmaid and prevent them from bunching up.
• Time your steps: It should take you no more than 30 to 45 seconds to walk down the aisle. Count your steps in your head to maintain a consistent pace and ensure you don't rush through the moment.
• Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse: The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will feel on your wedding day. Practice walking with your chosen shoes and attire to get a feel for the movement and adjust your posture accordingly.
• Be mindful of your attire: If you're wearing a long, flowy dress, be mindful of your steps to avoid tripping. Let the hem of your dress hit your ankle before taking your next step.
• Don't skip the dress rehearsal: It's crucial to do a run-through at the venue to familiarise yourself with the space and any potential obstacles. This will help you perfect your timing and posture, ensuring a graceful walk on the big day.

Posture

Perfecting your posture as you walk down the aisle is important, especially if you want to look good in the photos. If your outfit is flowy or heavy, or you're not used to walking in your chosen shoes, it may be challenging to stand up straight. You might also be tempted to look down at your feet.

The best way to keep your head level is to lift your chin and try to keep your earlobes in line with your shoulders. If you spend a lot of time looking down at a computer or phone, your neck muscles may not be used to it, so be sure to practice beforehand.

Stand straight and tall, with your shoulders pushed back and kept down. This will help you avoid hunching, especially if you're holding a bouquet. As you walk, keep your knees slightly bent and your feet about shoulder-width apart. Engage your core by tucking your tummy in, which will help you maintain balance.

Focusing on your posture is important, but you don't want to go rigid. Allow your body to move as naturally as possible. Keep anything you may be carrying, like a bouquet, a few inches in front of your stomach, but let your arms move freely as you walk. Avoid stiffening your neck to keep a veil or floral crown in place. Instead, look from side to side as you walk down the aisle and try to make eye contact with your guests. If eye contact is too much, you can look at people's heads or shoulders instead.

Even if you feel nervous, you will look more natural this way, and it will make a big difference in your photos and videos.

Dress rehearsal

A dress rehearsal is an important part of wedding planning. It's a chance to make sure that everyone knows their role and that the timing is right. Here are some tips for a successful dress rehearsal for the bridesmaids:

Know the Order

First, it's important to know the order in which the wedding party will be walking down the aisle. The bridesmaids usually walk down the aisle one by one before the maid of honour. However, some couples may choose to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together in pairs.

Timing is Everything

Once you've chosen the processional music, do a few trial runs to get the timing down. A wedding processional usually lasts around three to four minutes, but the timing will depend on the size of your wedding party. It shouldn't take more than 30 to 45 seconds for each person to walk down the aisle. Practising will help you get through any anxiety and make you feel more comfortable on the day.

Perfect Your Posture

If you're wearing a flowy or heavy dress, or you're not used to walking in heels, it may be hard to stand up straight. Your photos will look much better if you can maintain good posture while you walk. Keep your head level by lifting your chin and trying to keep your earlobes in line with your shoulders. Push your shoulders back and keep them down to avoid hunching, especially if you're holding a bouquet. As you walk, keep your knees bent and your feet shoulder-width apart.

Avoid Tripping

If you're wearing a long, flowy dress, you can avoid tripping by waiting until the hem of your dress hits your ankle before taking your next step. If you're wearing heels, practise walking around on the balls of your feet to strengthen your legs and ankles and break in your shoes before the big day.

Lock Elbows

If you're being escorted down the aisle, lock elbows with your partner to ensure you start on the same foot for a smooth walk. This is also a good way to remind you to keep your bouquet low so that it doesn't block your dress in photos.

Music

Classical Music

Classical music adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the ceremony. Some popular choices include:

• Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
• Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner
• Trumpet Voluntary in D Major by Jeremiah Clarke
• Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by G. F. Handel
• Air on the G String by Johann Sebastian Bach
• Ave Maria by Franz Schubert
• Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy

Modern Classics

For a more contemporary feel, consider modern classic songs such as:

• "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
• "Here Comes the Bride" by Richard Wagner

Fun and Upbeat

If you want to inject some fun and energy into the ceremony, choose an upbeat song like:

• "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
• "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé
• "Chapel of Love" by The Dixie Cups
• "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees
• "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang

Remember, you can always choose instrumental versions of these songs or hire a live musician to create a unique and intimate atmosphere for your special day.

Who walks bridesmaids down the aisle

The wedding processional refers to the moment when the couple, the wedding party, and their families walk down the aisle in a specific order to initiate the ceremony. The processional order depends on the type of wedding ceremony, the couple's culture, and their personal preferences. Here is a detailed guide on who walks down the aisle and when during a wedding processional:

Christian Wedding Processional Order:

According to Rev. Orsella Hughes, there are two options for the order of procession in a Christian wedding. The more traditional route is for the officiant and groom to enter from the side of the venue. A more modern approach is for the officiant, groom, and best man to walk down the aisle together. Here is the processional order as outlined by Rev. Hughes:

• Officiant: If walking down the aisle, the officiant goes first to signal the start of the wedding.
• Groom: The groom walks down the aisle after the officiant or enters from the side with the best man.
• Groomsmen: The groomsmen may follow the groom directly or walk before or alongside the bridesmaids.
• Grandparents of the Couple: Typically, the couple's grandparents walk down the aisle next and take their seats in the front row.
• Groom's Parents: The groom's parents walk down the aisle and sit near the grandparents.
• Mother of the Bride: The bride's mother is usually escorted by a family member and takes her seat in the front row.
• Wedding Party Processional: There are a few options. In the classic processional order, the bridesmaids and groomsmen come down the aisle in pairs. Nowadays, the groomsmen often walk individually after the groom or the parents. The maid of honor walks last.
• Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl: The young attendants are the last to walk down the aisle before the bride.
• Bride and Escort: Traditionally, the bride is escorted by her father, but she may choose another loved one or walk down the aisle with both parents. This marks the last person to enter the ceremony space before the wedding begins.

Catholic Wedding Processional Order:

The Catholic wedding processional order varies, so it is advisable to consult the church. Here is a general outline:

• Priest, Groom, and Best Man: They enter from a side door and take their places at the altar before the other VIPs.
• Groom's Parents: The groom's parents walk down the aisle and sit on the right side of the venue.
• Mother of the Bride: The bride's mother may walk solo or be escorted and sits in the front row on the left.
• Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: They walk in pairs, with the bridesmaids on the left and groomsmen on the right, splitting off at the end of the aisle.
• Maid of Honor: She walks down the aisle last and takes her place next to the bride.
• Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl: They round out the procession before the bride enters.
• Bride and Escort: The bride, escorted traditionally by her father or a chosen loved one, marches toward the altar.

Jewish Wedding Processional Order:

The Jewish wedding processional has some key differences. The couple is escorted down the aisle by both parents, who stand under the chuppah (wedding canopy) instead of sitting with the guests. The women stand on the right, and the men stand on the left. Here is the typical order:

• Officiant (Rabbi or Cantor): The rabbi or cantor is generally the first person to walk toward the altar.
• Grandparents of the Couple: First, the bride's grandparents proceed, followed by the groom's grandparents, and they take their seats in the first row.
• Groomsmen: They walk in pairs or individually, taking their places on the left side of the chuppah.
• Best Man: The best man walks alone after the groomsmen and stands closest to the groom.
• Groom and Parents: In a Jewish ceremony, the groom is escorted by both parents and takes his place under the chuppah on the left.
• Bridesmaids: The bridesmaids walk in pairs or solo and stand on the right side of the chuppah.
• Maid of Honor: The bride's maid of honor walks alone.
• Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl: The youngest attendants precede the bride.
• Bride and Parents: As the crowd stands, the bride, escorted by both parents, walks down the aisle.

Hindu Wedding Processional Order:

The Hindu wedding processional order depends on the family's traditions and the priest's directions. Here is a general outline:

• Groom, Friends, and Family: The groom's entrance, called the "baraat," is a festive celebration with music and dancing, where he is accompanied by friends and family.
• Bride and Loved Ones: The bride's family welcomes the groom, and then the bride enters with her loved ones, including her bridal party, walking down the aisle for the big reveal. She joins the groom at the mandap (altar), and

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