Strut Your Stuff: Bridal March Etiquette

Walk down the aisle with style, grace, sass or whatever you prefer

By Ashley Gallman

Photo by Jen Huang Photography

There is a reason why a woman's wedding day is known as "her day." All eyes are on the bride as she glides gracefully down the aisle toward her future of wedded bliss. Unfortunately, gliding can be much easier said than done. Between the pressure and the stress -- not to mention the shoes -- many brides can feel as if they've sprouted two left feet. To avoid a bridal stumble and master the bridal march, try a few easy tips for an ideal wedding promenade.

• What You Need to Know
• Your walk down the aisle doesn't have to be a stilted, unnatural march. Whatever style of walk you choose, find one that reflects your personality and the overall theme of your wedding.

Step 1:

Be careful not to booby-trap your walk down the aisle before you ever enter the church. Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Heels might make you wobble or trip, and despite popular belief (and super-casual trends), flip-flops are equally perilous. Wear flats that are secure around your feet and won't fly out from underneath you. Also, make sure the hemline of your dress is long enough to cover your ankles but short enough that you won't stumble in its folds and come crashing down.

Step 2:

Choose the appropriate music. Although snappy songs and upbeat rhythms have become popular, be sure your feet can keep up with them. Many classical songs, such as Pachelbel's Canon, are not only traditional, but they are also easier on your coordination. Choose these songs for slower and steadier beats that allow for a dignified walk.

Step 3:

Do not zoom down the aisle whether you pick a stately wedding march or a rock ballad for your processional song. All eyes are on the bride for the brief journey from door to altar, so keep the guests gazing for a little while. Use a slower walk to prevent tripping and to ensure you don't catch up with your wedding party.

Step 4:

Consider having an escort. Although many brides now choose to walk alone, the father of the bride can serve as a good support system. He provides an arm to lean on and a steady hand in case of trips or falls. A grandfather, brother, uncle or friend are all perfectly appropriate escorts as well. Some brides opt to have a parent on each arm as they walk down the aisle.

Step 5:

Bring tissues in case of tears. Between the pressure and the excitement, many brides find their eyes welling up as their music starts and the walk down the aisle begins. Choose your maid of honor or a responsible bridesmaid to carry a small stash of tissues in her bouquet. A quick dab around your eyes can save you from a wobbly walk full of sobs and runny mascara.

Step 6:

Be confident. The ultimate rule in bridal march etiquette is to keep your eyes forward and your head up with an expression of grace and ease. Put all your nerves and worries aside and remember that it is your wedding day. Smile and allow yourself to get excited as you approach your husband to be.

• Tips & Warnings
• If for some reason you do trip, it's not the end of the world. Stay calm, smile and keep walking. The reaction of the crowd will likely mimic your own.
• Keep your posture in mind. Nothing ruins wedding photos like a slouching bride.
• Take slow, deep breaths before you begin to walk. This will prevent any anxiety-induced swoons.
• If Pachelbel's Canon doesn't suit your style, consider a processional boogie-woogie. While definitely outside the norm, some wedding parties are opting for a light-hearted approach to walking down the aisle by dancing down it. Know your approach beforehand, alert your videographer and don't be shocked if the video goes viral.