How to walk down the aisle: Top tips from a wedding professional
You've planned your wedding to the nth degree, from your first waking minute to your last dance. You've been putting one foot in front of the other since you were just one year old. But walking down the aisle, the walk of walks, all eyes upon you – how do go about that?
Even the most cool-headed bride can be surprised by her reaction in the moment so it's a good idea to prepare for it, even if you think you don't need to. There are also different ways of a bride getting down the aisle – no two weddings are ever the same – so we strongly recommend you give it some thought.
1. Choose your format
Traditional: The traditional set-up is to have the bride first, followed by the bridesmaids or flower girls. If they're little, they might find this less daunting – it's easier having someone to follow.
Modern Twist: It's common today to see the bridesmaids or flower girls heading down the aisle first, ahead of the bride. It's perhaps more daunting for them, but it's extremely sweet to see two little ones, hand in hand, leading the way for the bride.
2. Pace yourself
You should always walk more slowly than you think. There are those among us who have been practicing this in playgrounds since we were little girls, doing comedy tortoise-pace walks to 'Here comes the bride'. It should be every bit as slow as that. Soak it up, never rush – this is it, enjoy. And practice, practice, practice. Do it at your wedding rehearsal and repeat the practice if necessary. The more you know what you're doing, the more you can be in the moment, smiling at friends, squeezing hands and catching sight of your husband to be.
3. Ground yourself
Before you set off, take a number of deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Box breathing, also known as four-square breathing, is a good one to remember: breathe in for four, hold for four, out for four, hold for four. Imagine yourself containing your nerves and standing solid and centred on your square.
4. You've got this!
Firstly, there is nothing wrong with crying. But if you want to contain the tears, look up! It really does help. And remember to smile. Let the smile infect the rest of your body because you've done the hard part – now let the fun begin.