Tips for the best wedding processional from a Wedding Officiant/Minister
Based on my 14 YEARS of experience as both a professional wedding officiant and an Event/Wedding planner, I
would like to provide you with tips to make sure you have the best wedding processional experience!
Use these tips to help get the best photos of all your attendants and most importantly of YOU as you walk
down the aisle.
- Try not to be backlit too much. Check it out beforehand so that you know for sure how the lighting will affect the photos. If the sun is literally behind you as you're walking down the aisle, the photos will be ethereal and a bit blurry. If you want crisp, clear photos, move your processional so the sun isn't directly behind you. If you’re not sure have your photographer check out your venue before the wedding rehearsal.
- Leave plenty of time between attendants (grandparents, parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor, best man). A slow processional gives your photographer and your family and friends plenty of time to capture each person or couple as they process down the aisle.
- Encourage your bridesmaids to carry the bouquets at roughly the same height. This makes for lovely, consistent photos. I always recommend holding the bouquet at waist high, thumb knuckle in belly button.
- If an animal or small child (ren) is part of your processional, make sure someone is identified as the "Helper" for these less experienced wedding party members. It's sweet to let a toddler walk down the aisle themselves, but it can be a bit overwhelming for them especially if everyone is giggling and pointing at them. Please be aware that on the day of the wedding what was practiced at the wedding rehearsal might not always work out. Be prepared of this then you won’t be disappointed when the child (ren) or animal(s) do not walk down the aisle the day of the wedding
- When walking down the aisle walk very slowly. Work with your DJ or music person to find a special song that you want to walk down the aisle to. Don’t rush down the aisle. You have worked hard to put this wedding ceremony together, now savor the moment. With the doors closed or you out of sight, play the music for a few bars or a few seconds, then at the appropriate time, walk in. Don’t start walking just yet. Stand there for a few more bars or seconds and then look up & around and smile. Enjoy and let your guests enjoy that moment with you. Then start slowly walking down the aisle. Appreciate this moment and enjoy it. Your groom is waiting for you up there so make the anticipation greater by taking your time. Walking fast, looking at the ground, with a scowl on your face makes for some uncomfortable photos. And remember your paying for all those photos.
- Wear comfortable shoes! If your shoes are not comfortable to walk in, and all you're doing is trying not to trip & fall, you won't be able to be present and enjoy the moment. This will show in your photos. Maybe have two different pair of shoes. One to walk down the aisle and one for the reception. Lots of outdoor venues (barns, parks, etc.) have a grass aisle so to walk down the aisle in heels should be out of the question.
- For a more dramatic effect try pausing at the top of the aisle for three beats. Take a step then bring your feet together and then step again. Doing so will keep you from hurrying down the aisle. This gives a little more drama to the moment and heightens the excitement for the most important part of the processional: Walking Down Through Your Guests To Greet Your Beloved.
- If you get nervous walking down the aisle, keep your eyes on your sweetheart, who will be beaming up front with a huge smile back at you. Or you can look at me, your wedding officiant.
I will have a huge smile on my face to because I am so happy for you both! - Really take your time transitioning from walking down the aisle to getting into your spot by your officiant. Once up front give your escort(s) a big hug, and or kisses, etc. Make sure the escort knows how to hand you off to your Groom. (here the escort(s) can shake hands, hug, high five or whatever the escort(s) & groom are comfortable doing) Finally situate your dress, give your bouquet to your maid of honor (you’re going to need your hands free) and take the time to settle into your space. Look at your mate (not the minister or person marrying you) take a deep breath and get grounded. Don't rush right into the ceremony but listen to the words you, your fiancée & your minister have worked hard to put together for this unique & very special wedding ceremony. Your officiant should help you with this and not rush through the ceremony.
- SMILE!
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