The Right Way to Walk Down the Aisle, According to Experts

There's nothing more special than watching a bride (or groom!) walk down the aisle during a wedding ceremony. This iconic moment signals the beginning of a couple's new shared future and is an experience many individuals look forward to having when planning their big day. But that's not all: The walk down the aisle also allows couples to spotlight close friends and family members who have journeyed with them throughout their relationship. Whether it’s parents, friends, siblings, little ones, or grandparents, the aisle is where the most important people in a couple’s life are honored all at once.

However, if you've ever been tasked with walking down a wedding aisle, you know it’s not as simple as it seems. It can be overwhelming, and even a little awkward, to have all eyes on you, especially if you're not a fan of large crowds. Not to mention, there are so many things to consider when taking this all-important stroll. Where do you look? Do you smile? Do you greet guests or chat with your partner? If you’re the bride, how do you handle walking down the aisle with both parents versus just one? What if you want to walk by yourself? 

Below, we asked the experts to help break down the right way to walk down the aisle as the bride, groom, or a member of the wedding party. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Walk Slow and Steady

Sure, the ringbearer or flower girl may run down the aisle, but you should not. “It’s not a race to the altar,” says wedding planner Jamie Wolfer. “A good rule of thumb is to walk in time with the music, which can help control your pace and keep you calm.” And while you may think you’re practically crawling your way to the altar, chances are you’re moving faster than you think. “The ideal pace is counting '1-2-3', as you would dance steps, not seconds, in your mind for each step you take,” explains Sasha Dutta, founder of Fierce Events. “This ensures the wedding photographer and videographer have plenty of great shots and that your guests can also get their picture and videos of the bride as she makes her way down the aisle.”

Be Mindful of Your Gaze

No matter your role in the wedding, you may be tempted to check out the guests as you make your trip down the aisle. While there are no firm rules about what or who you should look at, the experts do have a few ideas. “Brides should be locking eyes with the groom. Yes, this may make them a little emotional but that's the person they're about to commit to and it's important to take a mental picture of their spouse-to-be's reaction to them walking down the aisle,” Dutta explains. 

However, if staring straight ahead feels awkward and unnatural to you, just go with the flow and let your gaze move about naturally, which will look more organic. “Take a moment and smile at the person walking with you,” photographer Genevieve de Manio recommends. If you’re the bride, she advises subtly engaging with friends and family along the way, then locking eyes with your betrothed as you approach the end of the aisle. “That moment with your fiancé is one you will want captured in a photograph forever. All these moments of acknowledgment and connection are priceless.”

Always Remember You're Being Photographed

Think of your walk down the aisle as your personal red carpet moment. Consider the movement and position of your hands to get the best shots; De Manio advises keeping bouquets low to show off the bodice of a dress. “Placing your forearms against your hipbones is generally a good guideline,” she says. Before you walk, take a moment to ensure you don’t have hair in your eyes as well. “The eyes are so important to capture in these moments and if your photographer can’t see them, a moment of connection between you and your fiancé is missed.” (This also applies to parents and the wedding party.) But most importantly, don't forget to smile!

Don't Stop to Greet Guests

Yes, everyone you know and love has gathered together to celebrate, but now is not the time to stop and say “Hey” to a college pal or cousin. “Generally, it's best to keep walking to the altar without stopping to greet guests. There will be plenty of time during the reception to mingle and thank everyone for coming,” says Wolfer. “The aisle walk is your moment to shine and connect with your soon-to-be spouse.”

Walk In Sync With Your Escort

Anyone who is walking down the aisle with or as an escort—the bride, parents, groomsmen, and bridesmaids—should give it a few practice runs to ensure all parties are comfortable and moving fluidly as a pair. “This means starting with the same foot walking forward and keeping in a straight line,” advises Dutta. Simply put, don’t drag your partner down the aisle.

Do What Feels Right for You

This final tip is for brides: Do what feels right for you when dreaming up your walk down the aisle. Some brides want to stick with tradition and walk down the aisle with their father or father figure, while others prefer to walk with both parents. Some even walk totally solo. “This is deeply personal and can be symbolic. If you choose to walk with someone, like a parent or both parents, it's a nod to their support in your life,” explains Wolfer. “Walking alone can be incredibly powerful and assertive, symbolizing your independence and the step into a new chapter.” Ultimately, the choice is yours to make.