Are Some Wedding Songs Easier to Walk Down the Aisle To? Here’s What Every Couple Should Know
Updated: Aug 10
Many couples choose a song because they love the lyrics and the emotions that come with the song, but don’t realize that the rhythm and tempo can affect how natural their walk feels.
There are many beautiful songs that are perfect for creating the right atmosphere for your special moment. Choosing the right song will not only sound beautiful but support a confident, relaxed walk down the aisle.
Here are 5 things I learned about choosing the perfect processional song:
Your Walking Pace Matters
Research shows the natural walking pace for most people is 60-80 steps per minute. This just simply means that a song that’s too fast can make you feel rushed, and a song that’s too slow can make every step feel awkward and too draggy.
If you’re walking down to a recording, you can time yourself and see how many steps it generally takes in a minute or half a minute of the song, of which timing depends largely on the distance you have to walk.
Some Rhythms are Naturally Easier to Walk To
I have found that triple meter songs (in 3/4 or 6/8 time) are naturally easier to walk to as they give a gentle swaying waltz feel in the music. It is very suitable for processions, whereby some music can give a rolling, cinematic motion that feels graceful for a walk down the aisle.
Some popular examples of triple meter songs include, Perfect by Ed Sheeran, Married Life (theme from Up), Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, and You are the Reason by Calum Scott.
Songs in common time (4/4) can also work beautifully, but some songs can have strong backbeats that feel more like a marching feel.
Remember, you don’t need musical knowledge for this and your song choice is unique to your love story. The key is to choose a rhythm that feels comfortable for you!
Consider the Length of Your Aisle
If you have a short aisle to walk down to, it is best to avoid a 4-minute introduction of a song. This is where a live musician can come in handy, as they can tailor parts of the music you have chosen to suit your walking distance.
Similarly, if you have a long outdoor aisle, you could choose a piece that can be repeated naturally. Some classical music and classic pop songs such as "Canon in D" and "Stand By Me" have easily recognizable, repeated melodies and phrases that are just as beautiful being played naturally again.
Think about Emotion, not just Popularity
There are many beautiful love songs in the world but only you can decide which music best represents your story.
You can ask yourself what songs reflect the relationship you have with your partner? Does it feel calm, joyful, hopeful or romantic? Can you imagine hearing this years from now and remembering this special moment?
These questions carry more weight than choosing the popular hit song for the wedding season that year.
Rehearse with your Music
A quick practice with your song choice can help you feel the tempo, coordinate with anyone who is escorting you down the aisle.
Practicing your walk with your music can also help you feel confident and prepared on the day of, which allows you to be in the present moment rather than worrying if you’re too fast or slow.
SUMMARY
The perfect processional song doesn’t have to be just your favorite song. It’s one that can help you feel present, relaxed and confident as you walk toward one of the most memorable moments of your life.
As a wedding pianist, I’ve found that when the music and pace are in harmony, everything feels effortless. That’s the beauty of live music: it follows your story!
About
Esther Ling is a Calgary-based pianist and singer-songwriter with a passion for creating meaningful musical experiences. She founded Lingering Moments to share her love of beautiful and timeless contemporary piano music at weddings and family events in Calgary and area, Banff, and Kannaskis.
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