This is going to be one of those posts that you’re going to say (if you’ve not yet walked down the aisle)… Oh I know that. But TRUST ME you won’t think of it on your wedding day without a friendly reminder or two.
Today, we’re talking about how NOT to walk in your wedding dress – your amazing, perfect, and wonderful wedding dress.
Most of us have seen Cinderella, right? Remember that scene of her running down those steps frantically trying to get back to her pimped-out-pumpkin to get home before midnight? She’s holding her dress up and running as quickly (and somehow still so gracefully) down the steps of the castle.
Chances are you don’t spend many days in a long dress like your wedding gown so I’m going to assume that walking in it will prove to be a challenge.
When you try it on, PLEASE do me a favor and notice how you are walking in it. Do not pick it up to walk everywhere (which is EXACTLY what you will default to) and notice how easy it is to move in. Now, it may be easy, not-so-easy, hard, or freakin-impossible to walk in but it’s something that will affect your wedding day.
On the day of, you will be able to get away with walking holding your dress up for a few opportunities. But going down the aisle, you will need to walk without holding it up. Throughout the night, you will mostly need to walk without holding it up. You must feel at least somewhat confident walking in your dress without holding it up in the front.
Also, most dresses get heavier and looser as the night goes on – be ready for it.
80% of my clients choose a second dress to change into for a more comfortable after-dinner (a.k.a. dancing) experience. Is it necessary? Nope. Is it only for celebrities? Also, nope. It’s for those that want to be a bride and stay comfortable throughout the day. We have to remember that women of yesterday spent EVERY DAY in a bustle, garter and dress. They were accustomed to it and therefore, changing into a shorter frock would have been unheard of at the time. Today’s woman spends her days in suits, jeans, flowing skirts, even… *gasp* sweatpants. We like to be stylish but also appreciate comfort. Please don’t feel like you have to stay in your ceremony gown for the entire day, but if you do want to, prepare yourself for those possibilities.
So, how do you walk in a long gown?
1. Keep your back straight.
Yes, ladies. Sometimes weslouch. On your wedding day, try to stay long and lean in your torso. This will help with keeping your dress at the proper length by your feet.
2. Gently kick your feet forward as you walk.
Ok, this is difficult to do without feeling like a horse so I recommend practicing sans-dress when you have a private moment. Think of a runway walk and extend your leg forward and off the floor before placing it down.
3. Walk toe-to-heel not heel-to-toe.
Our standard walk/run goes heel-to-toe. (What do I mean by that? Stand up and walk around your room. What part of your foot is hitting the floor first? Your heel. Then the foot rolls towards your toe.) When you are in your dress, walking heel-to-toe can cause your dress to get caught under your foot. Slightly change your stride to toe-to-heel (also takes practice) and you will eliminate most of the dress getting caught.
4. Walk slowly.
You have a piece of art (and a helluva lot of fabric) on your body. Don’t run around. Take a nice slow stride when you’re walking. Feel free to remind your escort that you need to keep a slower pace and you will be golden. Plus, it’s a good excuse to really take everything in.
5. Wear the same undergarments and shoes for your fitting as your wedding day.
Changing those elements will change the length of the dress. Keep it consistent to make sure you are properly preparing.
Again, there is NOTHING wrong with holding up your dress to walk and go down steps. After all, Cinderella did it and she’s the bomb. BUT, I just ask that you keep in mind you will not be just standing in your dress all day so make sure you practice walking!!
