You’ve imagined the day. You’ve thought about how to walk in a wedding dress. Classy, elegant, with grace and style. Walking in a wedding dress seems simple, until it isn’t. That once beautiful, flowing gown is a tripping hazard waiting to ruin a perfect moment. That long aisle can feel like miles when you’re not comfortable in your dress and shoes. The worst thing you could possibly do is trip on your big day. Figuring out how to walk in a wedding dress is a simple thing once you master the steps. Pun intended. Walking in heels and avoid tripping on your wedding day is a time-honored tradition for brides everywhere.
Why Walking in a Wedding Dress is Different
Let’s face it. We’re not in Victorian times anymore. You’ve probably never worn a dress with a train or a large petticoat before. Not to mention, with all that fabric, wedding dresses can get heavy. All that extra fabric and weight can turn into a nightmare. Now add heels, nerves, and stairs, and you’re looking at a risky combination. But with practice and the right mindset, there’s nothing you can’t do. More importantly, a few wedding dress walking tips can change your mindset from timid and scared to confident and fierce.
How to Practice Walking in Your Wedding Dress
First things first, find a dress. More than likely, you’re not going to break out your wedding dress to walk around town. However, you can find a long and flowy dress that can simulate the real thing. Take that dress and give it a little spin. Does it flow as long as your wedding dress? Does it fit tight and loose in all the right spots? Does it cover your feet? Perfect. Let’s take that dress on a walk.
Practice walking in all sorts of scenarios. You never know what might pop up on your big day. The photographer may want to get you outside. Your friends may want to pose on a staircase. Your venue may have the dreaded spiral staircase. You just never know. So, walk everywhere. Not only is this great exercise, but it will also get you ready for anything. Carpet, tile, grass, gravel, sand, whatever you can find, walk it with confidence. Practice lifting the hem gracefully as you traverse different areas. Take a pillow or some flowers and practice holding props. Maybe even set the mood and play your wedding music to really get into the groove.
Bonus Tips
Now that you can get around, let’s step it up a notch. Try dancing or twirling around. Your dress should move with you, and you should be able to perform any dance move you feel comfortable doing without the dress. Maybe even record yourself to make sure how you look is exactly how you feel. Is your posture straight, shoulders back? Do you look like the queen you feel like? Enlist a bridesmaid or maid of honor to observe and support you. The most honest one will surely be the best one. As long as they can break the news lightly.
What to Avoid
Don’t rush it. Nervous energy can ruin the perfect walk down the aisle. Rushing down there like you’re the final leg of a relay race is never what you’re going for. Feel confident enough to take in the moment. Wearing a too-tight mermaid dress without practice can make you feel like you just want to get this over with, but that’s something you’ll immediately regret once it is over. So don’t hold your breath, literally. Breathe, smile, and glide your way through your big day.
Final Advice
It’s not just about avoiding a fall. More likely than not, you can get through your wedding without falling without ever practicing. You’re going to be great. The whole point is about walking into your new life with poise and confidence. To know you’re the greatest version of yourself. The more you practice the little things, the more radiant and glamorous you’ll be on your big day.
Still Need Practice?
With Hourglass Bride, we’re not just here to help you fit into your dress. We’re here for all aspects of your wedding day. With our class, High Heel Bootcamp, Kasia Kozak will literally get you jumping and bouncing in heels so that you’ll feel like Catwoman flipping in your high heels.
Of course, we also have our free course, The Four Steps of Dance, that you can check out. Every subscriber to our email list gets this course completely free. This is a dance class for any level. If you can do that course in heels and a dress, you will be ready for absolutely anything! Check it out here.
