How do you time out your processional?

Question

We picked a song, "That's All" by Michael Buble for the processional, but I have no idea how to time it out. I don't have a DJ, the ceremony is on the beach, so my cousin is going to be starting and stopping a CD on a small battery-operated stereo. I guess we will need to start the song a little before, then all walk, but I have no idea how long that will take. Walking we have:

My grandmother and the groom's attendant

Grooms mother and her husband

Grooms father and his wife

My mother and my attendant (brother)

Then me and my dad.

And I guess the song should end shortly after we arrive. We aren't having a formal rehearsal since there are so few of us, just a quick run through, it's not a very formal ceremony. How do you know how to time it so it works out right? Any advice? How did you do it?

Answer 1

first of all, i LOVE that song--great choice!

i know that every wedding i've been to (that's been at a church) the church coordinator usually times it so that when the first person is about halfway to 3/4 of the way down the aisle, the second person is cued to start walking.

if it's a small wedding and a small aisle, wait until they are pretty much at the altar to start the next person.

good luck!

Answer 2

You should have a rehearsal to practice, make sure everyone shows up that will be walking, and pace it out.

Best wishes to you.

Answer 3

How long is the song, how far are you walking?  Get a rough idea and then have people pace themselves accordingly (i.e. tell them it should take you 45 seconds to walk then space them at 15 second intervals or something like that).  Knowing when YOU need to go is most important.  It's okay if people wait a moment before you walk down the "aisle".

If you're being video taped, make sure there's an external  microphone on the video camera or a speaker (i.e. karaoke) of some type because the ocean can REALLY get loud if the surf's coming in/going out.  

I've done a few beach/outdoor weddings  in OC and San Diego so if you have any questions please email me.

Answer 4

That was our first dance!  :o)

The song has a brief introduction (2 to 4 bars, light guitar music), which lasts for 15 seconds...

Then goes for two verses:

First verse... starts quiet, almost accapella

I can only give you love that lasts forever,

And a promise to be near each time you call.

And the only heart I own

For you and you alone

That's all,

That's all...

Second Verse, with full orchestra...

I can only give you country walks in springtime

And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall;

And a love whose burning light

Will warm the winter's night

That's all,

That's all.

Bridge:

There are those I am sure who have told you,

They would give you the world for a toy.

All I have are these arms to enfold you,

And a love time can never destroy.

Verse 3:

If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,

You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.

Say it's me that you'll adore,

For now and evermore

That's all,

That's all.  (ends 2:25 into the song)

Then a brief musical interlude/bridge... this would be a good time to cut the song if everyone is down the aisle...

Verse 4 - Starts again at 2:58

If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear,

You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.

Say it's me that you'll adore,

For now and evermore

That's all,

That's all.

(fades out)

Total song length - 3:59

Hope that helps!