Aisle Runners: Carpet-Friendly Ways To Enhance Your Wedding

Wedding aisle runners are a common ceremony decoration, and they come in many different forms. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, and they are usually made of polyester, nylon or canvas. They can also be made of plastic, cloth, tarp, burlap, jute, fabric, or even eco-friendly non-woven material. Aisle runners can be used on top of carpeted floors, and they can be secured using strong double-sided tape.

What are the benefits of using a wedding aisle runner?

A wedding aisle runner is a long piece of fabric placed on the ground that starts at the entrance or threshold of the wedding ceremony venue and ends at the altar. Although using a wedding aisle runner is optional, it does come with several benefits.

Firstly, it can protect the bride's dress and the attire of the wedding party, especially if the wedding is outdoors. The aisle runner acts as a barrier between the dress and the ground, ensuring the gown stays pristine throughout the ceremony. It also provides a smooth and even surface for walking, reducing the risk of tripping over uneven ground, pebbles, or grass.

Secondly, an aisle runner can help define the aisle and provide a clear path for the wedding party to follow, especially the flower girl and ring bearer. It also offers aesthetic appeal, as it can be customized to match the wedding's colour scheme or theme, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the ceremony.

Lastly, a wedding aisle runner can cover up any unsightly floorboard scratches, gravel, or patchy grass that you may not want to see in your wedding photos.

What are the best materials for a wedding aisle runner?

Wedding aisle runners are a common ceremony decoration and can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are typically made of polyester, nylon or canvas. Here is some more information about these materials and other options:

Polyester

Polyester aisle runners are long-lasting and non-slip, reducing the chances of falling. Polyester and poly linen aisle runners are also the cheapest option as they are mass-produced. However, they are fragile and simple designs or plain colours are recommended.

Nylon

Nylon aisle runners are another good option but can be slippery depending on the surface underneath.

Canvas

Canvas aisle runners work well for indoor and outdoor weddings and are non-slip.

Burlap

Burlap is a popular choice for outdoor weddings as it is a heavy, thicker material that is ideal in windy and rainy conditions. It also dries quickly.

Jute

Like burlap, jute is a good option for outdoor weddings as it is a heavy, thicker material.

Fabric

Fabric aisle runners are a good option for indoor weddings or outdoor weddings where rain is unlikely. Fabric aisle runners are often lighter and do not fare well in windy conditions. The benefit of choosing fabric is that you can get any design or custom message worked into the fabric.

Plastic

Plastic aisle runners are affordable and ideal for rainy days as they are easy to wipe and dry off. However, they are prone to bunching and tearing.

Carpet

Carpet aisle runners are a great choice for a smooth stride on grass and other soft terrains. If you are using a carpet aisle runner on a hard surface, it will add comfort underfoot.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf runners are useful for beach weddings as they can easily bend and flex in the sand. They come in a variety of colours and are usually made of all-weather material.

How do you secure a wedding aisle runner?

Wedding aisle runners are a common tradition at weddings, adding elegance and flair to the ceremony. They are typically made of polyester, nylon or canvas, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

When it comes to securing a wedding aisle runner, there are a few methods you can use depending on the surface you are working with. For indoor weddings with carpeted floors, strong double-sided tape along the sides of the runner will do the trick and prevent it from shifting. If your indoor venue has hard flooring, such as concrete or wood, you can use matching coloured gaffer tape along the sides of the runner for added security.

For outdoor weddings, using pins or nails to secure the runner to the ground is a good option. It is important to level the surface underneath the runner as much as possible to create a stable base. Some outdoor runners come with grommet holes to prevent the material from tearing, or you can add them yourself for extra protection. If you are using an artificial turf runner, choose one with grommeted holes in the corners for staking into the ground.

Additionally, it is recommended to have someone on hand to help secure the runner. This person can be ready with scissors and tape or pins to quickly secure the runner before the bridal entrance if it is longer than the aisle.

Do you need a wedding aisle runner?

A wedding aisle runner is a long piece of fabric placed on the ground, starting at the entrance or threshold of the wedding venue and ending at the altar. It is a common ceremony decoration and can be used for indoor or outdoor weddings.

The use of a wedding aisle runner is optional. However, it can improve the look of your ceremony space and provide some practical benefits. For instance, it can keep the bottom of your wedding attire clean, especially for outdoor weddings, and provide a clear path for your wedding party to walk down the aisle. It can also add elegance and flair to your wedding theme and cover up any floor imperfections.

There are a variety of materials and colours to choose from when selecting a wedding aisle runner. Polyester, nylon, and canvas are typical choices, with polyester being long-lasting and non-slip. For outdoor weddings, burlap or jute are excellent choices due to their heavy and durable nature. Additionally, outdoor carpet runners can provide comfort and stability on soft or hard ground surfaces.

To secure your wedding aisle runner, use strong double-sided tape along the sides if it is on carpet. For outdoor weddings, pins, nails, or tent pegs can be used to fix the runner to the ground.

Ultimately, the decision to use a wedding aisle runner depends on your personal preference, the location of your wedding, and your budget. They can enhance the aesthetics of your ceremony and provide practical benefits, but they may also be seen as an unnecessary expense.

What are some alternatives to a wedding aisle runner?

Wedding aisle runners are a common tradition, but they are not mandatory. They can be used to protect the bride's dress, guide the wedding party, and add elegance to the ceremony. However, if you're looking for alternatives, there are plenty of creative options to explore.

For a rustic wedding, consider using mulch to create a rectangular walkway. If you're having a romantic garden ceremony, make an aisle runner out of rose petals. For a bohemian theme, use colourful rugs, or for a rustic wedding, a braided jute rug with eucalyptus garlands.

You can also use natural linen and embroider it with a monogram or logo, or use a vibrant, colourful runner to match your ceremony's eccentric colour palette. For an elegant, ethereal look, use white orchids or white and pink rose petals.

If you want to add a unique touch, a mirrored aisle runner will give the illusion of openness and reflect the beauty of the ceremony. You can even print your wedding logo and floral design on a custom runner.

Don't be afraid to get creative and make your wedding aisle unique and memorable.

Frequently asked questions