A Friend's Support: Walking The Bride Down The Aisle

The processional, or the moment when the wedding party and couple walk down the aisle, is one of the most memorable moments of any wedding day. While traditionally the father of the bride walks her down the aisle, this custom has evolved to suit modern-day values and family dynamics. For example, some brides are now opting to walk down the aisle solo or accompanied by another family member. Ultimately, there are no rules, and couples can decide how they want their processional to progress. This includes the best man walking the bride down the aisle, which is a completely valid option.

The best man can walk down the aisle with the bride if her parents are no longer alive

The best man is usually the groom's choice for companion and supporter on the wedding day, but there is no reason why he cannot accompany the bride down the aisle if her parents are no longer alive. It is becoming increasingly common for brides to choose their own companion for the walk down the aisle, and this can be anyone from a close friend to a sibling, grandparent, or other relative.

If the bride's parents are no longer alive, and she does not have a close relationship with other family members, then the best man is a good option to consider. He is already an important part of the wedding party and is likely to be someone the bride knows well. The bride may feel more comfortable and supported by having the best man accompany her, rather than walking alone or with someone she is not close to.

There are many ways to involve the best man in the ceremony. He can walk alongside the bride, or they can walk together but slightly apart, with the best man a step or two behind. This allows him to support the bride without being the main focus. If the bride has a furry friend, the best man can also help to guide her canine companion down the aisle, providing a unique twist to the traditional walk.

Ultimately, the decision of who walks the bride down the aisle is a personal one, and the bride should choose whoever she feels most comfortable with. It is her special day, and she should be surrounded by people who love and support her, whether that includes the best man or not.

The best man can walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid

If the couple would prefer to stick to a traditional script, dictated by religion or culture, the best man can enter from the side and take his place at the altar before the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. In a Christian wedding, the best man either walks in from the side and takes his place at the altar next to the groom or walks in as the last groomsman. In a Jewish wedding, the best man walks in solo after the groomsmen and takes his place as the groom's right-hand man. In a Hindu wedding, the best man walks in with the groom and his family and friends in a celebration called a Baraat.

However, there are no rules when it comes to the wedding processional order, and couples can customise it however they like.

The best man can walk down the aisle with the groomsmen

The best man and groomsmen can walk down the aisle in a few different ways, depending on the preferences of the couple and the style of the wedding. Here are some options:

Christian, Jewish, and Nondenominational Weddings

In a Christian, Jewish, or nondenominational wedding, the best man and groomsmen typically walk down the aisle before the bridesmaids and maid/matron of honor. They can walk down the aisle individually or in pairs. If there is an uneven number of groomsmen and bridesmaids, some couples may choose to have a groomsman walk with a bridesmaid. Alternatively, the groomsmen can walk down the aisle first, followed by the bridesmaids, or vice versa. In a more modern approach, the best man and groomsmen can choose to walk down the aisle with the bridesmaids and maid/matron of honor as couples.

Hindu Weddings

In a Hindu wedding, the groom's procession, known as the "baraat," involves the groom arriving with his family and friends in a festive celebration. The best man and groomsmen would typically be a part of this procession and walk with the groom.

Catholic Weddings

In a Catholic wedding, the priest, groom, and best man usually enter from a side door and take their places at the altar before the rest of the wedding party. However, all of the groomsmen, including the best man, may also enter from the side or walk down the aisle.

Ultimately, the couple can choose the processional order that best suits their preferences and the style of their wedding.

The best man can walk down the aisle with the groom

In a non-denominational or secular ceremony, the groom has several options. He may walk his mother down the aisle and be followed by his father, or his parents can walk down the aisle together, followed by the groom walking alone. The groom might also choose to walk down the aisle with both his parents.

In a traditional Christian wedding, the best man walks in from the side and takes his place at the altar next to the groom, or he can walk in as the last groomsman. In a Jewish wedding, the best man walks down the aisle solo after the groomsmen and stands next to the groom under the chuppah. In a Catholic wedding, the best man, groom, and priest enter from a side door and take their places at the altar before the processional begins.

There is no one way to organise a wedding ceremony, and couples can choose to customise the processional to suit their preferences.

The best man can walk down the aisle alone

Christian Wedding

In a Christian wedding, the best man can walk down the aisle after the groomsmen and take his place next to the groom. Alternatively, he can walk in as the last groomsman. In some cases, the best man may enter from the side with the groom and officiant before the processional begins.

Jewish Wedding

In a Jewish wedding, the best man is usually the last person to walk down the aisle before the groom. He takes his place as the groom's right-hand man under the chuppah.

Hindu Wedding

In a Hindu wedding, the best man typically walks down the aisle with the groom and his family and friends in a festive celebration called a "Baraat."

Nondenominational Wedding

In a nondenominational wedding, the best man can choose to walk down the aisle solo or enter from the side with the groom and wait at the altar.

Modern Wedding

In a modern wedding, the best man can walk down the aisle alone or with the groomsmen, depending on the couple's preferences.

Ultimately, the decision on how the best man walks down the aisle can be made to suit the couple's needs and preferences. There is no "supposed to" when it comes to wedding processional orders, and couples can customize this aspect of their wedding to make it their own.

Frequently asked questions