Where Should Wedding Parties Stand During The Ceremony?

Whether or not bridesmaids and groomsmen stand during the wedding ceremony is ultimately up to the couple getting married. While it is traditional for the wedding party to stand at the altar with the bride and groom, this is not mandatory. In fact, it is common for only the maid of honour and best man to stand with the couple, while the rest of the wedding party sits in the front row.

In some cultures, it is traditional for bridesmaids and groomsmen to stand at the altar

In a traditional Catholic wedding processional, the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle in pairs, with the groomsman on the right and the bridesmaid on the left. Once they reach the altar, the first groomsman turns right and takes his place farthest from the groom, while the first bridesmaid turns left and takes her place farthest from the bride.

Similarly, in a traditional Christian ceremony, the groom and groomsmen stand on the right side of the altar, while the bride and her bridesmaids stand on the left, with the officiant positioned in the centre. The same setup is also seen in Jewish ceremonies, with the addition of a chuppah (traditional Jewish wedding canopy).

However, it is not mandatory for the bridal party to stand during the ceremony. Some couples prefer to have only the bride and groom standing, with the bridal party seated in the first row. This can be a more comfortable option, especially for long ceremonies or for those with mobility issues. It is also common for the maid of honour and best man to stand with the couple, as they may have specific duties, such as holding the bride's bouquet or fluffing her dress, and presenting the wedding rings.

It is not necessary for them to stand

It is not necessary for bridesmaids and groomsmen to stand during the ceremony. In fact, it is quite common for them to be seated, especially in the UK and Catholic ceremonies.

If you are planning to have your bridal party sit during the ceremony, there are a few things to consider. First, you will need to reserve seats for them, usually in the first or second row. This ensures a smooth transition when they take their seats after the processional. It is also important to rehearse the timing of when they sit down to avoid any confusion or missteps. Additionally, you may want to designate someone else to hold your bouquet and assist with your dress, as is traditionally done by the maid of honour or best man.

Another option is to have the bridal party sit only during certain parts of the ceremony. For example, they can stand for the processional and recessional but sit during the readings, prayers, or homily. This can be a more comfortable option for everyone involved, especially if the ceremony is lengthy.

Ultimately, the decision to have your bridal party stand or sit during the ceremony is a personal one. Many wedding traditions are not mandatory, and you can choose to adapt or forgo them to suit your preferences and the dynamics of your wedding party. Whether standing or sitting, the bridal party's presence and support are what truly matter.

They can be seated in the front row

There are many ways to arrange a wedding ceremony, and it is becoming increasingly common for bridesmaids and groomsmen to be seated during the ceremony.

If you are planning to have your bridesmaids and groomsmen sit during the ceremony, you may want to reserve seats for them in the front row. This ensures a smooth transition and avoids any last-minute seating arrangements. It is also a good idea to practice the timing of when they sit down to avoid any confusion or misalignment.

For a more organised approach, consider assigning specific seats to each bridesmaid and groomsman. This way, they will have designated spots to return to during the ceremony and can avoid any seating mix-ups. It is also advisable to allow for a few extra places in case of last-minute changes or unexpected guests.

When deciding on the seating arrangement, it is essential to consider the size and layout of the wedding venue. This will help determine the number of tables and their placement, ensuring that the bridal party has a clear path to their seats and can be easily seen by the couple and guests.

The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen can also influence the seating arrangement. If you have a large bridal party, you may need to split them across multiple rows or consider alternative seating options, such as low stools at the front, to avoid obstructing the view of other guests.

During the processional, the bridesmaids and groomsmen can walk down the aisle and take their reserved seats. They can be seated on one side or both, depending on the layout and the number of immediate family members who will also be seated in the front rows.

At the end of the ceremony, the bridal party can follow immediately behind the couple or exit alongside the other guests. It is a good idea to rehearse the entire ceremony at least twice to ensure everyone is clear on their roles and movements, including the seating and standing moments.

Seating the bridal party is a great option, especially for long ceremonies or when some individuals may have difficulty standing for extended periods. It allows for a more comfortable experience for all involved while still including them in the important moments of the wedding.

They can walk down the aisle and then sit

It is common for bridesmaids and groomsmen to walk down the aisle and then sit during the ceremony. This is often seen at weddings in the UK and Catholic ceremonies.

If you are planning to have your bridal party sit during the ceremony, you may want to consider reserving seats for them in the front row. This ensures a smooth transition and avoids any last-minute seating arrangements. It is also important to consider the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as the size of the wedding venue, to ensure that there is enough space for everyone to be seated comfortably.

The bridal party can play an important role during the processional, walking down the aisle with the bride and adding to the emotional and memorable nature of the moment. They can then take their seats at the end of the aisle or be seated in the front rows, depending on the layout of the venue.

It is worth noting that some members of the bridal party, such as the maid of honour or best man, may be asked to stand with the bride and groom during certain parts of the ceremony. For example, the maid of honour may hold the bride's bouquet and help with her dress, while the best man may be in charge of the rings. In such cases, it is practical to have these individuals standing with the couple, while the rest of the bridal party is seated.

Overall, the decision to have your bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle and then sit during the ceremony is a personal choice and can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

They can stand for some parts and sit for others

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether your bridal party should stand or sit during the ceremony. Firstly, it's your wedding, so you can make the call on what you're comfortable with. If you want your bridal party to stand with you, that's totally fine! But if you'd prefer to have just you and your partner standing, that's also a valid choice.

Now, if you decide to have your bridesmaids and groomsmen sit for some parts of the ceremony, here are some things to keep in mind:

Logistics

This option may require a bit more planning and coordination. You'll need to decide when you want your bridal party to stand and sit during the ceremony. For example, they can stand during the processional and recessional but sit for the majority of the ceremony. Or, if you're having a religious ceremony, they can stand and sit when the guests do. It's a good idea to have a rehearsal to practice the timing and cues for sitting and standing.

Seating Arrangements

You'll need to reserve seats for your bridal party. The first or second row is a good option, close to the altar or aisle. Consider the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen and whether you also need to reserve seats for parents or other special guests in the front row. You may also want to consider low stools at the front to avoid blocking the sightlines of guests seated behind.

Bouquet and Rings

If you usually plan to have your maid of honour hold your bouquet and the best man bring up the rings during certain parts of the ceremony, you can still do this even if they're seated. They can stand at their seats or walk up to you when needed.

Entrance and Exit

Your bridal party can still be a part of the processional and recessional, walking down the aisle with you and exiting after you. They can simply take their seats at the end of the aisle instead of standing at the altar.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to your wedding ceremony. You can customise it to fit your preferences and what works best for your bridal party.

Frequently asked questions