Who Walks Down The Aisle With The Bridesmaids?

Bridesmaids are an important part of a wedding, but their role is not set in stone. While some brides choose to forgo bridesmaids altogether, others include them in non-traditional ways. One question that often comes up is whether bridesmaids should walk down the aisle alone or with someone else. There are several options to consider, and ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.

Bridesmaids walking down the aisle first

There are many ways to structure the processional, or the walking down the aisle of the wedding party. While some brides opt to walk down the aisle first, others prefer to have their bridesmaids go first. Here are some advantages and considerations for having bridesmaids walk down the aisle first:

• Builds Anticipation: Sending the bridesmaids down the aisle first can create a sense of anticipation and excitement for the bride's entrance. This allows all eyes to be on the bride as she makes her grand reveal.
• Better Viewing of Bridesmaids: Allowing the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle first gives guests a proper view of their dresses and the effort they have put into their appearance. It ensures that the bridesmaids are not overlooked and have their moment to shine.
• Practical Considerations: If the aisle is relatively short, sending the bridesmaids first can help create a smooth flow and avoid any potential bottlenecks. Additionally, if there are stairs or corners involved, sending the bridesmaids first can ensure that someone is there to help fluff the bride's dress and ensure it looks perfect for her entrance.
• Music Coordination: The choice of music can also influence the decision. If the selected music has a swell or a build-up at a certain point, coordinating that with the bride's entrance can create a more dramatic effect.
• Cultural and Religious Traditions: It is worth noting that the order of the processional can also be influenced by cultural and religious traditions. For example, having the bridesmaids walk down the aisle after the bride is considered more traditionally British, while sending them first is often associated with American weddings. If you are having a church wedding, it is a good idea to consult with the vicar or officiant, as they may have specific guidelines or preferences.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. Some brides prefer to have their bridesmaids go first, while others opt for a more traditional approach of walking down the aisle first. It is important to discuss this with your wedding party and decide what feels most comfortable and meaningful for you.

In conclusion, having bridesmaids walk down the aisle first can create a sense of anticipation, showcase their dresses, and ensure a smooth flow for the processional. However, the decision should also consider cultural traditions, religious guidelines, and the bride's personal preference.

Bridesmaids' duties

Bridesmaids are an important part of the wedding ceremony and have a long list of responsibilities. Here is a breakdown of the duties that bridesmaids typically perform before and on the wedding day.

Pre-Wedding Duties:

• Shop and pay for bridesmaid attire: Bridesmaids are expected to purchase their chosen attire, including the dress, shoes, and accessories, and may be asked to attend a group fitting or send their measurements to the bride or bridal shop.
• Plan and pay for the bridal shower: The bridal shower is often a shared responsibility among the bridesmaids and the maid of honor, but at the very least, bridesmaids are expected to attend and help with planning and execution if no other hosts are available.
• Plan and pay for the bachelorette party: The bachelorette party is typically organised by the maid of honor, but bridesmaids should lend a hand with travel plans, accommodations, activities, and sharing the costs to cover the bride's expenses.
• Attend pre-wedding events: Bridesmaids are expected to attend all pre-wedding activities, such as engagement parties, couples' showers, and any wedding DIY sessions.
• Book travel and hotel reservations: Bridesmaids are responsible for their transportation and accommodations for the wedding and should make these arrangements early to ensure convenience and timely arrival.
• Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner: It is important for bridesmaids to be present at the rehearsal and dinner to familiarise themselves with the ceremony proceedings and provide support to the bride during the final preparations.
• Provide emotional support: Wedding planning can be stressful, so bridesmaids should regularly check in with the bride, offer support, and help with decision-making, such as choosing the wedding dress or flowers.
• Assist with wedding planning tasks: Bridesmaids may be called upon to help with smaller tasks like stuffing envelopes, alphabetising escort cards, DIY projects, or accompanying the bride to appointments and trials.
• Purchase a wedding gift: Bridesmaids, like other guests, are expected to buy a gift from the wedding registry and have it delivered before the wedding, unless they are part of a destination wedding, where their presence may be considered a sufficient gift.

Wedding Day Duties:

• Get ready with the bride: Bridesmaids should arrive on time at the designated location, fully prepared with their attire, shoes, and accessories. They assist the bride in getting ready, keeping her calm, answering queries, ensuring she eats and stays hydrated, and helping her with her dress, shoes, jewellery, and veil.
• Assist the maid of honor: Bridesmaids act as the right-hand ladies to the maid of honor, supporting her with any tasks, such as last-minute errands, coordinating with vendors, and providing an emergency kit.
• Provide getting-ready snacks: If no other arrangements are made, bridesmaids should take the initiative to provide snacks and drinks for the bride, her mother, and the beauty stylists.
• Be the "bride tribe": Bridesmaids act as the bride's support system and point of contact for guests and vendors. They ensure the wedding party has their flowers and assist with pinning on boutonnieres. They also help guests navigate the venue by directing them to parking areas, bathrooms, and other amenities.
• Participate in the ceremony: Bridesmaids should be punctual and prepared for their cues to walk down the aisle. They need to maintain a respectful demeanour during the ceremony and follow the rehearsed plan for entering and exiting.
• Be photo-ready: After the ceremony, bridesmaids should stay together for group photographs with the happy couple, usually during the cocktail hour, to ensure the couple can maximise their time with guests.
• Be model guests: Bridesmaids should mingle with guests, enjoy the food and drinks, participate in guest activities like signing the guest book, listen to speeches, and dance during the reception.
• Maintain a stress-free send-off: At the end of the reception, bridesmaids help gather items that need to be transported, such as decor, bouquets, wedding cards and gifts, and the couple's overnight bags. They also ensure guests depart safely, hand out vendor tip envelopes, and organise any after-party plans.

Bridesmaids' attire

Bridesmaids Attire

The bridesmaids' attire is an important aspect of the wedding aesthetic and can be chosen to complement the bride's dress and the overall theme of the wedding. Here are some considerations and suggestions for the bridesmaids' attire:

• Colour and Style: The bridesmaids' dresses can be chosen to match or complement the colour palette of the wedding. They can be in the same colour family as the bride's dress or in contrasting shades to create a visually appealing ensemble. The style of the dresses can also be coordinated, such as choosing similar silhouettes, necklines, or fabric types.
• Comfort and Individuality: While it is common for bridesmaids to wear matching outfits, it is also important to consider their comfort and individuality. Some brides opt for a specific colour or colour palette and allow their bridesmaids to choose their own dress style, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident.
• Season and Location: Consider the season and location of the wedding when selecting the attire. For example, lighter fabrics and colours may be more suitable for a summer outdoor wedding, while richer hues and heavier fabrics could be chosen for a winter celebration.
• Accessories and Details: Accessories can be used to enhance the bridesmaids' attire and add a touch of personal style. This could include jewellery, shoes, hairpieces, or even personalised details like embroidered initials or meaningful charms.
• Mix and Match: There is no rule that dictates bridesmaids must wear identical outfits. A modern approach is to mix and match different styles or colours within a cohesive colour palette. This can add visual interest and allow each bridesmaid to showcase their unique sense of style.
• Budget and Availability: Discuss the budget for the bridesmaids' attire and try to find options that are affordable and accessible for everyone. It is considerate to involve the bridesmaids in the decision-making process, taking into account their preferences and any financial constraints.
• Hair and Makeup: Decide whether you would like the bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup professionally done or if they will handle it themselves. If you opt for professional services, ensure you communicate this expectation clearly and consider contributing to the cost as it is an additional expense for them.
• Pre-Wedding Events: If there are pre-wedding events such as bridal showers or bachelorette parties, you may want to suggest attire that can be worn for those occasions as well. This could be a separate outfit or something that complements their wedding-day look.

Remember, the most important aspect is that your bridesmaids feel comfortable, confident, and honoured to be a part of your special day. Their attire should reflect their personalities and style while also fitting within the overall vision for your wedding.

Bridesmaids' expenses

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. There are several expenses that a bridesmaid should expect to cover, and it is important to be transparent about what can be afforded.

One of the biggest expenses is the bridesmaid dress and accessories. Bridesmaids are typically expected to pay for their own outfits, although the bride will give instructions on style, fit and colour. The cost of the dress can run into the hundreds, and if the bride requests specific shoes or jewellery, these are usually paid for by the bridesmaids too.

Bridesmaids are also often expected to contribute to, or cover the cost of, the bridal shower or wedding shower. This can include food, decor and activities. If the bridal shower has a theme, such as a lingerie swap, this is an additional cost.

The bachelorette party is another big expense. Bridesmaids typically plan and pay for this, although it is becoming more common for this to be a destination celebration, which can be very costly. While it is not expected that bridesmaids cover the entire trip for the bride, they may chip in for her hotel or a special dinner.

Travel and accommodation for the wedding itself are further costs that bridesmaids usually cover. If the wedding is a destination wedding, these costs can quickly add up.

There are other, smaller expenses that can be expected. These include hair and makeup (although the bride may cover this as a gift), pre-wedding event attire, and wedding day essentials such as toiletries and a change of clothes.

While being a bridesmaid comes with certain financial obligations, it is important to remember that being a bridesmaid is not all about money. Offering support through planning and day-of tasks can be a way to be involved without the same level of financial commitment.

Bridesmaids' plus-ones

While it is not mandatory to have a wedding party, bridesmaids are an integral part of the wedding ceremony in many cultures. They are usually the bride's closest friends or family members, and it is an honour to be chosen as one.

There are many ways to include bridesmaids in the wedding ceremony. They can walk down the aisle in a processional and then sit for the ceremony, or they can just be seated when the event starts. In some cases, bridesmaids may not walk down the aisle at all and instead be incorporated into other parts of the wedding, such as getting ready with the bride, taking part in a bachelorette party, or making a speech at the reception.

One important consideration for bridesmaids is whether they are allowed to bring a plus-one to the wedding. While it is considerate to give them a plus-one as a way to return the favour of their help and support, it is also appropriate to opt out of plus-ones if the wedding is small-scale or if there are budget limitations. Ultimately, the decision on whether bridesmaids walk down the aisle alone or with a plus-one is up to the couple and should be based on their personal preferences and the dynamics of their wedding party.

Frequently asked questions