Who Walks First: Bridesmaids Or Bride?

The order in which bridesmaids walk down the aisle depends on the type of wedding ceremony. In American weddings, it is customary for bridesmaids to walk down the aisle before the bride, while in the UK, they traditionally walk behind. However, these days, it's common for bridesmaids to walk ahead of the bride, regardless of the wedding's location, as it builds anticipation for the bride's grand entrance and gives bridesmaids their moment to shine.

American vs British traditions

When it comes to wedding traditions, the UK and the US have several differences. In terms of the bridesmaids' procession, the bride traditionally walks down the aisle first in a British wedding, with the bridesmaids following behind. In contrast, in American weddings, the bridesmaids usually walk down the aisle first, and the bride makes a dramatic entrance after them.

American Wedding Traditions

In traditional American weddings, the bride is typically the last to walk down the aisle, with the flower girl, ring bearer, and bridesmaids proceeding ahead to prepare the way for the bride. The bridesmaids walk one at a time, and then the bride walks up the aisle. This custom is preferred by some as it builds excitement for the bride's entrance and gives bridesmaids their moment to shine. It is also considered the norm for the bridal party to precede the bride.

British Wedding Traditions

In a traditional British wedding, the bride walks down the aisle first, followed by her bridesmaids. This custom is also known as the "British processional." The bridesmaids follow behind the bride to help hold the train of her dress as she walks. This tradition is believed to have stemmed from bygone years when bridesmaids assisted in preventing the bride's train from getting dirty.

Other Cultural Differences in Wedding Traditions

Beyond the procession, there are several other differences in wedding traditions between the UK and the US. These include the formality of attire, the structure of the bridal party, pre-wedding activities, and the wedding cake.

• Attire: British weddings are typically less formal in terms of attire. Guests often wear printed dresses, cheerful colours, and more laid-back looks. Fascinators and dramatic hats are also popular accessories for female guests. American weddings can vary in dress code, ranging from casual attire at rustic weddings to black-tie events at elegant ballroom weddings.
• Bridal Party: British weddings tend to have smaller bridal parties, and the bride selects a chief bridesmaid instead of a maid of honour. In American weddings, the bridal party usually precedes the bride, and the maid of honour has a more prominent role, including giving a speech during the reception.
• Pre-Wedding Activities: Couples in Great Britain typically have fewer pre-wedding events compared to Americans. While stag nights and hen dos (bachelor and bachelorette parties) are common in Britain, bridal showers and rehearsal dinners are not usually held.
• Wedding Cake: Traditional British weddings often feature a fruitcake, while American weddings offer a variety of flavours, such as vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache.

Practicality and anticipation

There are several practical reasons why bridesmaids should walk down the aisle before the bride. Firstly, if the bride walks down the aisle first, she will then have to stand at the altar with the groom and her father, waiting for the rest of the bridal party to file in. This can take up valuable time, especially if there are multiple bridesmaids.

Additionally, if the flower girl is young, she may feel overwhelmed by walking down the aisle alone, with all eyes on her. Sending the bridesmaids first means the flower girl can walk with them, and the bride will follow with her father, providing a sense of comfort and support.

Having the bridesmaids walk first also creates a sense of anticipation and builds excitement for the bride's grand entrance. This way, the bridal party can take their places at the front, ensuring the bride can join her fiancé without them having to push past or squeeze by her to get to their seats. It also allows the bridesmaids to be seen and appreciated, giving them their moment to shine, rather than being an afterthought.

Furthermore, from a photography perspective, it is much easier to capture the sweet and emotive scene of the bride and her father walking down the aisle when they are the last ones to enter, without any blockage from the bridal party.

Therefore, for practical and anticipatory reasons, it is generally preferable for the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle before the bride, creating a smooth and memorable entrance for all.

Religious wedding services

The processional order varies depending on the type of religious wedding service. Here is an overview of the processional order for different religious wedding ceremonies:

Christian Wedding Processional Order

In a Christian wedding, the mother of the bride's entrance usually signals the beginning of the processional. The groom then takes his place at the altar, either entering from the side or walking down the aisle solo. The best man either enters from the side or walks in as the last groomsman. The groomsmen typically open the processional, followed by the bridesmaids walking down one by one before the maid or matron of honour. The flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s) precede the bride, and the father of the bride traditionally escorts the bride down the aisle.

Jewish Wedding Processional Order

In a Jewish wedding, the officiant (usually a rabbi or cantor) is generally the first to walk towards the altar. The bride's grandparents walk down the aisle first, followed by the groom's, and they take their seats in the first row. The groomsmen walk down the aisle in pairs, and the best man walks solo after the groomsmen. The groom is then escorted down the aisle by his parents and takes his place under the chuppah on the left side. The bridesmaids walk down the aisle next, either solo or in pairs, and stand on the right side of the chuppah. The maid or matron of honour walks alone, followed by the ring bearer and/or flower girl(s). Finally, the bride is escorted down the aisle by both her parents, and they stand under the chuppah during the ceremony.

Hindu Wedding Processional Order

The Hindu wedding processional begins with the groom's entrance, where he is accompanied by his family and friends on horseback, by elephant, or in a special vehicle. The bride's family welcomes the groom with music, rose petals, and blessings. The bride then enters, often walking down the aisle under a canopy, escorted by loved ones such as her maternal aunt, uncle, or brothers. She joins the groom at the mandap, and the ceremony begins.

Nondenominational Wedding Processional Order

A nondenominational wedding processional offers more flexibility for customisation. The officiant may enter from the side or walk down the aisle first. The groom and best man may enter from the side or walk down the aisle. The wedding party members can walk down the aisle individually or in pairs, and the maid or matron of honour walks alone after the other bridal party members. The ring bearer and/or flower girl precede the bride, who is traditionally escorted by her father but may also be accompanied by her mother or another loved one.

The role of the vicar

The vicar is a central figure in a church wedding. They are often the couple's first point of contact with the church and are responsible for making them feel welcome and comfortable about their wedding day. The vicar will have a lot of experience in ensuring that everything runs smoothly and will guide the couple through the necessary legal requirements and paperwork. The vicar will also be interested in getting to know the couple, their story, and why they chose to get married in the church.

The vicar will meet with the couple to discuss their preferences for the ceremony, including music, hymns, Bible readings, and any other personal touches they may want to include. They will also discuss the involvement of the church choir, flowers, and bell-ringing. It is important to note that each church and vicar may have different rules and guidelines for weddings, and it is crucial to communicate with the vicar early on to understand their specific requirements.

Photography restrictions, for example, can vary greatly between churches and vicars. Some vicars may not allow any photographs at all, while others may be more flexible. It is recommended to introduce the photographer to the vicar in advance to build trust and ensure they are aware of the photographer's equipment and techniques.

The vicar will also play a role in the wedding rehearsal, ensuring that everyone involved in the ceremony understands their responsibilities and the order of events. On the wedding day, the vicar will officiate the ceremony, leading the couple through their vows and providing any additional guidance as needed.

The relationship with the vicar often extends beyond the wedding day itself. The vicar may remain in contact with the couple and be present for other significant life events, such as the christening of their children.

The bride's preferences

Ultimately, the decision of whether bridesmaids walk in front of or behind the bride is up to the bride and her partner. While traditions vary across cultures and religions, the bride can choose to incorporate or disregard these traditions as she sees fit. Here are some considerations that a bride might take into account when making her decision:

• Practicality: Sending the bridesmaids down the aisle first can be more practical, especially if there are many bridesmaids. This way, they can take their seats or positions at the front without having to squeeze past the bride or block her path. It also allows them to be ready to assist the bride with her dress, veil, or train when she arrives at the altar.
• Anticipation and Grand Entrance: Having the bridesmaids walk ahead can build anticipation for the bride's grand entrance. This way, the bride gets to make a dramatic entrance with all eyes on her. It also ensures that guests can appreciate the bridesmaids' outfits and give them their moment to shine.
• Cultural and Religious Traditions: The bride may choose to follow cultural or religious traditions associated with her wedding. For example, in American tradition, bridesmaids typically walk down the aisle first, while in the UK, they traditionally walk behind the bride. Hindu and Jewish ceremonies often involve more family members in the processional, and the specific order can vary.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the decision should align with the bride's personal preference and vision for her wedding. She may want to walk down the aisle with her bridesmaids by her side or prefer to have them precede or follow her. The bride can also decide whether she wants to walk with her father, mother, or both or choose to walk alone.
• Venue and Logistics: The layout of the venue and the length of the aisle can influence the decision. For example, if the aisle is short or cramped, sending the bridesmaids ahead may help avoid a crowded situation at the altar. Additionally, the bride may want to time her entrance with the wedding music, ensuring she walks down when the music reaches a certain point.
• Flower Girls and Page Boys: The bride might also consider the role of flower girls and page boys in the procession. They are usually young children who may benefit from walking with bridesmaids or other adults. The bride may want them to precede her or walk with her, depending on her preference and their comfort level.

Frequently asked questions