Who Walks With The Bridesmaids?

There are several ways that bridesmaids and groomsmen can enter a wedding ceremony. In some cases, the groomsmen enter first, either walking around the sides of the ceremony or down the aisle, and then stand at the front. The bridesmaids then follow, walking down one by one. In other cases, the groomsmen and bridesmaids enter together, either paired up or walking down the aisle one by one and then splitting off at the front. In a military wedding, the groomsmen are replaced by swordsmen of the sword honour guard, who form a traditional saber arch for the couple to walk through.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen walking in alone

There are several options for how bridesmaids and groomsmen can walk down the aisle. It is a matter of personal preference, and there is no one "right" way.

One option is for the groomsmen to enter first, either walking down the aisle or entering from the side, and then stand at the front. The bridesmaids then follow, walking down the aisle one by one. This is said to be the most common way of doing things.

Another option is for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to walk down the aisle one by one, followed by the bridesmaids. This allows for more photos of the groomsmen.

A third option is for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to walk down the aisle in pairs, splitting off at the front. This is said to be the best option for photographers, as they can get clear photos of each pair walking down together.

A fourth option, which is said to be more common in churches, is for the groomsmen to enter and stand in reverse order at the front. As the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, the next groomsman in line meets the first bridesmaid about 75% of the way down. They link arms and walk to the front, often bowing before going into the pews. This pattern continues until the groom is the only person left at the front.

Some people prefer to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk together for balance, especially if the bridesmaids are wearing heels and the ground is uneven. It can also be a nice option for bridesmaids who are feeling nervous about walking down the aisle alone.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to have the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk in alone, or in pairs, is a personal preference, and there are many options to choose from.

Walking in pairs

Practicality

Aesthetics

Photographers often prefer the bridal party to walk in pairs as it allows them to get clear photos of each pair walking down the aisle together. Walking in pairs can also make your photos look more balanced, especially if you pair the bridal party by height. The shortest couple walks down the aisle first, and the tallest couple walks last.

Comfort

Having the bridal party walk in pairs can also make them feel more comfortable. Walking down the aisle alone can be a daunting experience, and some people may feel more confident if they have someone to walk with. This is especially true if any members of the bridal party are introverted or not used to wearing heels.

Pairing Options

There are several ways to pair up the bridal party. One option is to pair them by real-life coupling or friendship. For example, if a bridesmaid and groomsman are dating, engaged, or married, it is customary to match them up. You can also pair them by personality, height, length of friendship, or role in the wedding.

Walking in reverse order

There are several ways to organise the entrance of the bridal party, and the "traditional" processional order can be adapted to suit the preferences of the couple.

One option for the bridesmaids and groomsmen to walk in together is to have the groomsmen walk in reverse order. This means that the groom is at the front of the aisle, and as each bridesmaid walks down the aisle, she is met by the next groomsman in line. They then link arms and walk to the front together, often bowing before taking their seats. This pattern continues until the groom is the only person left at the front. This option works well when there are seats or pews for the bridal party to sit in.

There are a few different ways to organise the entrance of the bridal party if the couple does not want to follow the "traditional" processional order. One option is to have the groom walk down the aisle first with his parents and stand at the front, followed by the groomsmen and bridesmaids, who come down in pairs and split off at the front. Another option is for all the groomsmen to enter first and stand at the front, followed by the bridesmaids walking down one by one. Alternatively, the groomsmen can enter and stand in reverse order at the front, and the bridesmaids can walk down the aisle individually and meet their paired groomsman as they walk to the front.

Ultimately, the couple may choose to adapt the processional order to suit their preferences and the dynamics of their bridal party.

Walking in with the groom

The groomsmen can then follow the groom and best man, walking down the aisle solo or in pairs. If there are fewer groomsmen than bridesmaids, one groomsman can escort two bridesmaids. Couples can be paired in several ways: by height, age, length of friendship, or personality.

Walking out together

There are several options for how the bridal party can enter the ceremony, and it is ultimately a matter of personal preference. One option is to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together, paired up, and then split off at the front. This can be a good option for getting clear photos of each member of the bridal party, as well as for providing support for bridesmaids who are not used to walking in heels. This option also works well for balancing out uneven bridal parties, with one groomsman escorting two bridesmaids.

When pairing up the bridal party, there are several options to consider: real-life couples or friends, personality types, height, length of friendship or role, or a combination of these factors. For example, the tallest bridesmaid could be paired with the tallest groomsman, or an extroverted bridesmaid could be paired with an outgoing groomsman.

If the bridal party walks in together, they can also walk out of the ceremony together, either linking arms or walking side by side.

Frequently asked questions