Who Should Walk On The Aisle Runner?

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of decisions, and one of them is whether or not to use an aisle runner. Aisle runners are traditionally used to protect the bride's dress and create an elegant pathway for the wedding party to walk down. While some sources suggest that the bridesmaids walk on the aisle runner, others recommend against it due to the risk of tripping or getting heels stuck, especially if the runner is made of plastic. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not bridesmaids should walk on the aisle runner depends on the couple's preference and the specific circumstances of the wedding.

The aisle runner should be rolled out before the bridal party starts to enter

There are a few different opinions on when the aisle runner should be rolled out. Some people prefer to have it rolled out just before the bride enters, while others opt to have it rolled out after the bridesmaids but before the maid of honour and the bride. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide what works best for them and their wedding.

If you choose to roll out the aisle runner before the bridal party enters, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to have someone designated to roll out the runner, such as an usher or a groomsman. Secondly, the runner should be rolled out from the front of the venue to the back, and it may need to be cut and secured with tape if it is too long. Additionally, if you are using a delicate or custom-painted aisle runner, you may want to block off the centre aisle to prevent guests from walking on it and ruining it before the bridal party enters.

Overall, the most important thing is to ensure that the aisle runner is rolled out smoothly and securely to prevent any tripping hazards and wrinkles. By planning ahead and practising, you can ensure that the aisle runner will be rolled out perfectly for your big day.

Aisle runners are trip hazards

Aisle runners are a common feature of wedding ceremonies, but they can pose a safety risk for guests and the wedding party. The placement of an aisle runner can cause guests to trip as they enter the ceremony, as they are often not looking at their feet and may be wearing new or uncomfortable shoes. The risk of tripping is especially high for the bridal party, who are likely to be wearing heels or other formal footwear that could easily get caught in the runner. In addition, the act of rolling out the runner just before the bridal party enters can be tricky, as it is challenging to keep the runner straight and wrinkle-free. This can lead to further tripping hazards if the runner is not laid out smoothly.

Furthermore, aisle runners can be difficult to secure and often require cutting and taping to stay in place. If the runner is not properly secured, it can curl back or drift, creating an uneven surface that is easy to trip over. This is particularly true for outdoor ceremonies, where bumps or uneven ground can make it challenging to lay the runner flat. Even a small ripple in the runner can cause someone to stumble, potentially ruining the bride's grand entrance or causing an embarrassing fall.

The type of material used for the aisle runner also plays a significant role in safety. Cheap vinyl or thin paper aisle runners are more likely to rip or wrinkle, creating tripping hazards. Additionally, softer materials can be punctured by heels, leaving holes that can catch the shoes of those walking down the aisle. On slippery surfaces, such as tile or hardwood floors, aisle runners can increase the slippage factor exponentially, making it difficult for the bride and wedding party to walk confidently down the aisle.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential to choose a high-quality, heavy fabric aisle runner with a non-slip backing. Practicing rolling out the runner in advance can also help ensure a smoother process during the ceremony. Securing the runner with tape or weights can reduce the chances of it drifting or curling, but it is crucial to check with the venue about any restrictions or recommendations they may have regarding aisle runners.

Aisle runners are difficult to place down straight and without wrinkling

Aisle runners can be a beautiful addition to a wedding ceremony, but they can also be a logistical nightmare. One of the biggest challenges is getting the runner to lie straight and smooth without any wrinkles. If the runner is rolled out from the front of the aisle to the back, it can be difficult to keep it straight, especially if it is being handled by two people. As they focus on walking backward to keep it straight, they may inadvertently cause it to wrinkle and become uneven.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended that whoever is tasked with rolling out the aisle runner keeps the roll on the ground and walks at a steady pace. Rushing will only make the problem worse. Practicing beforehand can also help ensure a smoother process during the ceremony. If possible, it may be a good idea to have the aisle runner installed by a professional before the start of the ceremony. This can reduce the risk of wrinkles and ensure that it is secured properly.

Another option to prevent wrinkles is to roll out the runner after everyone has been seated. This way, there is no pressure to rush the process, and it can be done more carefully. However, this may not be possible for all venues or wedding setups. Some couples also prefer to have the runner rolled out just before the bridal party enters, which can be a dramatic entrance for the bride.

In addition to the challenge of placing the runner straight and wrinkle-free, there are other considerations to keep in mind. Aisle runners can be trip hazards, especially if guests are not paying attention to their feet. They can also be a trap for heels, puncturing the runner and creating holes. The type of flooring also matters, as softer flooring can increase the chances of punctures, while slippery surfaces can make walking on the runner more dangerous.

Overall, while aisle runners can add a touch of elegance to a wedding ceremony, they require careful planning and execution to avoid potential issues.

Aisle runners need to be cut and secured after placing

Aisle runners are a popular addition to weddings, but they can be tricky to set up. If you're using an aisle runner, it's important to know how to place and secure it properly to ensure the ceremony goes smoothly. Here are some tips for cutting and securing your aisle runner:

Planning and Preparation:

Before the big day, it's crucial to measure the length of your aisle and choose an aisle runner that is longer to accommodate the extra space needed for securing and extending beyond the aisle. Opt for a high-quality, heavy fabric runner with a non-slip backing to reduce slipping and tripping hazards. Practise rolling out the runner beforehand, maintaining a steady pace and keeping the roll on the ground to minimise wrinkles and crooked placement.

Securing Methods:

For outdoor weddings, using a plywood base underneath the runner is recommended. Attach the runner to the plywood with glue, staples, or nails, and disguise these with flower petals, leaves, or confetti. Weigh down the runner with decorative items like potted plants, heavy pumpkins, or candelabras placed every few feet. If your ceremony is indoors, double-sided tape is ideal for securing the runner to the floor. Tape along the underside and sides of the runner for added security. Alternatively, use pins to secure the runner, especially if you're concerned about leaving adhesive residue on the floor.

Timing and Placement:

The ushers are typically responsible for rolling out the runner, and it should be done from the front of the venue to the back. If the roll is too large and may cause a tripping hazard, have a utility knife and tape at the back so ushers can quickly cut and tape the runner in place. The runner should be rolled out before the bridal party enters, and the flower girls, ring bearer, bridesmaids, and groomsmen should walk on it. However, some brides prefer to have the runner placed just before they enter, which is also acceptable.

Post-Ceremony:

After the ceremony, the entire wedding party and guests will walk on the runner, so it's essential to ensure it is securely in place. If the runner needs to be rolled back up, include this in the wedding program to inform the ushers.

Aisle runners can make any floor a lot more slippery

Aisle runners are a common feature at weddings, but they can pose some challenges. While they are intended to elevate the ceremony space and provide practical benefits, such as keeping the bridal party's attire clean, they can also create safety hazards, especially on slippery surfaces.

Aisle runners can significantly increase the slipperiness of the floor they are placed on. This is particularly true for relatively inexpensive runners that lack a non-slip backing. As a result, the bride, bridesmaids, and guests may find themselves worrying more about staying upright than enjoying the ceremony. The risk of slipping is further heightened if the aisle runner is placed on a slippery surface like tile.

To mitigate this issue, it is essential to invest in a high-quality aisle runner with a non-slip backing. The Original Runner Company, for instance, offers aisle runners with a special foam backing that prevents them from shifting. Additionally, opting for a heavy fabric aisle runner can provide more stability and reduce the chances of slipping.

Proper installation and securing of the aisle runner are also crucial. For indoor weddings on carpeted floors, using strong double-sided tape along the sides of the runner can prevent it from shifting. For outdoor weddings, pins or nails can be used to secure the runner, and it is advisable to level the surface underneath. Some runners come with grommet holes to prevent tearing, and adding these can provide extra protection.

Furthermore, it is important to ensure that the aisle runner is long enough. Allowing for extra length will enable proper securing at the end of the aisle. This is particularly important if the runner needs to be cut to size, as someone will need to be ready to quickly cut and secure it before the bridal party enters.

In conclusion, while aisle runners can enhance the elegance of a wedding ceremony, it is important to carefully consider the potential challenges they may pose. By selecting a high-quality runner with a non-slip backing, ensuring proper installation and securing, and allowing for adequate length, the risks associated with slippery surfaces can be minimized.

Frequently asked questions