Who Walks With Whom? Wedding Party Pairing Basics

There are several ways to organise the wedding party's entrance, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide. The bridesmaids and groomsmen can walk together, or the groomsmen can enter first and stand at the front, followed by the bridesmaids walking down one by one. Another option is for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to walk in separately and exit together. The groomsmen can also act as ushers and process down to stand with the groom before the bridesmaids appear.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen walking together or not

There are a few different ways that bridesmaids and groomsmen can enter a wedding ceremony. One option is for the groomsmen to enter first and stand at the front, followed by the bridesmaids walking down one by one. Another option is for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to enter together, either paired up or alternating. A third option is for the groomsmen to enter and stand in reverse order at the front, and for each groomsman to meet a bridesmaid about 75% of the way down the aisle, linking arms and walking to the front together.

Some people prefer to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk together for balance, especially if the bridesmaids are not used to wearing heels. It can also be a good option if some members of the wedding party have social anxiety and would prefer to have a partner to walk with. Additionally, having the wedding party walk in pairs can make the processional more efficient and visually appealing.

On the other hand, some people prefer to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk separately so that they can get individual photos of each person. It can also be a good option if there are odd numbers of bridesmaids and groomsmen, or if the wedding party includes couples who would prefer not to walk together.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to have the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk together or separately is a matter of personal preference, and there is no one right way to do it.

Walking in pairs or individually

There are several options for how bridesmaids and groomsmen can walk during a wedding ceremony. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference. Here are some options for when bridesmaids and groomsmen walk in pairs:

• The groomsmen walk down the aisle one by one, followed by the bridesmaids walking down one by one. They can then be paired up at the front.
• The groomsmen enter and stand in reverse order at the front of the church. As the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, the next groomsman in line meets the first bridesmaid about 75% of the way down the aisle. They link arms and walk to the front together. This pattern continues until the groom is the only person left at the front. This option works well when there are pews or seats for the bridal party to sit in.
• The groom walks down first with his parents and stands at the front. Then the groomsmen and bridesmaids come down in pairs and split off at the front.
• The groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together in pairs down the aisle. The same order of placement will be followed – the farthest away from the couple to the best man and maid of honour entering last.

If you would prefer for the bridesmaids and groomsmen to walk individually, there are also several options:

• The groomsmen enter first and stand at the front. Then the bridesmaids walk down one by one.
• The groomsmen walk in from the side with the groom and stand at the front. Then the bridesmaids walk down one by one before the bride.
• The groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle one by one.

Walking in order of height

However, some couples prefer to have the tallest wedding party members walk down the aisle first and stand the farthest away from the couple, and the shortest members walk down the aisle last. This way, the wedding party is arranged in descending order of height from the couple, with the tallest people closest to the couple and the shortest people farthest away.

There are a few other options for pairing up the wedding 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. Another option is to pair them by personality. For example, an extroverted bridesmaid could be paired with an outgoing groomsman. A third option is to pair them by length of friendship or role. For instance, the bridesmaid the bride has known the longest could be paired with the groomsman the groom has known the longest.

Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide how they want their wedding party to walk down the aisle. They can choose to pair people by height, relationship, personality, or any other factor that is important to them.

Walking in order of friendship or role

Firstly, consider the length of friendship. You could pair the bridesmaid you've known the longest with the groomsman your partner has known the longest. This way, the oldest relationships are closest to you in the processional.

Another option is to pair by role. For example, the maid of honour could walk with the best man, or any bridesmaids and groomsmen who will be performing readings together could walk in together.

You could also pair up the wedding party by height. The shortest couple walks down the aisle first, and the tallest couple goes last. This creates a pleasing, balanced look in photos.

If any of your bridesmaids and groomsmen are dating, engaged, or married, it's customary to match them up. Similarly, if any of your attendants are friends, you can let them walk together. This can help to put individuals at ease, and it can be fun for them to share the experience.

Remember, there is no one "right" way to organise the processional. It's up to you, and you can make it your own.

Walking in with a partner for balance

Walking bridesmaids and groomsmen in pairs is a popular choice for many weddings. This option is often chosen for practical reasons, such as providing balance for bridesmaids who are walking in heels on grass, or for those who are feeling nervous about walking alone. It can also be a safer option, as there is less chance of tripping when walking with a partner.

Some couples choose to pair their bridal party by height, with the shortest couple walking down the aisle first and the tallest couple walking last. This creates a sense of balance and symmetry for the procession and can make for aesthetically pleasing photos. Another option is to pair bridal party members by personality, matching an extroverted bridesmaid with an outgoing groomsman, for example. This can make for a more enjoyable experience for the bridal party and can help to ease nerves.

For couples with an uneven wedding party, it is common to have one groomsman escort two bridesmaids. This can be a practical solution, ensuring that no one has to walk alone, and can also add a touch of creativity and personalisation to the procession.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to walk bridesmaids and groomsmen in pairs is a personal preference, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Some couples may prefer the traditional approach of having the groomsmen enter first, followed by the bridesmaids walking down one by one. Others may opt for a more modern approach, such as having the bridal party walk in individually and then exit together in pairs. It is also possible to have a mix of both, with some members of the bridal party walking in pairs and others walking alone.

Frequently asked questions