Who Walks Back With The Wedding Party?

There are several ways to organise the bridal party's entrance at a wedding. The groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk down the aisle together, or they can walk separately, with the groomsmen entering first and the bridesmaids following. Another option is for the groomsmen to walk down the aisle first and then stand at the front with the groom, while the bridesmaids walk down the aisle separately. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference, and there is no one right way to do it.

Groomsmen and bridesmaids walking in and out together

There are several options for the bridal party's entrance and exit, and it is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Here are some suggestions for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to walk in and out together:

Walking in Together

• The groomsmen and bridesmaids can enter the ceremony space in pairs, splitting off at the front. This allows for clear photos of each member/pair as they walk down the aisle.
• The groomsmen and bridesmaids can enter together and then split off, with the groomsmen standing with the groom and the bridesmaids joining the bride.
• The groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk in together and then stand together at the front, creating a symmetrical look.

Walking Out Together

• For the exit, the groomsmen and bridesmaids can pair up and walk out together, creating a cohesive look for the recessional.
• If there are uneven numbers, the last pair can be two groomsmen or two bridesmaids, or they can walk out individually behind the couple.
• Alternatively, the groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk out together but not linking arms, creating a more relaxed and natural look.

Other Considerations

When deciding on the bridal party's entrance and exit, you may also want to consider the following:

• The length of the aisle and the time it takes for everyone to walk down.
• The comfort level of the bridal party members – some may feel more comfortable walking with a partner.
• The dynamics between the groomsmen and bridesmaids – they can be paired by real-life coupling, friendship, personality, height, or length of friendship.
• The style of the wedding and any cultural or regional traditions that may influence the entrance and exit.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way, and you can personalise the bridal party's entrance and exit to suit your preferences and the dynamics of your wedding party.

Groomsmen and bridesmaids walking in separately

There are several ways to organise the bridal party's entrance, and it is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Here are some options for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to walk in separately:

Groomsmen First

The groomsmen can enter first, either walking around the sides of the ceremony or down the aisle one by one, and then stand at the front. This is followed by the bridesmaids walking down the aisle individually. This option is common in traditional or Catholic Church ceremonies.

Bridesmaids First

The bridesmaids can walk down the aisle first, either in pairs or one by one, while the groomsmen wait at the front. This can be a good option if the bridesmaids are wearing heels and want some support, or if there are more groomsmen than bridesmaids.

Alternating

The groomsmen and bridesmaids can alternate coming down the aisle, with each person walking individually. This can be a good option if you want to give your bridesmaids more spotlight.

Groomsmen with Groom

The groomsmen can enter with the groom, either walking down the aisle or coming in from the side, and stand at the front with him. The bridesmaids then walk down the aisle solo. This option can be chosen if the groomsmen are to act as ushers as well.

Ultimately, the decision on how to pair or separate the bridal party is yours to make, and you can choose the option that best suits your preferences and the dynamics of your wedding party.

Groomsmen and bridesmaids walking out in single file

There are various ways to organise the procession of the wedding party, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide.

One option is to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk out in single file, with the bridesmaids following the groomsmen or vice versa. This can be a good option if there are uneven numbers of attendants on each side, or if the couple wants to highlight the individuality of each member of the wedding party. Walking in single file can also create a sense of uniformity and orderliness, especially if the wedding party is spaced out evenly.

However, some may find that having the wedding party walk out in single file can make the procession feel longer and less dynamic. In this case, the couple may opt to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk out in pairs, creating a sense of balance and harmony. This can also be a practical solution if the bridesmaids are wearing heels and would feel more stable walking with a partner.

Ultimately, the couple should choose the option that feels most comfortable and fitting for their wedding. They may also consider factors such as the length of the aisle, the comfort level of the wedding party members, and any cultural or regional traditions that may influence the procession.

Some couples choose to have the groomsmen enter from the side and stand at the front with the groom before the bridesmaids process in alone. This can be a way to create a grand entrance for the bridesmaids and highlight their role in the wedding. It is also common for the wedding party to walk out together during the recessional, either in pairs or in a single-file line.

Groomsmen and bridesmaids paired by height

There are many ways to pair up groomsmen and bridesmaids, and it's becoming more popular to have them walk together. The bride and groom don't have to have an equal number of attendants, so don't feel pressured to ask someone to be a groomsman or bridesmaid just to even out the numbers. If you have an uneven wedding party, one groomsman can escort two bridesmaids.

Pairing groomsmen and bridesmaids by height is a common choice. The shortest couple walks down the aisle first, and the tallest couple goes last. This pairing makes the wedding photos look more balanced. If you have a large wedding party, it can also be helpful to pair people by height so that no one feels uncomfortable. For example, a bridesmaid might feel self-conscious about being significantly taller than her paired groomsman.

You can also pair groomsmen and bridesmaids by their real-life relationships, personalities, or length of friendship. If a bridesmaid and groomsman are dating, engaged, or married, it's customary to match them up. You could also pair an extroverted bridesmaid with an outgoing groomsman, or match the bridesmaid you've known the longest with the groomsman your partner has known the longest. The maid of honour is often paired with the best man.

Remember, it's your wedding, so you can choose to pair your wedding party however you like, or not pair them up at all.

Groomsmen and bridesmaids walking in and out in reverse order

There are several ways to organise the bridal party's entrance, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide. Here is one option for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to walk in and out in reverse order:

Groomsmen and Bridesmaids Walking in Reverse Order

The groomsmen enter and stand in reverse order at the front of the ceremony space. This means the groom is at the end of the line 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, perhaps 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 pews or seats for the bridal party to sit in.

Groomsmen and Bridesmaids Walking Out in Reverse Order

For the recessional, the groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk back down the aisle in single file, alternating between groomsmen and bridesmaids. This ensures that the bridal party exits together and maintains a continuous flow.

Other Options for the Entrance

There are a few other ways the bridal party can enter the ceremony:

• The groom walks down first with his parents and stands at the front, followed by the groomsmen and bridesmaids, who come down in pairs and split off at the front.
• All the groomsmen enter first and stand at the front, then the bridesmaids walk down one by one.
• The groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle one by one, either separately or alternating between groomsmen and bridesmaids.
• The groomsmen walk in from the sides and stand at the front with the groom, and then the bridesmaids walk down the aisle solo.

Pairing Groomsmen and Bridesmaids

When pairing up groomsmen and bridesmaids, there are a few options to consider:

• Pair by real-life coupling or friendship: If a groomsman and bridesmaid are a couple, it is customary to match them up. The same goes for attendants who are friends.
• Pair by personality: Match an extroverted bridesmaid with an outgoing groomsman, for example.
• Pair by height: Pair the tallest groomsman with the tallest bridesmaid, with the shortest couple walking down the aisle first and the tallest couple going last.
• Pair by length of friendship or role: Match the bridesmaid the couple has known the longest with the groomsman the groom has known the longest. The older the relationship, the closer they should be to the couple in the processional.

Frequently asked questions