Franklin Dean
A wedding aisle runner is a long piece of fabric placed on the ground, starting at the entrance of the venue and ending at the altar. It is a favored wedding tradition used by couples from different cultural backgrounds and faiths. The exact origins of this tradition are unknown, but it is believed that aisle runners were invented to protect couples from evil spirits underneath church floors. Over time, the aisle runner served a different purpose, protecting the bride's gown from dirt or mud brought in by guests. Today, aisle runners are used to add a regal touch to the ceremony. Couples can get creative with the fabric, color, and pattern of their aisle runner to tie into their wedding design plan. While there are no rules attached to aisle runners, the typical width is three to four feet, and it is placed with some space between the runner and the ceremony seating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To give guests a clear view of the couple's entrance and exit |
| Seating arrangement | Guests can sit or stand, facing the couple instead of an altar |
| Pros | Unique setup, ideal for smaller ceremonies |
| Cons | Guests may have to crane their necks to watch the ceremony, some may turn their chairs to face the altar |
| Suggestions | Angle chairs towards the front to enhance guest experience and comfort, split the runway in half so the ceremony takes place halfway down |
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What You'll Learn
Runway-style aisle vs curved aisle
A wedding aisle styled like a runway brings drama and a bold, modern statement. This setup is often elevated or dramatically extended, placing the couple in the spotlight. It creates a sense of movement and drama, making the walk itself a key moment of the ceremony. The runway format treats the processional as a moment of pure celebration and style, where couples become the stars of their own fashion show.
However, some people do not recommend a runway-style aisle as it can be impractical for the actual ceremony. From a photographer's point of view, it is also more challenging to capture the best moments when guests are not facing the couple.
A curved aisle, on the other hand, brings an organic and flowy feel that fosters a natural rhythm within the ceremony space. This layout creates a gentle, graceful movement, allowing the path to curve softly toward the altar as the couple makes their entrance. A curved path also ensures that intricate design elements are visible from multiple perspectives, maximizing the impact of carefully chosen wedding attire.
Curved aisle designs can be challenging for seating arrangements as traditional wedding seating with guests facing forward may not provide optimal viewing. Alternative arrangements that position guests along the sides of the runway path, similar to fashion show seating, often work better for these dynamic styles.
Ultimately, the decision between a runway-style aisle and a curved aisle depends on the couple's preference and the overall theme they want to achieve for their wedding.
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Practical drawbacks of a runway aisle
A wedding aisle runner is a long piece of fabric placed on the ground that starts at the entrance or threshold of the wedding ceremony venue and ends at the altar. It is a favored wedding tradition used by couples from different cultural backgrounds and faiths. While it is a beautiful addition to the decor, it also has some practical benefits. It keeps the bottom of your wedding attire clean, especially for outdoor weddings, and provides a clear path for the wedding party to walk down during the processional and recessional.
However, a runway aisle, where the seating arrangement is done on two sides of a long aisle, like a runway, has some practical drawbacks. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Guest Comfort and Experience:
The main drawback of a runway aisle is the potential discomfort of your guests. As mentioned in some sources, guests might have to crane their necks or turn their chairs to get a clear view of the ceremony, especially if they are seated far back. This could distract them from fully engaging in the ceremony and may not provide the best guest experience.
Photography Challenges:
From a photography standpoint, a runway aisle might not be the most optimal setup. With guests facing the aisle instead of the altar or the couple, photographers might find it challenging to capture the expressions and reactions of the guests during the ceremony. Traditional seating arrangements, where guests face the couple, typically provide better opportunities for capturing emotional and meaningful moments during the wedding.
Limited Seating and Accessibility:
A runway aisle might result in limited seating capacity, especially if circular or curved seating arrangements are preferred. This could be a challenge if you have a large guest list. Additionally, consider guests who might have difficulty with their mobility or require seating accommodations. A traditional seating arrangement might be more accessible and provide a clearer view for all guests.
Brief Entrance Moment:
As mentioned in a source, the walk down the aisle typically lasts only about five minutes. After that, the focus shifts to the ceremony, which might leave guests confused about the purpose of the runway aisle. The majority of the time is spent on the actual ceremony, and guests will naturally position themselves to have a clear view, which might defeat the intended purpose of the runway setup.
While a runway aisle can create a unique and non-traditional atmosphere, it is important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks and how they might impact the overall guest experience and the practical aspects of your wedding ceremony.
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Aisle runner fabric, colour, and pattern
When it comes to choosing an aisle runner for your wedding, there are several factors to consider, including fabric, colour, and pattern.
Fabric-wise, velvet has become a popular choice for aisle runners, offering a luxurious and elegant touch to the wedding ceremony. It comes in a range of colours, from classic white to vibrant hues, ensuring a perfect match for any wedding theme. If you're aiming for a rustic or outdoor wedding, burlap is an excellent option. It's a natural-looking fabric that adds a charming, organic feel to your decor and is available in colours like white and cream. For a more durable option, polyester fabric is a good choice, and it can also be found with adhesive strips for ease of use.
Colour is an important consideration to complement your wedding theme and style. White is a classic choice, but you can also opt for bold and vibrant colours to make a statement. Cream and natural shades are ideal for a rustic aesthetic, while plush colours like red can be perfect for a glamorous gala.
Patterns can add a unique and subtle touch to your aisle runner. You can opt for a simple, plain runner or choose a personalised design with monograms or custom patterns.
With a variety of fabrics, colours, and patterns available, you can create a stunning focal point for your wedding ceremony and make a lasting impression on your guests.
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History of the aisle runner
A wedding aisle runner is a long piece of fabric placed on the ground, starting at the entrance or threshold of the venue and ending at the altar. They are commonly used as a decorative element to complement the wedding venue's décor and are considered to add a touch of elegance to the ceremony.
The exact origins of the wedding aisle runner tradition are unknown. However, it is believed that they were initially used to protect couples from the evil spirits underneath church floors. Over time, the purpose of aisle runners shifted from the spiritual to the practical. In the days when roads were unpaved, wedding guests would often track mud or dirt into the church, and the aisle runner served to protect the bride's gown from getting dirty as she walked down the aisle.
Aisle runners also hold symbolic significance, representing the path towards a new beginning that the couple embarks on together. They are believed to have originated from royal custom, where they were used to create a prestigious and regal atmosphere for the wedding ceremony.
Today, aisle runners are used for both functional and aesthetic purposes. They are particularly useful for outdoor weddings, where they provide a clean and sturdy path for the wedding party and guests to walk on, preventing stains and falls on uneven or slippery ground. The type of aisle runner chosen depends on the wedding venue and theme, with various materials, colours, and designs available to suit different needs and preferences.
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Aisle runner placement
A wedding aisle runner is a long piece of fabric placed on the ground that starts at the entrance or threshold of the wedding ceremony venue and ends at the altar. It is typically placed in the centre aisle of a wedding ceremony, splitting the seating into two sides. The aisle runner is the path the wedding party and the couple walk down during the processional and recessional.
There are a few things to consider when placing your aisle runner. Firstly, the length and width of the runner will depend on the number of guests and the number of chairs or rows. The length should be measured from the last row of ceremony seats to the front row, usually ending right before the altar. The width of the runner should be three or four feet, with some space left between the runner and the ceremony seating.
If you want to keep your aisle runner pristine before the ceremony, you can rope off the aisle and have guests enter their seats from the outer end of each row. Alternatively, you can have someone put out the aisle runner after all the guests have been seated.
For outdoor weddings, some sources advise against using an aisle runner, as it can become rumpled and a tripping hazard. However, if you wish to have an aisle runner outdoors, a wooden walkway with a white cloth runner on top is an option, but it must be secured properly to prevent slipping.
Aisle runners can be made from various materials, including plastic, nylon, polyester, velvet, burlap, and carpet, and can be customised with colours, patterns, and even embroidery. They can also be repurposed after the wedding, such as being draped over the cake table or hung behind the sweetheart table.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding runway, or aisle, is a long piece of fabric placed on the ground that starts at the entrance of the venue and ends at the altar. It is typically decorated and used as the path that the wedding party and couple walk down during the processional and recessional.
The exact origin of wedding runways is unknown, but it is believed that they were invented to protect couples from evil spirits underneath church floors. They later served the purpose of keeping the bride's dress from dragging in the mud as guests would often track dirt into the church.
Wedding runways can lend a ""regal"" touch to the ceremony and showcase the couple's creativity through their choice of fabric, color, and pattern. They can also help to create a clear view of the couple's entrance and exit, especially for guests who may have difficulty with their visibility.
The length and width of the runway should be considered, with typical widths ranging from three to four feet. Additionally, there should be some space left between the runway and the ceremony seating. The fabric, color, and pattern of the runway can be chosen to tie into the wedding's design plan and venue.
Couples may choose to forgo a traditional runway and opt for alternative seating arrangements such as circular or curved seating, especially if they prioritize guest comfort and want to ensure everyone has a good view of the ceremony.
