Junior Rasmussen
The processional order of a wedding is often regarded as one of the most memorable parts of the ceremony. The processional marks the start of the ceremony and is the first time guests will see the couple and their VIPs. Different types of weddings, from Christian to Jewish, Hindu to nondenominational, employ different processional orders. The length of the aisle, the number of people walking down the aisle, and the pace of walking also influence the processional order. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide the processional order, and they can choose to switch things up and have more control over the order of the march.
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What You'll Learn
- The length of the aisle and pace of walking will determine how long it takes to walk down
- Religious weddings tend to be more traditional and structured
- The officiant usually begins by walking down the aisle and standing at the altar
- The bride can walk with her mother, spouse-to-be, or enter the ceremony alone
- The groom can walk with the officiant and groomsmen before the bridesmaids enter
The length of the aisle and pace of walking will determine how long it takes to walk down
The length of time it takes to walk down the aisle at a wedding is dependent on several factors, with the two most important being the length of the aisle and the pace of walking.
The length of the aisle will vary depending on the venue. A short aisle might take 20 seconds to walk down alone, whereas a longer aisle could take 45-60 seconds. The average church aisle length, for example, takes around 35 seconds to walk down at a slow pace. It's a good idea to time how long it takes to walk down the aisle during a rehearsal, and the music chosen can help set the pace.
The pace of walking will also determine how long it takes to walk down the aisle. Walking slowly and savouring the moment is recommended, as it's easy to rush down the aisle. Walking with parents or grandparents might mean adjusting your pace to match theirs. Other factors that can affect walking pace include wearing heels on uneven terrain, a veil that could snag, and the presence of stairs.
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Religious weddings tend to be more traditional and structured
In a Catholic wedding, for example, the wedding party enters the venue with men on the right and women on the left. The priest, groom, and best man enter from the side and take their places at the altar, with the groom and groomsmen standing on the right and the bride and her bridesmaids on the left. Hindu weddings also have a specific processional order, with family members playing a significant role in the ceremony, and the entire process lasting at least an hour. Jewish weddings also include more family members in the processional and can be quite stringent in their traditions.
While religious weddings have their own set of traditions, couples can still personalise certain aspects to make it meaningful to them. For instance, couples can choose to walk down the aisle with both parents, step-parents, grandparents, or even their children. They can also opt to walk down the aisle together, hand in hand, instead of being escorted.
Ultimately, the decision to follow religious traditions or create a unique processional order lies with the couple. Religious weddings provide a structured framework, but couples can decide how closely they want to adhere to these traditions and make adjustments as needed to reflect their personalities and values.
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The officiant usually begins by walking down the aisle and standing at the altar
The wedding officiant is usually a minister, celebrant, or religious leader who begins the ceremony by walking down the aisle and standing at the altar or ceremony space. They are often given the opening spot in the processional and walk down the aisle solo, making their entrance before the wedding party and couple.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to weddings, and the processional order can vary depending on the couple's preferences, cultural traditions, and religious customs. Some couples may prefer for the officiant to enter the ceremony from the side, leading the groom and groomsmen to their places at the altar. In other cases, the officiant may already be standing at the altar when the guests arrive, or they may walk down the aisle with one of the partners.
Ultimately, the processional order is a personal choice that reflects the couple's unique relationship and style. It is an opportunity to introduce the wedding guests to the special people who are part of the couple's journey. Whether the officiant walks down the aisle or not, they typically welcome the guests and make opening remarks before the processional music begins.
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The bride can walk with her mother, spouse-to-be, or enter the ceremony alone
The bride's walk down the aisle is considered to be the ["grand reveal", marking the beginning of the ceremony and the marriage journey. Traditionally, the father of the bride walks her down the aisle, but this is not a custom that everyone wants to partake in. The bride can walk down the aisle with her mother, both parents, step-parents, grandparents, or her children. The bride can also walk down the aisle with her spouse-to-be. This is a great option for brides who want to start their marriage on an equal note instead of a gendered one. It is also a good option for those with tense family situations or LGBTQ+ couples who feel put off by the heteronormativity of the processional.
If the bride's father wasn't a prominent figure in her life, she can invite another man to walk her down the aisle, such as a brother, uncle, or close male relative. The bride can also choose to walk down the aisle alone. Walking down the aisle alone is not a sign of weakness but rather a moment for the bride to recognise her own strength and beauty. The bride can also choose to skip the aisle walk entirely and enter the ceremony space from the side or back door once the ceremony begins.
Ultimately, how the bride chooses to approach this tradition should be a personal choice that symbolises her core values. The processional order can be customised to fit the needs and values of the couple.
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The groom can walk with the officiant and groomsmen before the bridesmaids enter
The wedding ceremony processional order and timing can be customised to fit your needs and reflect who you are. The processional is often considered one of the most memorable moments of the wedding day.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen typically walk in pairs, starting with those who will stand farthest from the couple. The maid or matron of honour walks alone after the other bridal party members or with the best man. The children chosen for the wedding party, such as the ring bearer and flower girl, usually precede the bride down the aisle.
The bride is traditionally escorted by her father, but she can choose to walk with her mother, spouse-to-be, or a combination of parents and step-parents. Ultimately, the processional order can be adjusted to suit your preferences, whether you're planning a modern, non-denominational, or LGBTQIA+ wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it's your wedding, so feel free to create your own processional order. You can skip the walk down the aisle entirely and enter the ceremony space from the side or back door once the ceremony begins.
The officiant begins the ceremony by walking down the aisle and standing at the altar. Then, the parents of the couple can walk down the aisle together or escorted by their children or step-parents.
The wedding party members can walk down the aisle one by one or in pairs. If there are bridesmaids and groomsmen, they should walk in the order of where they'll stand at the altar, beginning with the outermost spot. The maid of honour and best man should be the final wedding party members to walk down the aisle.
The couple can walk down the aisle alone or escorted by their parents.
