Bridesmaids' Walk: Spacing And Aisle Etiquette For Weddings

The processional is one of the most memorable moments of any wedding day. While there are traditional ways of processing, there are no rules and you can adjust them to suit your own family situations and needs. The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen in your wedding party will determine how you organize their walk down the aisle. If you only have one or two people at your side, there is plenty of time for everyone to walk out individually. If you have four or five people in your processional, you can pair them off. For larger wedding parties, you can send the group out in two waves, one for each side of the aisle, or have them walk in pairs.

Timing

The timing of the bridesmaids' walk down the aisle is an important aspect of the wedding ceremony. Here are some tips and considerations to ensure smooth timing:

Number of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen:

The number of people in your wedding party will impact the timing. If you have a large wedding party, consider having them walk in pairs or sending them out in waves to save time. For a smaller group, each person can walk out individually.

Rehearsal and Practice:

It is crucial to have a wedding rehearsal to ensure everyone knows their cues and timing. Practising walking down the aisle will help you and your bridesmaids feel more confident and comfortable on the day.

Processional Music:

The length of your processional music will determine the pace and timing of the walk. Choose a song that is long enough to accommodate all the bridesmaids and perhaps consider having just the important part of the song play during the entrance. You can estimate how long each bridesmaid will take to walk down the aisle and cut the song accordingly.

Aisle Length:

Consider the length of your aisle when timing the bridesmaids' walk. A longer aisle will take more time, while a shorter aisle will be quicker. You can estimate the time by considering how long it takes to walk 7 chairs' length, for example.

Individual Timing:

Each bridesmaid should aim to take no more than 20-30 seconds to walk down the aisle. This allows enough time for them to enjoy the moment and for the photographer to capture some good shots. Counting their steps or practising beforehand can help them perfect their timing.

Spacing:

The spacing between each bridesmaid or pair will also impact the overall timing. You can have them walk at an even pace, one after the other, or space them out if you want the music to play for a longer duration.

Order of Entrance:

The order in which the bridesmaids and groomsmen enter will also affect the timing. Consider whether you want them to enter separately or together, and whether you want a modern or traditional approach. For example, in a traditional Christian wedding, the groomsmen typically walk before the bridesmaids.

Grouping

When it comes to grouping, there are several options for how the bridal party can enter the ceremony. One option is to have the groomsmen walk down the aisle in pairs before the groom, followed by the bridesmaids walking down one by one. This can help to extend the processional song and ensure that everyone gets their moment to be seen by the guests.

Another option is to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle together in pairs, which can create a more unified look and feel to the processional. This option is often preferred by photographers as they are able to get clear photos of each pair walking down together.

A third option is to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle individually and meet up about 75% of the way down. They then link arms and walk to the front, often bowing before taking their seats. This option typically only works well when there are pews or seats for the bridal party to sit in.

If you have a large wedding party, consider sending them down the aisle in two waves, one for each side of the aisle. They can walk in pairs to help save time. It is also important to plot out exactly where each person will stand to avoid crowding the officiant during the ceremony.

Ultimately, the grouping of the bridal party will depend on personal preferences and what feels most natural for the couple and their friends. There are no rules, so feel free to get creative and think outside the box!

Order

The order of the bridal party's entrance is important to ensure the wedding ceremony runs smoothly. Here is a suggested order for how the bridal party should walk down the aisle:

• Groom: In a traditional Christian wedding, the groom walks down the aisle after the officiant. In a Catholic wedding, the groom enters from a side door with the priest and best man, then takes his place at the altar before the rest of the bridal party.
• Groomsmen: The groomsmen can walk down the aisle in pairs or individually. If walking in pairs, they will split off at the front and stand on opposite sides. If walking individually, they can follow the groom or walk before/alongside the bridesmaids.
• Grandparents: In a Christian wedding, the couple's grandparents walk down the aisle after the groomsmen and take their seats in the front row.
• Groom's Parents: The groom's parents walk down the aisle together and sit on the right side of the venue.
• Bride's Mother: The bride's mother may walk down the aisle solo or escorted by a family member. She sits in the front row on the left.
• Bridesmaids: The bridesmaids can walk in pairs or individually. In a Catholic wedding, they walk in pairs with the groomsmen, splitting off at the end of the aisle to stand on their respective sides. In other types of ceremonies, the bridesmaids usually walk down the aisle solo, with the maid of honour last.
• Maid of Honour: The maid of honour walks down the aisle last and takes her place next to the bride.
• Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl: The young attendants are usually the last to walk down the aisle before the bride.
• Bride and Escort: Traditionally, the bride is escorted by her father, but she may choose to be accompanied by both parents, just her mother, or another loved one. The bride and her escort are the last to enter the ceremony space, and the wedding ceremony begins once they are upfront with the officiant and groom.

It is important to note that the processional order can vary depending on religious and cultural traditions, and the couple can ultimately create their own order if they choose. For example, in a Jewish wedding, the couple is escorted down the aisle by both parents, and in a Hindu wedding, the groom's processional begins with a baraat, where he is accompanied by family and friends on horseback, by elephant, or in a special vehicle.

Etiquette

There are many ways to organise the procession of bridesmaids, groomsmen and the happy couple, and the "correct" way depends on your cultural and religious traditions. However, there are no hard-and-fast rules, and you can adjust the order to suit your own family situation and needs.

If you have a large number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, you may want to consider sending them down the aisle in two waves, one for each side, or in pairs to save time. You could also have the groomsmen enter first, either walking around the sides of the ceremony or one by one, and then have the bridesmaids follow, either one by one or in pairs. Another option is to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids enter in pairs, splitting off at the front. This allows for clear photos of each pair.

If you are having a Christian wedding, there are two options for the procession. The more traditional route is to have the officiant and groom enter from the side of the venue. A more modern approach is for both the officiant and groom to walk down the aisle with the rest of the wedding party. In a Catholic wedding, there are several variations of the processional, but it typically begins with the priest, groom and best man entering the church from a side door. In a Jewish wedding, the processional usually begins with the officiant, followed by the couple's grandparents, and then the groomsmen and bridesmaids.

The number of people in your wedding party will also determine the timing of the procession. A wedding processional usually lasts around three to four minutes, and you shouldn't take any longer than 30 to 45 seconds to walk down the aisle. This allows enough time for everyone to enjoy the moment and for the photographer to capture some good shots.

Space

The spacing of bridesmaids as they walk down the aisle depends on several factors, including the size of the wedding party, the length of the aisle, and the duration of the processional music. Here are some tips to help you determine the appropriate spacing:

• Number of Bridesmaids: If you have a large number of bridesmaids, consider spacing them out evenly to avoid crowding. You can pair them off or send them in two waves, one for each side of the aisle. For a smaller group, each bridesmaid can walk individually.
• Aisle Length: The length of your aisle will impact the spacing. For a longer aisle, you may want to increase the distance between bridesmaids to avoid a rushed entrance. Conversely, for a shorter aisle, closer spacing may be more appropriate.
• Processional Music: The length of your processional music is crucial in determining the spacing. You don't want the music to end before all the bridesmaids have made their entrance. Adjust the spacing according to the duration of the music, allowing for a smooth and timely walk down the aisle.
• Photography: Consider the photographic opportunities as you space out your bridesmaids. Even spacing can create visually appealing photos, and photographers may prefer certain arrangements to capture the best shots.
• Rehearsal: Don't underestimate the value of a rehearsal. Practicing the timing and spacing with your bridesmaids will help you fine-tune the details and ensure everyone is comfortable with their placement and pace.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the spacing of your bridesmaids is a personal choice. You can opt for a more traditional approach or get creative with your spacing to suit your unique wedding vision.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to spacing your bridesmaids. The key is to ensure a smooth and elegant procession that complements the overall flow of your wedding ceremony.

Frequently asked questions