Getting Bridesmaids To Church: A Guide To Timely Arrivals

Getting bridesmaids to the church on time is a key part of wedding planning. While there is no legal requirement for bridesmaids, they play an important role in supporting the bride and ensuring the day runs smoothly. From helping the bride get dressed to managing her dress, veil, and flowers during the ceremony, bridesmaids are often integral to a wedding. In some cultures, it is traditional for bridesmaids to walk into the church first, followed by the bride, whereas in others, the bridesmaids follow the bride. In either case, it is important to plan transportation for the bridal party to ensure everyone arrives at the church on time and stress-free. Options include hiring vintage cars, limousines, or taxis, or having family or friends drive the bridal party in their own cars.

Transport options for bridesmaids

There are several transport options for bridesmaids to get to the church, and the best choice will depend on factors such as the number of bridesmaids, budget, and distance to be travelled. Here are some ideas to consider:

Vintage or classic cars: For a touch of elegance and style, you could hire a vintage or classic car such as a Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, or a convertible Morris Minor. This option is ideal for a small group of bridesmaids and can add a unique element to the wedding.

Limousines: Hiring a limousine is a popular choice, especially if you have a larger group of bridesmaids. It offers a comfortable and spacious ride, and some companies provide decorative touches such as ribbons to enhance the experience.

Taxis: For a more affordable option, you could book taxis or private hire cars for the bridesmaids. This is suitable for shorter journeys and can be a convenient way to transport a small to medium-sized group.

Buses or minibuses: If you have a large number of bridesmaids, or you also need to transport other wedding guests, then hiring a bus or minibus could be a practical solution. This option ensures that everyone arrives together and can be cost-effective for larger groups.

Personal vehicles: Another option is to utilise personal vehicles belonging to family members or friends. This can be a more casual approach, and it eliminates the need for additional transport costs. However, this may require careful coordination to ensure everyone arrives on time.

When planning the transport for bridesmaids, it is important to consider the distance between locations, the number of people to be transported, and any specific requirements, such as matching the theme or creating photographic opportunities. Discussing options with the bridal party in advance will help ensure that everyone is comfortable and arrives at the church on time.

Order of entry for bridesmaids

The order of entry for bridesmaids will depend on the type of wedding ceremony and the preferences of the couple. Here is a general guide on the order of entry for bridesmaids for different types of wedding ceremonies:

Traditional Christian Wedding

For a traditional Christian wedding, the bridesmaids usually walk down the aisle one by one before the maid or matron of honour. However, some couples may choose to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together in pairs. The bridesmaids typically enter after the mother of the bride has been seated and the groom has taken his place at the altar.

Catholic Wedding

In a Catholic wedding, the bridesmaids and groomsmen typically walk down the aisle in pairs, with the groomsman on the right and the bridesmaid on the left. They start from the attendants who will stand farthest from the bride and groom. Once they reach the end of the aisle, the groomsman turns right, and the bridesmaid turns left, taking their places farthest from the couple.

Jewish Wedding

In a Jewish wedding, the bridesmaids usually walk down the aisle after the groom and his parents. They can walk down the aisle solo or in pairs and stand on the right side of the chuppah (traditional Jewish wedding canopy). The maid or matron of honour is the last of the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle and takes her place closest to the bride.

Hindu Wedding

The order of entry for a Hindu wedding ceremony can vary depending on the family's traditions. In some cases, the bridesmaids may walk down the aisle together with the bride as part of the kanya aagman ("the girl's arrival"). In other cases, they may enter separately before or after the bride.

Nondenominational Wedding

For a nondenominational wedding, the bridesmaids typically enter after the groom and his groomsmen. They can walk down the aisle individually or in pairs, starting with the attendants who will stand farthest from the couple. The maid or matron of honour is usually the last to enter before the flower girl and ring bearer.

Modern Wedding

In a modern wedding, the bridesmaids can enter in a few different ways. They may walk down the aisle one by one, in pairs, or even in a creative way, such as a dancing entrance. The focus is often on what feels most natural for the bridal party and what will allow for the best photos.

Duties of chief bridesmaid

The role of chief bridesmaid, or maid-of-honour, is an important one, supporting the bride and helping the day to run smoothly. Here is a list of duties for a chief bridesmaid to ensure the day goes off without a hitch:

Before the Wedding

• Offer emotional support to the bride during the planning process.
• Plan the hen party, ensuring the bride is happy and comfortable with the activities.
• Help with at least one major task, such as managing RSVPs or gifts, or coordinating suppliers.
• Be a point of contact for the best man, wedding planner and venue coordinator.
• Go wedding dress shopping with the bride and be honest about her choices.
• Attend dress fittings, hair and makeup trials, and bridal fairs if the bride wishes.
• Ensure the bride has some wedding-free days and do fun, non-wedding-related activities together.
• Keep the peace and ensure smooth interactions between the bridesmaids.
• Help the bride choose the music for the wedding.
• If there are younger bridesmaids or flower girls, take them to the church a few times before the wedding so they can familiarise themselves with the setting.

On the Wedding Day

• Help the bride get ready, ensuring she arrives at the church on time.
• During the ceremony, act as the bride's liaison with suppliers and ensure everything is in order.
• Hold the bride's bouquet when she walks up to the altar and when exchanging rings.
• Witness the signing of the register, if required.
• Help the bride with her dress, veil and train throughout the day.
• Hold the bride's flowers when exchanging vows and rings.
• After the ceremony, follow the bride and groom out of the church.
• At the reception, act as a greeter, introducing guests to one another and ensuring they know where to sit.
• Keep an emergency kit on hand with plasters, tissues, painkillers, hairpins, and other useful items.
• Be attentive to the bride's needs, offering support and reassurance throughout the day.

After the Wedding

• Dance with the best man.
• Keep track of wedding gifts.
• Ensure everything is packed for the honeymoon.
• Welcome the bride back from her travels and be available to hear all the stories.

Remember, it is a big responsibility to be a chief bridesmaid, so choose someone who is organised, diplomatic, and able to offer the necessary support and assistance on the day.

Etiquette for mixed-gender wedding parties

In recent years, many couples have chosen to embrace practices that are more inclusive, such as mixed-gender wedding parties. This allows couples to include people of any gender who are close to them throughout the entire wedding day. This concept has also benefited brides with non-binary friends who may not identify as a bridesmaid or with typically feminine terms.

Keep an Open Dialogue

It is important to have an open and honest dialogue with each member of your wedding party. Ask them what they would be comfortable with and ensure them that you want them to feel at ease. If anyone has any concerns, come up with alternatives, such as getting ready in a different room or location.

Ask for Professional Opinions

If you have a wedding planner, they may have already experienced a wedding with a mixed-gender bridal party and will be able to offer tips and tricks, as well as highlight potential problems and solutions.

Keep Communication Open

Let your wedding party know that if any problems arise or questions come up, everyone should feel free to express them. Remember that you asked these people to be in your wedding party because you care about them deeply – always keep this in mind during the planning process.

Stick to a Cohesive Colour Palette

Opting for a cohesive colour palette is a great way to unify your mixed-gender wedding party and make your photos look fantastic. For example, if your desired wedding colour is peach, individuals wearing a dress could wear a peach dress, while those in a suit or tuxedo could wear black with a peach accessory.

Incorporate Accessories

Accessories are another way to unify the group and allow everyone to wear something similar. For instance, vintage accessories can create an eclectic look, while chunky silver jewellery can create a modern, streamlined aesthetic.

Play Around with Prints and Patterns

Prints and patterns can add interest and highlight personal style. They can also be used to tie everyone's look together, whether through a pocket square, dress, scarf, or ribbon.

Getting to the Church

Traditionally, bridesmaids follow the bride into the church. However, in some cultures, the bridesmaids enter first, and the bride enters last. There are no rules, but the wedding rehearsal is a good time to plan the choreography of who needs to stand where.

Getting ready at the church

If you choose to get ready at the church, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the facilities available at the church. Some modern churches may have suites or rooms specifically designated for the bridal party to get ready, while older churches may have limited space. It is important to coordinate with the church ahead of time to ensure that you have access to the necessary facilities.

Another thing to consider is the timing of your arrival at the church. It is generally recommended to arrive at least an hour before the ceremony to allow for plenty of time to get ready and take photos. This will also give you a buffer in case of any unexpected delays.

To make the most of your time at the church, create a timeline for the bridal party's preparations. This should include time for hair, makeup, getting dressed, and taking photos. Communicate this timeline to the entire bridal party to ensure everyone is on the same page.

It is also a good idea to pack an emergency kit with essential items such as a small first aid kit, snacks, water, and any last-minute items that need to be brought to the church. Designate someone to be in charge of this kit and to ensure that it is easily accessible throughout the day.

Finally, don't forget to enjoy the experience and make memories with your bridal party! Getting ready at the church can be a fun and special part of your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions