Creating A Wedding Aisle Runner: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are many ways to make a wedding aisle runner, from simple DIYs to more complex, customised designs. Aisle runners are a great way to improve the aesthetics of your wedding while also protecting the bride's dress from damage. They are usually made from lengths of fabric such as burlap, tarp, cotton, or other types of fabric that fit the wedding theme. You can also repurpose old rugs, decorate the aisle with petals, or use a trail of old-fashioned carpet for a rustic-style wedding. If you're feeling extra creative, you can even get a custom-printed and monogrammed aisle runner for a chic look.

Choosing the right material

When choosing the material for your wedding aisle runner, there are a few key factors to consider: the venue, the weather, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve.

For outdoor weddings, it is crucial to select a material that can withstand the elements, such as wind and rain. In such cases, burlap or jute is an excellent choice. Burlap is a naturally heavy fabric with a thicker weave, making it ideal for windy conditions. It also dries quickly if it rains. Additionally, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, burlap can add to the rustic chic aesthetic.

If you're having an indoor wedding and the weather is not a concern, you have more flexibility with your fabric choices. Fabric aisle runners, such as those made from cotton or polyester, are a good option. Fabric aisle runners often come in a variety of designs and can be customised with monograms or messages. However, they may be more expensive, especially if you opt for customisation.

Another factor to consider is the length of the aisle. Aisle runners typically come in lengths ranging from 25 to 175 feet, with a standard width of 3 feet. However, if you have an oversized aisle, you may need to opt for custom sizing. It's important to measure the aisle beforehand to ensure you purchase a runner that is long enough.

Finally, if you're looking for a unique and creative option, you could consider alternatives to traditional aisle runners. For example, you could line the aisle with rose petals, fresh eucalyptus leaves, or distressed Moroccan rugs for a bohemian touch.

Remember, the material you choose should not only be practical but also complement the overall style and theme of your wedding.

DIY monogramming

A monogrammed wedding aisle runner is a simple way to add colour and personality to your wedding. It's a relatively easy DIY project that will result in an elegant and personalised touch to your ceremony décor. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a DIY monogrammed aisle runner:

Design the Aisle Runner:

Choose a font that fits your wedding theme and create your monogram in a program like Microsoft Publisher. Consider incorporating your wedding colours into the design. You can also include names, dates, or other decorative elements. Play around with different fonts and designs until you find something that suits your style and theme.

Buy an Aisle Runner:

Purchase a simple aisle runner at your local craft store. Aisle runners come in different lengths, so be sure to measure the aisle where your wedding will take place before buying. They typically come in widths of three feet, but custom sizing is also available for oversized aisles. Consider the fabric and design of the runner, ensuring it will roll well and lie flat.

Transfer the Monogram to the Aisle Runner:

Decide on the placement of your monogram on the runner. Photographers usually recommend having the monogram in the front third of the runner for better visibility in photos. Take your runner to the venue and lightly tape your paper pattern to the floor where you want the design to be. Centre the aisle runner over the pattern and use a ruler to ensure it's straight. Then, lightly trace the design with a pencil.

Hand Paint the Aisle Runner:

Gather your paint supplies, including acrylic craft paints in your chosen colours and various sizes of paintbrushes. Tape wax paper to a large, flat surface, and then tape down your aisle runner on top. Start painting from the side furthest from you to avoid smudging. Take your time and work carefully to achieve smooth lines and crisp details. Allow the paint to dry completely before rolling up the runner.

Customise the Aisle Runner (Optional):

To give your aisle runner an elegant finish, consider upgrading the cardboard tube it comes with. You can use wooden dowels or a fancy curtain rod to roll and unroll the runner. Add some cording or tassels to enhance the look.

Roll Out the Aisle Runner:

The timing of rolling out the aisle runner depends on the layout of your venue and your personal preference. If you have a centre aisle and two side aisles, ushers can roll out the runner before the ceremony, and guests can be seated from the sides. Alternatively, the runner can be rolled out after the guests have been seated and the wedding party is in place.

With these steps, you can create a beautiful, personalised aisle runner that will wow your guests and add a unique touch to your wedding ceremony.

Using flowers and plants

Flowers and plants are a beautiful way to decorate your wedding aisle and there are many ways to do so.

One option is to use flower petals to create a natural runner. You can lay petals directly on the ground in delicate patterns and shapes, or cover the entire aisle with a "carpet" of florals. Rose petals work well due to their large, flat shape, but you can also experiment with other flowers like dahlias or daisies. If your wedding is outdoors, be mindful of the wind. Speak with your florist or wedding planner about how to keep petals from blowing away. For a more affordable option, you can use silk petals. You can also use flower petals to create an ombré effect, with increasingly dark or light shades leading to the altar.

Another option is to use potted plants as aisle runners. This is a simple, elegant option for minimalistic couples looking to simplify their wedding décor. It creates an earthy, chic look without being too distracting. You can also use potted plants of varying sizes to add dimension and visual interest. At the end of the event, you can give the plants to the venue, guests, or your wedding party as a lasting memento.

You can also line your aisle with flowers and plants. This can be done with or without a fabric runner underneath. For a Bridgerton-inspired wedding, line the walkway with colourful hydrangeas. For a more classic look, opt for white flowers and lush greenery. If you're looking for something unique, try placing single-stem roses along the aisle as if they're growing out of the ground. This design works best with a plethora of blooms. For a moody vibe, feature dark, leafy greenery with gem-toned flowers.

If you're looking for something simple and elegant, keep your aisle décor minimal and let the trees and landscape speak for themselves.

Eco-friendly options

If you're looking for eco-friendly options for a wedding aisle runner, there are several beautiful and creative ways to achieve this. Firstly, consider the setting and location of your wedding. If it's an outdoor wedding, you can embrace nature and opt for a grassy aisle adorned with wildflowers or flower petals, or a pebble and stone pathway. For a beach wedding, a beach-style aisle with smooth sand, edged with seashells and starfish, is a natural and eco-friendly choice. For a forest or garden wedding, a natural moss aisle runner will blend seamlessly with the surroundings.

For an indoor wedding, there are still eco-friendly options for aisle runners. You can choose a runner made from recycled materials, such as the FrenzyBird Eco-Friendly Wedding Aisle Runner, which is made from durable non-woven fabric that can be reused and is decorated with a subtle floral pattern. Another option is to use a vintage rug, which you can find in antique shops or thrift stores. Using a rug aisle runner allows you to embrace a bohemian theme and is a cost-effective option.

If you want to add a personal touch, you can customise a cloth runner with your initials or wedding date. Choose a durable material like jute, sisal or burlap, which are all eco-friendly options. You can also incorporate natural or dried flowers, leaves or petals to add a nod to nature. Just ensure that whatever material you choose is non-slip to prevent any accidents.

Weighing it down

Weighing down your wedding aisle runner is crucial to ensuring it stays in place and looks pristine throughout the ceremony. The specific method you choose will depend on the type of surface you're working with. Here are some detailed instructions for weighing down your aisle runner on various surfaces:

Hardwood Floors:

Use double-sided floor tape along all four sides of the runner and intermittently in the middle. Be sure to check with your venue first to ensure they allow tape on their floors. This method will keep your runner securely in place and prevent it from shifting or wrinkling.

Concrete and Stairs:

For these solid surfaces, you'll want to use heavy objects to weigh down the edges of the runner. Votive candles with lights, weighted metal candle holder stands, decorative stones, small weights, or even floral arrangements can add elegance while also serving a functional purpose.

Carpeted Floors:

Carpeted surfaces typically don't require securing, as the runner will stay in place due to the friction between the fabrics. However, if you want to ensure the runner lies completely flat, you can use pins to secure it in place. Just be sure to check with the venue first, as some may not allow this.

Outdoor Weddings:

For outdoor ceremonies, you can use tent pegs or garden stakes to anchor the runner to the ground. Small votive candles, weighted decorations, or coloured pouches filled with sand can also be placed along the edges to add a decorative touch while keeping the runner in place. For a completely flat appearance, you can staple the runner to the underside of strips of plywood.

Beach Weddings:

Beach weddings come with their own unique set of challenges. First, smooth out the sand as much as possible. Then, use heavy objects like driftwood, rocks, or potted plants to anchor the edges of the runner. Alternatively, you can dig shallow trenches and bury the edges of the runner in the sand to prevent it from blowing in the wind. For added stability, especially on windy days, consider using plywood under the runner.

Frequently asked questions