Planning A Wedding Processional: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding processional can be a daunting task, but there are many ways to go about it. The processional is the entry of the wedding party, and the order of the procession can be determined by the couple's personal preferences, religious beliefs, or traditions. There are many options to consider, including whether the wedding party will walk in one by one, in pairs, or with their partners.

Who to include in the processional

The processional is the entry of the wedding party, and traditionally includes the officiant or religious leader conducting the ceremony. The wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man and maid of honour) usually line up behind the couple, but in some religious ceremonies, they sit in the front row.

The groomsmen usually open the processional, walking down the aisle one by one, followed by the bridesmaids, who also walk down the aisle one by one, ahead of the maid or matron of honour. The maid or matron of honour assists the bride with her dress, veil and train, and then stands by the bride's side at the altar, holding the bouquet and sometimes the groom's ring. The ring bearer and flower girl precede the bride down the aisle. The bride is usually escorted by her father, who gives her away to the groom.

LGBTQ couples can select an order that reflects their religions, traditions or personal preferences. For example, one partner can follow the officiant and/or grandparents with their parents, followed by the wedding party and then the other partner and their parents. The couple can also walk in together after the officiant and/or wedding party.

Order of the processional

The order of the processional is important to get right, so here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan.

First, you need to decide who you want to be included in the processional. This could include the officiant or religious leader, the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man and maid of honour), and the couple themselves.

Next, you need to think about where these people will be during the ceremony. Will they be standing behind the couple, or sitting in the front row? This will determine the order in which they enter.

Now you can start to plan the order of the processional. The groomsmen usually open the processional, walking down the aisle one by one. They are followed by the bridesmaids, who also walk down the aisle one by one, ahead of the maid or matron of honour. Some couples may choose to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together in pairs.

Before the ceremony, the maid or matron of honour assists the bride with her dress, veil and train. She then stands by the bride's side at the altar, holding the bouquet and sometimes the groom's ring.

The ring bearer and flower girl precede the bride down the aisle. The bride makes her entrance last, escorted by her father who "gives her away" to the groom.

For LGBTQ couples, the order can reflect any religions, traditions or personal preferences. One option is to have one partner follow the officiant and/or grandparents with their parents, followed by the wedding party and then the other partner with their parents. Another option is to have the couple walk in together after the officiant and/or wedding party.

LGBTQ+ wedding processionals

LGBTQ+ couples can select orders that reflect any religions, traditions or personal preferences they would like.

The processional is the entry of the wedding party, and the recessional is the exit. The first thing to consider is who you want to be included in the processional. Traditionally, the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man and maid of honour) stand, lined up behind the couple, but you might want to mix things up. For example, you could have the couple walk in together after the officiant and/or wedding party, or have one partner follow the officiant and/or grandparents with their parents, followed by the wedding party and then the other partner and their parents.

The next thing to consider is the order in which people will walk in. The wedding party should walk in the opposite order to the way they are standing. The groomsmen usually open the processional, walking down the aisle one by one, followed by the bridesmaids, also one by one, ahead of the maid or matron of honour. However, some couples may choose to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together in pairs. The ring bearer and flower girl precede the couple down the aisle.

Religious wedding processionals

For religious wedding processionals, it is important to consider the specific traditions and customs of your faith. For example, Jewish, Christian, and Catholic wedding ceremonies each have their own unique traditions that should be followed. LGBTQ couples can also select orders that reflect their religions, traditions, or personal preferences.

The order of the wedding party in the processional can vary, but traditionally, the groomsmen open the processional, followed by the bridesmaids, and then the maid or matron of honour. The ring bearer and flower girl then precede the bride, who is traditionally escorted by her father. The bride's mother may also be included in the processional, walking ahead of the groom.

The processional is a special moment for the couple and their loved ones, and it is important to plan it carefully. Consider the specific religious traditions you want to include, as well as the order of the wedding party, to create a meaningful and memorable entrance.

The role of the officiant

The officiant is responsible for conducting the ceremony and ensuring that it runs smoothly. They will work with the couple to create a personalised and meaningful service. This includes helping the couple to select readings, music, and other elements that reflect their relationship and values.

During the processional, the officiant sets the tone for the ceremony. They may walk in alone or be accompanied by their spouse or partner. Some officiants may choose to carry a ceremonial item, such as a religious text or a symbol of their faith.

The officiant's role is to guide the couple through their vows and exchange of rings. They will also pronounce the couple as married and introduce them to their guests for the first time as a married couple.

Overall, the officiant plays a crucial role in the wedding processional and ceremony. They ensure that the couple's vision for their wedding is realised and that the event runs smoothly. The officiant's presence adds a sense of solemnity and significance to the occasion.

Frequently asked questions