Deborah Chan
A wedding aisle runner is a decorative element used in weddings to provide a defined path for the bridal party to walk down during the ceremony. They are used both indoors and outdoors and come in various materials, colours, and designs. When choosing an aisle runner, it is important to consider the type of venue and surface where the wedding will take place. For outdoor weddings, a cloth or plastic aisle runner should be backed by plywood or something solid to prevent heels from sinking into the ground. Aisle runners can also be personalised with names, dates, monograms, or quotes. While they add a regal touch to the ceremony, they can also pose a tripping hazard, especially if placed during guest entry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect couples from evil spirits, prevent guests from dragging mud into the venue, add a regal touch to the ceremony, and provide a defined path for the bridal party to walk down |
| Materials | Polyester, burlap, turf, plastic, nylon, velvet, carpet, synthetic material, rayon non-woven fabric, paper, plywood, artificial turf, polyolefin, rubber, or fabric |
| Colors | White, red, black, metallic, glitter, or colors that match the wedding color scheme |
| Width | 3-4 feet |
| Length | Should be long enough to cover the length of the aisle plus 5-10 feet |
| Securing Methods | Tape, pins, nails, staples, stakes, weights, flower pots, or heavy objects |
| Personalization | Names, wedding dates, monograms, photos, or meaningful quotes |
| Alternative Options | Mulch, rose petals, antique rugs, or no aisle runner |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right material
Wedding aisle runners are a popular tradition, adding a glamorous and regal touch to any wedding ceremony. They are a long piece of fabric placed on the ground, leading from the entrance of the venue to the altar, and are usually around three to four feet wide.
When choosing the right material for your wedding aisle runner, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the type of venue and surface you have chosen for your wedding will dictate the material of the runner. For instance, if your wedding venue has a grassy lawn, you may want to avoid grass stains on the bride's gown and prevent guests from slipping or sinking into the soft ground. In this case, you could use plywood or something solid underneath the runner for stability. For concrete surfaces, a softer material like linen or canvas might be preferable.
The material of the runner should also complement the venue's surroundings and your wedding colour scheme. White is the most common colour used, but you can choose colours that match the venue's greenery or your wedding palette. Materials like muslin, nylon, and polyester come in a variety of colours, including white, blue, red, purple, and silver. You can even have a painted aisle runner with monograms or memories, or opt for a rose flower runner with soft satin fabric.
The functionality of the runner is another important consideration. If you want to avoid tripping hazards, choose a durable, non-slip material like polyester, turf, or a synthetic fabric like rayon non-woven fabric. If you're looking for something that can withstand heels without tearing, rip stop nylon is a good option. For beach weddings, an outdoor artificial turf runner with a lightweight marine backing can be staked down easily.
Finally, your budget will play a role in the material you choose. More expensive options like carpet or rug runners can be used on almost any surface and are extremely durable, but there are also cheaper alternatives like paper or canvas.
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Securing the runner
Securing the aisle runner is essential to prevent accidents and keep it looking pristine. The method of securing the runner will depend on the type of surface and venue.
For indoor weddings, if the venue has a hardwood floor, use double-sided floor tape along all four sides and intermittently in the middle. Always check with the venue first to ensure they allow tape to be used. For carpeted floors, most couples do not secure their aisle runner as it is unlikely to slip. However, if you want to ensure it stays in place, you can use pins to secure the runner, especially around the edges.
For outdoor weddings, there are several options to secure the runner. If the wedding is on grass, you can use small pins, tent pegs, or garden stakes to anchor the runner and prevent it from blowing away. If the runner is vinyl or another slippery material, be cautious as it may increase the risk of tripping. In this case, consider roping off the center aisle and having guests seated from the sides. Alternatively, you can staple the runner to the underside of strips of plywood to ensure it lays flat. For outdoor weddings on concrete, use heavy objects like votives with lights, weighted-metal candle holder stands, decorative stones, small weights, or floral arrangements to secure the edges.
For a beach wedding, smooth out the sand as much as possible and use heavy objects like driftwood, rocks, or potted plants to anchor the edges of the runner. Another option is to dig shallow trenches and bury the edges of the runner in the sand to prevent it from blowing away.
It is important to have someone designated to quickly secure the runner once it is unrolled and before the bridal party enters. This person should be equipped with scissors, tape, pins, or other securing materials, depending on the surface.
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Choosing a colour
Wedding aisle runners come in a variety of colours, lengths, and designs, and can be personalised with monograms or special messages. When choosing a colour, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, think about the type of venue and the colour scheme of the room. If you have a specific theme in mind, you can choose a coloured aisle runner that complements or contrasts with the colours of your venue and decorations. For instance, if you're going for a rustic theme, a burlap runner might be fitting, while a glam-themed wedding might call for a glitter or sequin runner.
Many couples opt for traditional white or ivory aisle runners, which create a bold statement and provide a clean, classic look. White is perhaps the most common colour used by couples, but you can also choose a coloured runner that matches your wedding colours or the venue's greenery. If you want to make a bold statement, you could choose a red carpet aisle runner for a glamorous aesthetic.
Another factor to consider is the material of the aisle runner. Different materials are more suitable for indoor or outdoor venues. For example, acrylic aisle runners are ideal for outdoor weddings as they are more durable than fabric. Polyester aisle runners are also a good choice for outdoor venues as they are long-lasting and non-slip, while nylon runners may be slick depending on the surface. For indoor weddings, a fabric runner is usually suitable, and a solid white PVC aisle runner is commonly used.
Finally, think about the length of your aisle runner and whether you want it to stand out or blend in with your décor. Aisle runners can be used to create a dramatic visual element and draw attention to the altar, or they can be chosen to complement the rest of your ceremony décor.
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Personalising the runner
A wedding aisle runner is a great way to add a unique touch to your ceremony. Whether you're looking for something elegant and understated or bold and personalised, there are many ways to make your wedding aisle runner your own.
One way to personalise your wedding aisle runner is to add your names or initials. You could opt for a monogram design, or even include a special message or quote that reflects your relationship. For example, "Always and Forever" or "And Two Becomes One". If you're looking for something more subtle, you could choose a simple design that complements your wedding colour scheme or theme.
There are many different styles of aisle runners to choose from, including fabric, carpet, and even burlap for a rustic touch. You can also find aisle runners with printed designs, such as florals, feathers, or damask patterns. If you want something truly unique, you could design your own aisle runner from scratch, incorporating your chosen colours, motifs, and any personal touches you desire.
Don't forget to consider the practical aspects as well. Aisle runners can be used both indoors and outdoors, so choose a material that is suitable for your venue. You may also want to think about the length and width of the runner to ensure it fits perfectly in your chosen space.
With so many options available, you can easily find or create a personalised wedding aisle runner that will make your big entrance truly unforgettable.
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The history of aisle runners
Wedding aisle runners are a common ceremony decoration at many celebrations. They come in numerous different forms and can work for any wedding theme, venue, or season. A wedding aisle runner is a long piece of fabric placed on the ground that starts at the entrance or threshold of the wedding ceremony venue and ends before the altar.
The exact origin of the wedding aisle runner is unknown, but it is believed that they were invented to protect couples from the evil spirits underneath churches' floors. Over time, the wedding aisle runner served a different purpose. In the early days when roads were unpaved, wedding guests would arrive at the church and track in dirt or mud from the streets. To prevent the bride from dragging the hem of her dress through the mud, an aisle runner was used to protect her gown.
Today, most indoor locations do not suffer from evil spirits or guests tracking in mud, but many couples still use aisle runners as they lend a regal or prestigious touch to the ceremony. Aisle runners also serve as a decorative element that complements the overall décor of a wedding venue. They come in a variety of materials and designs to suit different themes and locations, such as nylon, polyester, velvet, burlap, and carpet. The right aisle runner can significantly enhance the wedding decor.
In addition to their aesthetic value, aisle runners also serve a protective function. For outdoor weddings, they provide a clean and tidy path for the bride and guests to enter the venue, preventing the bride's gown from getting stained or ripped. For indoor weddings, aisle runners can provide a non-slip surface, reducing the risk of guests or the bride slipping or falling on shiny and slippery floors.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding aisle runner can add a regal touch to your ceremony and accentuate the beauty of the venue. They can also be used to protect the bride's dress from mud or dirt, and to prevent slipping on a smooth or shiny surface.
The type of aisle runner you use will depend on the type of venue and surface you're working with. For example, if you're having an outdoor wedding on soft ground, you may want to avoid using a plastic runner as it may bunch up. Instead, opt for something more sturdy like plywood or a carpet runner. If you're having an indoor wedding, a fabric runner is recommended for use on a carpeted floor. Aisle runners can also be made from polyester, burlap, turf, synthetic material, rayon non-woven fabric, paper, nylon, velvet, or carpet.
For indoor weddings on a carpet, most couples do not secure their aisle runner as it is safe and unlikely to shift. For indoor weddings on a hardwood floor, use double-sided tape along the sides and in the middle of the runner. For concrete and stairs, use heavy objects like candles or decorative stones to secure the edges. For outdoor weddings, use tent pegs, garden stakes, or staples to secure the runner to the ground.
You can personalise your aisle runner by adding your wedding date, names, monogram, photos, or a meaningful quote. You can also add a unique twist by lining the edges with petals or choosing a bold colour or design.
