Bridesmaids Walking Solo Or With Groomsmen: Who's The Perfect Match?

The processional, or the entrance of the wedding party, is one of the most memorable moments of a couple's special day. There are a few different opinions on whether bridesmaids should walk in alone or with groomsmen. Some sources suggest that the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk separately during the procession and then pair up after the ceremony. This is because the groomsmen traditionally walk in from the side and take their places at the altar before the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. However, other sources suggest that the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle in pairs, with the groomsman on the right and the bridesmaid on the left. Ultimately, the couple can decide what they prefer, as there are no rules for the processional order.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen walking together or separately

There are a variety of ways to organise the wedding procession, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide. Here are some options for bridesmaids and groomsmen to walk together or separately:

Walking Together

The bridesmaids and groomsmen can walk down the aisle in pairs, with the groomsman on the right and the bridesmaid on the left. This is a common option for couples who want a more symmetrical look and prefer to have their wedding party walk together. This can also be a good option for introverted groomsmen who may feel more comfortable walking with someone else.

Walking Separately

The groomsmen and groom can enter from the side of the venue and take their places at the altar before the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. This is a more traditional option and allows for individual photos of each bridesmaid and groomsman. It also gives the bridesmaids their own moment to shine as they walk down the aisle.

Other Options

• The bridesmaids and groomsmen can be paired up based on their real-life relationships, such as dating or married couples.
• They can also be paired up based on personality, height, length of friendship, or role in the wedding.
• For an uneven wedding party, one groomsman can escort two bridesmaids.
• The bridesmaids and groomsmen can walk in separately but exit the ceremony together in pairs.
• The groomsmen can walk in from the side and join the groom at the altar, followed by the bridesmaids walking down the aisle solo.

Ultimately, the decision of whether the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk together or separately is a personal preference, and couples should choose whatever option feels most comfortable and meaningful to them.

The order of the wedding party

Traditional Christian Ceremony

For a traditional Christian ceremony, the wedding party enters the venue in the following order:

• Officiant, Groom, and Best Man: The officiant is usually the first to enter, followed by the groom and best man. They enter from the side of the venue and take their places at the altar, with the groom on the right.
• Groomsmen: The groomsmen typically walk down the aisle individually, either after the groom or alongside the bridesmaids. They take their places on the right side of the altar, with the first groomsman standing farthest from the groom.
• Bridesmaids: The bridesmaids walk down the aisle before the maid of honor. They can walk individually or in pairs with the groomsmen. The first bridesmaid stands farthest from the bride.
• Maid of Honor: The maid of honor is responsible for checking the bride's dress, veil, and train before walking down the aisle. She stands next to the bride and may hold her bouquet during the ceremony.
• Flower Girl and Ring Bearer: The flower girl and ring bearer are the last to walk down the aisle before the bride. They can walk together or separately, and they may stand with the wedding party or sit with their parents.
• Bride and Father of the Bride: The bride is traditionally escorted down the aisle by her father, who stands on her right side. After giving his blessing, the father lifts the veil, kisses the bride, and takes his seat next to the bride's mother.

Variations and Alternate Orders

While the traditional order outlined above is common, there are several variations and alternate orders that you can consider:

• Pairing Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: You can choose to pair up bridesmaids and groomsmen based on real-life coupling, friendship, personality, height, or length of friendship. This adds a personal touch to the processional.
• Groomsmen Entering from the Side: In some traditions, the groom and his groomsmen enter from the side of the venue before the bridesmaids and maid of honor. This is followed by the flower girl, ring bearer, and finally, the bride with her father.
• Grandparents and Parents: Including grandparents and parents in the processional is a way to honor them. They can walk down the aisle before or after the wedding party, taking their seats in the front rows.
• Blended Families: If the bride or groom has a blended family, you can choose to have the stepmother walk in behind the mother at the start of the ceremony.
• Modern Approach: For a more modern approach, the officiant, groom, and best man can walk down the aisle together, followed by the wedding party and the bride with her father.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the wedding party's order of entrance. You can personalize and customize the processional to make it meaningful and unique to you and your partner.

Matching bridesmaids and groomsmen

Firstly, decide on your wedding colour palette. Your wedding colours will be used throughout your big day, from decorations to outfits, so it is important to spend time on this decision. While you are not limited to two or three colours, it is recommended that you choose between three and five colours for your wedding palette.

Once you have decided on your palette, you can choose your primary colours. These are the colours that will be seen predominantly throughout your ceremony space and will be used for your bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's accessories. Common ways to coordinate your bridesmaids and groomsmen include using your primary colour for the bridesmaid dresses and matching the groomsmen's ties, pocket squares, or even socks to this colour.

If you want to add some variety to your bridal party's outfits, you can mix and match different shades of your primary colour or incorporate some secondary colours. This can be a stylish and unique way to make your bridesmaids feel extra special and add some creativity to your groomsmen's outfits.

When it comes to groomsmen's suits, black, navy blue, and grey are the most popular colours as they are easy to coordinate with bridesmaid dresses. However, if you want to get creative, groomsmen's suits also come in other colours like cream, white, red, and beige.

Finally, remember that you don't have to match every element of your bridesmaids' and groomsmen's outfits. Choosing one element that remains the same between the two sides of the wedding party, such as colour, a colour pattern, or a particular print, can create a consistent look without being too matchy-matchy. For example, you could match the bridesmaids' dress colour to the groomsmen's ties or vice versa.

Walking in pairs or solo

There are several ways to organise the wedding procession, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide how they want it to be structured. Here are some options for bridesmaids walking in pairs or solo:

Walking in Pairs

The most common approach is for bridesmaids and groomsmen to walk down the aisle in pairs, with the groomsman on the right and the bridesmaid on the left. This is a traditional ceremony structure, and it can add a sense of balance and aesthetics to the procession. It is also a good option if there are an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Walking Solo

Another option is for the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle solo, one by one, before the maid of honour enters. This can be a good choice if the couple wants to highlight each individual member of the wedding party. It also allows for more flexibility in the number of attendants, as an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen is not required.

Other Variations

There are also other ways to structure the procession that combine elements of walking in pairs and walking solo. For example, the groomsmen can enter from the side and take their places at the altar before the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, either solo or in pairs. Alternatively, the groomsmen can walk down the aisle solo, followed by the bridesmaids walking in pairs or vice versa.

Ultimately, the decision of whether bridesmaids should walk in alone or with groomsmen is a matter of personal preference, and there is no one "right" way to do it. The couple can choose the option that best suits their wedding theme, the dynamics of their wedding party, and their personal style.

Walking in with family

Walking in with Siblings

One option is to pair bridesmaids with their siblings. This can be a lovely way to involve brothers or sisters in the wedding party and create a special moment between them. It can also help to balance out the wedding party if there are more bridesmaids than groomsmen, or vice versa.

Walking in with Parents

Another option is to have parents escort bridesmaids down the aisle. This can be a wonderful way to include parents who are not already part of the wedding party. It can also be a special moment for bridesmaids who are very close with their parents.

Walking in with Children

If any of the bridesmaids have children, they could walk with them. This can be a cute way to include young family members in the wedding party and create a memorable moment for the bridesmaid and their child.

Walking in with Extended Family

For bridesmaids who have a close relationship with their extended family, such as cousins, aunts, or uncles, walking with them can be a great way to include them in the ceremony. This can be especially meaningful if the bridesmaid and their family member have a shared love of the couple.

Walking in with In-Laws

If a bridesmaid is married or in a serious relationship, they could walk with their in-laws. This can be a wonderful way to honour the new extended family and create a special bond between the bridesmaid and their in-laws.

Walking in with the Couple's Parents

In some cases, the couple may want to involve the parents of the soon-to-be newlyweds. This can be a lovely way to honour the parents and create a connection between the bridesmaids and the couple's family.

Ultimately, the decision of who walks with whom is a personal choice and there is no one "right" way to do it. The most important thing is to choose an option that feels comfortable and meaningful for the wedding party and their families.

Frequently asked questions