Rhiannon Hendricks
The wedding processional refers to the moment when the wedding party walks down the aisle in a specific order, marking the beginning of a wedding ceremony. The order of the processional depends on the couple's religion or cultural tradition, with different groups having different traditional wedding processional orders. For example, in a Christian wedding, the groom walks down the aisle first, followed by the groomsmen and bridesmaids, either in pairs or individually, while in a Jewish wedding, the rabbi or cantor is generally the first person to walk down the aisle, followed by the couple's grandparents. Ultimately, the couple can choose to create their own processional order if they prefer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of bridesmaids | 5 |
| Number of groomsmen | 5 |
| Order of bridesmaids and groomsmen | In pairs, with one bridesmaid and one groomsman walking down the aisle together |
| Timing | After the groom and best man, and before the flower girl and ring bearer |
What You'll Learn
Who walks down the aisle and when?
The wedding processional refers to the moment when the couple, the wedding party, and their families walk down the aisle in a specific order, marking the beginning of the ceremony. The processional often includes the officiant, the wedding party, flower girls, ring bearers, and the couple, along with their parents and/or grandparents. The order and format of the processional can vary depending on religious and cultural traditions, as well as personal preferences. Here is a general outline of who walks down the aisle and when:
- Officiant: In some cases, the officiant may already be at the altar before the processional begins. In other cases, they may walk down the aisle first, signalling the start of the ceremony.
- Groom: The groom may enter from the side of the venue with the officiant and best man, or he may walk down the aisle.
- Groomsmen: The groomsmen may walk down the aisle individually, in pairs, or all together. They may enter before or after the bridesmaids.
- Bridesmaids: The bridesmaids may walk down the aisle individually, in pairs, or all together. They typically enter after the groomsmen or before, depending on the chosen format.
- Maid/Matron of Honor: The maid or matron of honor usually walks alone after the other bridesmaids.
- Flower Girl(s) and/or Ring Bearer(s): The young attendants are typically the last to walk down the aisle before the bride, adding a touch of charm to the ceremony.
- Bride and Escort: Traditionally, the bride is escorted by her father. However, modern variations include walking with both parents, a sibling, a loved one, or even the groom. This marks the climax of the processional.
It is important to note that the processional order can be customized to suit the couple's preferences, family dynamics, and cultural or religious traditions. The number of people involved and the length of the aisle will also influence the timing and overall flow of the processional.
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Walking down the aisle in pairs
Planning and Preparation
Before the ceremony, the maid or matron of honour can assist the bride by attending to her dress, veil, and train, ensuring she looks perfect for her walk down the aisle. It is also essential to decide on the order of the pairs. The most classic processional order has the groomsmen and bridesmaids walking in pairs, starting with those who will stand farthest from the couple. Alternatively, you can organise the pairs by height, with the tallest pair walking down the aisle first.
Walking Down the Aisle
As the bridal party music plays, the groomsmen and bridesmaids will walk in pairs down the aisle. At the end of the aisle, the pairs will split off and stand on their respective sides. This formation ensures that each pair has their moment walking down the aisle together and creates a symmetrical look for the ceremony.
Photography
Having the bridal party walk in pairs is also beneficial for photography. Photographers can capture clear shots of each pair walking down the aisle, creating beautiful and memorable images of the special day.
Variations
While the traditional approach is to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in pairs, there are some variations to consider. For a more modern look, the groomsmen can walk down the aisle individually, either after the groom or after the parents. This can be followed by the bridesmaids walking down the aisle solo, with the maid of honour bringing up the rear.
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Walking down the aisle alone
There are many reasons why brides choose to walk down the aisle alone. Some brides have a strained or non-existent relationship with their father, or simply don't feel comfortable with the idea of being "given away". Others want to make a statement about their independence and autonomy, or feel that the tradition of being escorted down the aisle is outdated and no longer fits with their beliefs or personality.
If you are considering walking down the aisle alone, know that you are not alone! Many brides have shared that they found the experience to be beautiful and empowering, and that it allowed them to feel more in control of their wedding day. Some brides choose to have their fiancé meet them halfway down the aisle, symbolising that they are entering into their marriage together. Others opt for a solo walk, enjoying the fact that their entrance photos are all about them.
Ultimately, the decision of who walks down the aisle with you, or if you walk alone, is a personal one. You can choose to include or exclude family members or friends, or go it alone. It's your day, so make sure you do what feels right for you!
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Walking down the aisle with both parents
If you're close to both of your parents and want to honour them equally, having them both escort you down the aisle can be a wonderful way to do so. This setup also works well if you don't have a strong relationship with one or both of your parents but still want to include them in your wedding.
There are a few different ways to execute this walk. In Jewish weddings, the bride typically walks with her father on her right and her mother on her left. You can swap the sides, or both parents can walk side by side, with the bride in the middle. Alternatively, you can start walking with one parent and then switch to the other halfway down the aisle.
If you're worried about your parents not getting along, consider having a heartfelt conversation with each of them before the wedding to check on their comfort level with the arrangement. You should also make sure your venue can accommodate your chosen setup. For example, if your parents are walking side by side, you may need to widen the aisle to ensure it's comfortable for all three of you.
Remember, it's your wedding, so feel free to make it your own!
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Walking down the aisle with a sibling
With a Brother
If your brother is your best friend or role model, consider asking him to accompany you as you make your grand debut. This is a great idea if your father has passed away or if you're looking for a special way to include your brother in the celebration. Asking your sister to take on this role will have a similar effect.
With a Cousin
Walking down the aisle with a cousin who is like a sibling to you is another modern alternative that will make your ceremony extra special. Asking this extended family member to step up will allow you to honour their significance in your life and express gratitude for their friendship. You can even ask additional family members, like your uncle or father, to accompany them too.
With a Sibling and Another Family Member
If there is another monumental figure in your life, such as your father or mother, you could ask them to join you and your sibling as you walk down the aisle. For example, linking arms with both your father and brother will allow you to enter with extra love and support.
Solo
If you would prefer not to walk down the aisle with a sibling, you could always walk solo. Opting to enter the ceremony alone will showcase your autonomy and self-reliance, making a unique and memorable statement.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways your bridesmaids can walk down the aisle. The most common way is for all the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle one by one. Another way is to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together in pairs. You could also have the groomsmen walk down the aisle one by one, followed by the bridesmaids. Lastly, you could have the groomsmen enter and stand in reverse order at the front. As the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, the next groomsman in line meets the first bridesmaid and they walk to the front together.
The way your bridal party enters will depend on whether your ceremony is outdoors or in a traditional or Catholic church. If you want clear photos of each member of the bridal party, it's best to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together in pairs. If you want to get more photos of the groomsmen, have them walk down the aisle one by one before the bridesmaids.
You could have your bridesmaids walk down the aisle in a single-file line or skip the wedding processional altogether and have everyone arrive via side entrances.
If you are having a religious ceremony, different religions have different traditional processional orders. For example, in a traditional Jewish ceremony, the bride walks down the aisle with both her parents, while in a Christian ceremony, the bride typically walks down the aisle with her father.
