There are several ways to organise the wedding party's procession down the aisle. The groomsmen can enter first, either walking around the sides of the ceremony and standing at the front, or walking down the aisle one by one. The bridesmaids can then follow, either walking down the aisle one by one, or pairing up with the groomsmen. Alternatively, the groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk in together, and then split off at the front. In a church wedding, the groomsmen can enter and stand in reverse order at the front of the church, and then meet and link arms with the bridesmaids as they walk down the aisle.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of groomsmen and bridesmaids | Usually the same number of groomsmen and bridesmaids, but not always |
Walking together or separately | Groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk in separately, together in pairs, or in a combination of both |
Order of walking | Groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk in before or after each other, or in an alternating order |
Walking with other wedding party members | Groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk in with other wedding party members, such as the groom, best man, maid/matron of honour, flower girl, and/or ring bearer |
Walking with family members | Groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk in with family members, such as the mother or father of the bride |
What You'll Learn
Groomsmen and bridesmaids walking alone
There are several ways to organise the wedding procession, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide what they prefer.
One option is to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in alone. The groomsmen can enter the ceremony space by walking down the aisle one by one, followed by the bridesmaids, who also walk in individually. This order can be reversed, with the bridesmaids walking in first.
Another option is to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together in pairs. This can be a good choice if the aisle is long, or if any of the bridesmaids are uncomfortable walking alone. It can also be a good opportunity for couples within the wedding party to walk together.
A third option is to have the groomsmen enter and stand in reverse order at the front of the ceremony space. As the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, the next groomsman in line meets the first bridesmaid, and they walk to the front together. This option works well when there are seats or pews for the bridal party to sit in.
The couple may also choose to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in separately but exit the ceremony together.
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Groomsmen and bridesmaids walking together
There are several options for how the bridal party can enter the ceremony. The most traditional option is for the groomsmen to enter the ceremony space first, walking down the aisle one by one, and then for the bridesmaids to enter in the same way, also one by one. However, some couples may choose to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together in pairs. This can be a good option for balance, especially if the bridesmaids are not used to wearing heels, and it can also make the bridesmaids feel more comfortable if they are anxious about being the centre of attention. It can also be a good option if there are couples in the wedding party.
One option for pairing up the groomsmen and bridesmaids is for them to walk in together and then split off at the front. Another option is for the groomsmen to enter and stand in reverse order at the front of the ceremony space. This means the groom is at the end of the line at the front. As the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, the next groomsman in line meets the first bridesmaid about 75% of the way down the aisle. They link arms and walk to the front, perhaps bowing before going into the pews. This pattern continues until the groom is the only person left at the front. This option works particularly well when there are pews or seats for the bridal party to sit in.
There are also options that don't involve the groomsmen and bridesmaids walking in together. One option is for the groomsmen to be at the front to begin with, and then for the bridesmaids to walk in alone. Another option is for the groomsmen to enter first and stand at the front with the groom, and then for the bridesmaids to walk in alone. The bridal party can then walk out together for the recessional.
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Groomsmen and bridesmaids walking in alone but out together
There are many ways to organise the wedding procession, and there is no one "right" way. The procession is the group of people who walk down the aisle in a specific order to mark the beginning of a wedding ceremony. The procession traditionally includes the wedding party, flower girls, ring bearers, and the bride and groom and their parents.
One option is to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in alone but out together. This means that the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle separately but exit together in pairs. This can be a good option if you want to have photos of each member of the wedding party walking down the aisle, but don't want them to walk alone. It can also be a good option if you have a mix of introverted and extroverted people in your wedding party, as they can support each other when walking out together.
There are a few different ways to organise this. One way is to have the groomsmen walk in first and stand at the front with the groom, and then have the bridesmaids walk in alone and join them. Another option is to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in from opposite sides and meet in the middle, before turning to walk out together.
This style of procession can also be adapted to include other members of the wedding party, such as the best man and maid of honour. For example, they could walk in alone and then out together, or walk out alone while the other members of the wedding party walk out in pairs.
Ultimately, the style of the procession is a personal preference, and there are many ways to make it your own.
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Groomsmen and bridesmaids alternating
There are several ways to organise the wedding procession, and alternating the bridesmaids and groomsmen is a popular choice. This formation is often chosen for its balance, and it can also help bridesmaids who are unsteady in their heels!
In this style of procession, the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle side by side, in pairs. This can be a good option for nervous bridesmaids, as it means they are not walking alone, and it can also be a good choice for couples who want to highlight the relationships between their wedding party.
The procession usually begins with the mother of the bride, who is sometimes accompanied by a family member. The officiant follows, then the groom, who may be escorted by his parents. The best man is next, and he may walk in from the side or alone. The groomsmen and bridesmaids then follow, walking in pairs, before the maid of honour, who walks alone. The flower girl and ring bearer are next, and finally, the bride is escorted by her father.
There are, of course, many variations on this. For example, some couples choose to have the groomsmen enter first and stand at the front, before the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. In some cases, the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in separately and only leave together. The best man and maid of honour may also walk out alone, with the remaining bridesmaids and groomsmen walking out in pairs.
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Groomsmen walking in first, then bridesmaids
There are many ways to organise the wedding procession, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide. However, if you are looking for a traditional approach, the groomsmen typically walk down the aisle first, either after the groom or after the parents. The best man should be last if walking with the groomsmen, or he can walk in from the side with the groom. The bridesmaids then follow, walking down the aisle solo, with the maid of honour last.
If you are looking for a more modern approach, the groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk in pairs, starting with those who will stand the farthest away from the couple. The best man and maid of honour will be the final wedding party members to walk down the aisle.
There are also other options to consider. For example, if you have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, you can pair a groomsman with two bridesmaids. You could also pair them by real-life coupling or friendship, personality, height, or length of friendship.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is up to the couple to decide if they want their groomsmen and bridesmaids to walk together or separately.
Walking with a groomsman can help ease the anxiety of bridesmaids who are uncomfortable with being the centre of attention. It also helps to have an anchor if the bridesmaids are wearing heels and walking on grass.
Some venue coordinators are against having them walk together as the couple might want photographs of their wedding party members individually.
The bridal party can enter in pairs, with the groomsmen already waiting at the front, or with the grooms entering first and the bridesmaids following.
The couple can add grandparents into the processional order, have the groom's mother walk him down the aisle, or mix up the wedding party by alternating bridesmaids and groomsmen.