Bridesmaids' Walk Order: Who Goes First?

The order in which bridesmaids walk down the aisle depends on the type of wedding ceremony. In a Christian wedding, bridesmaids usually walk in pairs, or individually if there is an odd number of bridesmaids. In a Jewish wedding, bridesmaids may walk in pairs or individually, and in a civil ceremony, any order can be chosen. In a traditional Christian wedding, the bridesmaids enter the ceremony site from the back, either alone or with the groomsmen, and turn to face the guests when they arrive at the altar. The maid or matron of honour is usually the last of the bride's attendants to walk down the aisle, followed by the ring bearer and flower girl.

Christian Wedding Ceremony Processional Order

The processional order for a Christian wedding ceremony can vary depending on the specific denomination and the couple's preferences. Here is a general outline of the Christian Wedding Ceremony Processional Order:

Seating of the Guests

The guests are usually seated at the start of the ceremony, and the mother of the bride's entrance signals that the processional is about to begin.

Seating of the Grandparents

It is optional for the grandparents of the couple to formally walk down the aisle and be seated. If they choose to participate, the groom's grandparents enter and take their seats first, followed by the bride's grandparents.

Seating of the Groom's Parents

Like the grandparents, it is also optional for the groom's parents to walk down the aisle. If they decide to participate, they are seated after the grandparents and before the mother of the bride.

Seating of the Mother of the Bride

The mother of the bride is typically the last person to be seated before the processional begins. She may be escorted by a family member or a groomsman if she is alone.

Entrance of the Officiant, Groom, and Best Man

After all the formal seating, the officiant, groom, and best man make their way to the altar. They can either enter from the side of the venue or walk down the aisle together.

Entrance of the Groomsmen and Bridesmaids

The groomsmen and bridesmaids may walk down the aisle in pairs or individually if there is an odd number. In traditional processions, the groomsmen walk before or alongside the bridesmaids.

Entrance of the Maid/Matron of Honor

The maid or matron of honor follows the groomsmen and bridesmaids, walking down the aisle alone.

Entrance of the Ring Bearer and Flower Girl

The ring bearer and flower girl, who are usually young children, can walk together or separately, with the ring bearer entering before the flower girl.

Entrance of the Bride and Father of the Bride

Finally, the bride makes her entrance, escorted traditionally by her father on her right side. Alternatively, she may be accompanied by both parents or another close family member.

Beginning of the Ceremony

Once the bride reaches the altar, the wedding ceremony officially begins. The bride stands on the left, and the groom stands on the right, facing the officiant. The wedding party lines up behind them, with the best man and maid of honor standing closest to the couple.

Jewish Wedding Ceremony Processional Order

The processional order for a Jewish wedding ceremony will vary depending on how religious the couple is and local practices. However, the following is a general outline of the procession order.

The wedding party enters in this order:

• Rabbi and/or cantor (stands beneath the chuppah in the centre)
• Bride's grandparents (seated in the first row on the right side)
• Groom's grandparents (seated in the first row on the left side)
• Groomsmen (in pairs)
• Best man
• Groom, escorted by his parents (father on his left, mother on his right)
• Bridesmaids (individually or in pairs, starting with those standing farthest from the bride)
• Maid/Matron of Honor
• Ring bearer and/or flower girl
• Bride, escorted by her parents (father on her right, mother on her left)

Recessional Order

Following the ceremony, the procession is reversed, and the men in the wedding party escort the women:

• Bride's grandparents
• Groom's grandparents
• Ring bearer and flower girl (optional)
• Honor attendants (maid/matron of honor and best man)
• Bridesmaids and groomsmen

Civil Ceremony Wedding Processional Order

The order of a civil ceremony wedding processional is flexible and can be customised to the couple's preferences. However, here is a general guide to a traditional wedding ceremony processional order:

The Processional

The processional marks the beginning of the wedding ceremony and involves a group of people walking down the aisle in a specific order. The processional often includes the wedding party, flower girls, ring bearers, and the bride and groom, along with their parents.

The Order

• The bride's mother
• The groomsmen (if not walking with the bridesmaids)
• The bridesmaids (and possibly groomsmen, walking in pairs)
• The flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s)
• The father of the bride and the bride

Variations

There are many variations and alternatives to this traditional order. For example, the groom and his groomsmen can already be at the altar before the processional starts, or they can walk down the aisle. The best man can walk in from the side and take his place at the altar or walk in as the last groomsman.

The bridesmaids and groomsmen can walk in together in pairs, and the bride can be escorted by her father, mother, or both, or she may decide to walk alone.

Final Thoughts

Remember, this is your wedding, so feel free to customise the processional order as you see fit. The most important thing is that the ceremony feels right for you and your partner.

Same-Sex and LGBTQ+ Wedding Processional Order

The processional order for same-sex and LGBTQ+ weddings is flexible and can be tailored to the preferences of the couple. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan the processional order for such weddings:

• Officiant: The ceremony usually begins with the officiant walking down the aisle or entering from the side to take their place at the altar. This sets the tone for the processional.
• Couple's Parents: The parents of the couple can follow the officiant, with one partner's parents going first and the other's following. This is a meaningful way to include both families in the celebration.
• Wedding Party: Friends and loved ones can walk down the aisle in pairs or individually and take their places on either side of the altar or in their seats. This can include bridesmaids, groomsmen, bridesmen, or groomsmaids.
• Flower Girl and Ring Bearer: If there is a flower girl and ring bearer, they are typically the last ones to walk down the aisle before the couple. They can carry the rings and flower petals, adding a touch of charm to the ceremony.
• Couple's Entrance: Finally, the couple can choose to walk down the aisle together or individually before meeting at the altar, marking the start of their ceremony. They can be escorted by their parents or choose to walk alone. This moment symbolizes their unity and the beginning of their journey as a married couple.

It's important to remember that there are no rules when it comes to the processional order for same-sex and LGBTQ+ weddings. Couples can choose to follow religious or traditional orders or create their own based on their personal preferences. The key is to make it meaningful and reflective of their relationship.

Military Wedding Processional Order

Military weddings can be civil or religious ceremonies, so the processional order will vary. The only difference between a military wedding and other types of weddings is that, during the recessional, the newly married couple will retreat under an arch of drawn swords.

• Officiant: The officiant stands at the altar to signal the beginning of the processional. They may enter from the side of the venue or walk down the aisle first.
• Groom and best man: The groom and best man enter from a side door and stand at the altar.
• Groomsmen and bridesmaids: The groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in pairs, with the people standing farthest from the couple entering first. If there is an odd number, they can walk in groups of three.
• Maid or matron of honour: The maid or matron of honour walks alone after the groomsmen and bridesmaids.
• Ring bearer and flower girl: The ring bearer and flower girl can walk together or separately, with the ring bearer entering before the flower girl. They can sit with their parents after walking down the aisle.
• Bride and father of the bride: The bride and her father are the last to enter the ceremony space. The bride may also be escorted by her mother, both parents, or another loved one.

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