Bridesmaids' Seating Arrangement: Where Should They Sit In Church?

The seating arrangement for bridesmaids during a wedding ceremony depends on various factors such as the type of ceremony and the couple's preferences. In traditional Christian heterosexual weddings, the bridesmaids usually form rows next to the bride and remain standing throughout the ceremony. However, in Catholic ceremonies, it is common for the bridal party, including the bridesmaids, to sit in the front pew or row during certain parts of the mass. In the UK, it is customary for bridesmaids to sit in the first row on the left side of the bride, while in the US, bridesmaids often stand with the bride during the ceremony. Ultimately, the couple can decide to follow traditions or create their own unique seating arrangement for the bridal party.

Bridesmaids sitting during the ceremony

There are several options for where bridesmaids can sit during the ceremony, and it can depend on the type of ceremony you are having, the length of the ceremony, and the cultural or religious traditions you are following.

In the UK, it is traditional for bridesmaids to sit in the first row, on the left side of the bride. In the US, bridesmaids typically stand next to the bride and groom during the ceremony, and only sit during certain parts of the event, such as during readings or mass in a Catholic ceremony.

If you are having a long ceremony, it is a good idea to have a space for your bridesmaids to sit, and you may want to reserve seats for them in the front row or at the sides. Alternatively, you could have everyone seated for the ceremony, with the bridal party sitting in the second row, or on low stools at the front so as not to block anyone's view.

If you are having a religious ceremony, it is worth checking with the officiant to see if there are any traditions or protocols to follow regarding where the bridal party should sit. For example, in a Catholic ceremony, the bridal party usually sits in the front pew, and will stand, sit and kneel at various points throughout the service.

If you are having a non-religious ceremony, you have more flexibility and can get creative with your seating arrangements. For instance, you could have chairs arranged in a semicircle or horseshoe shape, or in a spiral for a more intimate wedding.

Where do bridesmaids fit in?

The wedding processional is when the festivities officially begin, with the groom (typically with the best man) and officiant taking their places at the altar, and the music starting to play to announce the bride's entrance. The processional also includes the rest of the wedding party, such as the immediate families of the couple, bridesmaids, maid of honour, best man (if he wasn't already present), flower girls, and page boys.

The placement of bridesmaids in the procession differs slightly between the UK and the US, despite otherwise similar wedding cultures. In the UK, the bridesmaids, flower girls, and page boys get into position behind the bride in pairs, usually with the youngest at the back. Once they reach the front, the bridesmaids sit on the left side of the bride, in the first row.

In the US, the bridesmaids, flower girls, and page boys walk down the aisle first, and the bride makes her grand entrance last. The bridesmaids also stand throughout the ceremony, instead of sitting, to symbolise their supportive role.

However, this is not set in stone, and you can adapt the processional to your liking. For example, you could skip the processional entirely and have everyone enter through the side, or follow the American style mentioned above. It's your day, so feel free to be creative!

Seating arrangements

In a traditional Christian heterosexual wedding, the bride's parents sit in the first row on the left side of the aisle, while the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right. In a Jewish wedding, this is flipped, with the bride's family on the right and the groom's on the left. In some Jewish Orthodox and Muslim ceremonies, attendees are divided by gender.

Close family members who are not in the wedding party will usually sit in the second or third row. However, if the wedding party is not standing, they will sit in the second row, or the first if the venue allows.

Creative ways to seat bridesmaids

While traditionally, bridesmaids and the rest of the bridal party remain standing throughout the ceremony, there are many creative ways to seat your bridesmaids during your wedding. Here are some ideas to consider:

Circular Ceremony Seating

If you're having a non-religious ceremony, consider arranging the seating in a circle around the wedding canopy. This creates a warmer and more intimate setting, allowing all guests to have a better view of the bridal party as they make their entrance.

Lounge-Style Seating

Replicate the vibe of a chic urban hotspot with lounge-style seating featuring couches and pods with coffee tables. This encourages a more relaxed atmosphere and can be easily achieved through your venue or a rental company.

Vignette Seating

Vignette seating creates several intimate areas for your guests by using rectangular and square tables to form unique "vignettes" or scenes. This style can include banquette seating with chairs on one side and booth-style or bench seating on the other.

Cocktail Party Seating

For a more laid-back reception, consider a cocktail party-style setup without assigned seating to encourage guests to mingle. Provide high tables and stools for those who may prefer to sit, but keep in mind that this may not be the most comfortable option for elderly guests.

Family-Style Seating

Instead of round or square tables, opt for long tables that can seat a larger number of guests. This style creates a stylized and flexible look, working well for both intimate outdoor weddings and grand ballroom receptions.

Intimate Inner Circles

For smaller gatherings, create an inner circle of friends and loved ones to foster a sense of equal participation. Choose from a variety of chair types, such as chic wooden folding chairs for a rustic touch.

Seating Around a Focal Attraction

Design your seating plan around a focal point like a floral display, a fountain, or a special couch for the bride and groom to take photos. You can even hire companies to create a floral wall or an ice sculpture for a unique backdrop.

Stadium-Style Seating

Arrange the seating in a stadium or Colosseum style to give your guests a better view and make them feel involved. This is especially effective for larger weddings, ensuring that even those at the back feel included.

Laid-Back Beach Style

For a beach wedding, create a semi-casual and relaxed atmosphere with cross-back benches, chairs, or folding chairs. Add textured cushions and rugs to enhance the comfort and encourage conversation among your guests.

Double Arch Design

A double arch format creates a clear path for the bridal party and looks stunning in photos, especially with an outdoor wedding. Reserve aisle seats for important guests, and feel free to mix and match different chair styles.

Variety is the Spice of Life

For a truly unique look, deliberately mismatch different chair styles and add loveseats, single-seater couches, and benches. Decorate with cushions, rugs, flowers, and twinkle lights to create a fun and light-hearted atmosphere.

Walking down the aisle

The Processional

The processional is when the bridal party walks down the aisle to take their places at the altar. In the UK, the bride is accompanied by an usher on her right and holds her bouquet in her left hand, with bridesmaids, flower girls and page boys following in pairs behind her. In the US, the bridal party often walks down the aisle first, and the bride makes a grand entrance last.

Seating Arrangements

Traditionally, the bridal party stands next to the couple for the duration of the ceremony. However, in the UK, it is customary for bridesmaids to sit in the first row on the left side of the bride. For longer ceremonies or Catholic weddings, it is common to have a "VIP" row in the front for the bridal party to sit, as they may stand, sit and kneel at various points.

Creative Ideas

For a unique twist, the bridal party can enter in different ways. One option is for the groomsmen to enter first and stand at the front, followed by the bridesmaids walking down one by one. Another idea is for the groomsmen and bridesmaids to enter in pairs and split off at the front. A third option, often seen in churches, is for the groomsmen to stand in reverse order at the front, and as the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, the next groomsman in line meets the first bridesmaid, and they link arms and walk to the front together.

Practical Considerations

It is important to consider the comfort of the bridal party and guests when planning the processional and seating arrangements. For example, providing comfortable seating options and ensuring that tall decorations do not obstruct anyone's view. Additionally, it is a good idea to reserve seats for the bridal party and other VIPs, such as parents and grandparents, in the front rows.

Catholic ceremony and bridal party

For Catholic ceremonies, it is traditional for the bridal party to sit in the front row, with the maid of honour and best man sitting in the row behind the couple. The bridal party will usually follow the same sitting, standing and kneeling routine as the rest of the congregation during the mass. However, there may be times when they stand while the other guests are seated. The maid of honour may move around to help the bride with her bouquet, train, etc.

In some Catholic ceremonies, the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle in pairs, while in others, the groomsmen are already at the altar with the groom and the bridesmaids walk down one by one and then leave in pairs. The bridal party usually sits in the first row, just in front of the parents and grandparents. However, this may vary depending on the number of people in the bridal party and the number of seats available.

The bridal party may also be asked to stand next to the couple during the vows as a sign of support. It is important to plan ahead and decide on the logistics of the seating arrangements, especially if there are uneven numbers on each side of the bridal party.

Frequently asked questions