The History Behind Wedding Parties Walking Together

There are many ways to organise a wedding party's entrance, and it is ultimately up to the couple getting married to decide how they want to do it. The groomsmen and bridesmaids may walk down the aisle together, or the groomsmen may enter first and stand at the front with the groom, or the groomsmen and bridesmaids may walk in separately and exit together. The groomsmen could even act as ushers. It is common for the bridesmaids to be escorted in by groomsmen, but it is also common for the groomsmen to already be set up at the start.

It's tradition

The order of the wedding processional directly relates to the early purposes of the bridal party. The first members that walk down the aisle hold a position of honour and mark the beginning of the ceremony. After those people take their places, the best man and the groomsmen traditionally walk down the aisle, protecting the groom. Then the bridesmaids make their way down the aisle, followed by the maid of honour. Following tradition, the bridesmaids are intended to protect the bride from evil or harm before her walk. Once they are at the end of the aisle, the bride then begins her walk, traditionally accompanied by her father, who gives her away to her new husband.

The wedding processional refers to the group of people walking down the aisle in a specific order to mark the beginning of a wedding ceremony. The processional often includes a permutation of the officiant, the wedding party, flower girls, ring bearers, and the bride and groom and their parents.

There are several ways to organise the bridal party's entrance. The first way is to have the groom walk down first with his parents and stand at the front. Then the groomsmen and bridesmaids come down in pairs and split off at the front. The second way is for all the groomsmen to enter first, walking around the sides of the ceremony and then stand at the front. Then the bridesmaids walk down one by one. A third way is for the guys to walk down the aisle one by one, followed by the bridesmaids. The last way is only common in churches. The groomsmen enter and stand in reverse order at the front of the church. 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, often bowing before going into the pews. This pattern continues until the groom is the only one left at the front. This option only works well when there are pews or seats for the bridal party to sit in.

To make the bridal party feel more comfortable

There are many reasons why bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle together, and one of the most important is to make the bridal party feel more comfortable. Walking down the aisle can be a nerve-wracking experience, and having a partner to walk with can help ease those nerves. This is especially true for introverted or socially anxious individuals who may feel uncomfortable being the sole focus of attention.

Pairing up also provides a sense of balance, both literally and figuratively. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing heels, having a groomsman to steady them can prevent trips or falls. In addition, walking with a partner can make the bridal party feel more relaxed and at ease, allowing them to focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about their gait or how much to smile.

Furthermore, walking in pairs can create a sense of unity and camaraderie among the bridal party. They can support and encourage each other, making the experience more enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved. This can also help to foster a sense of inclusion, ensuring that no one feels left out or isolated during the procession.

Finally, having bridesmaids and groomsmen walk together can add a touch of elegance and symmetry to the ceremony. From a visual perspective, pairs create a balanced and harmonious image, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the wedding. This can also make it easier for photographers to capture beautiful moments and create stunning compositions in their photographs.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to have bridesmaids and groomsmen walk together or separately is a matter of personal preference. However, opting for pairs can be a thoughtful way to ensure the bridal party feels comfortable, supported, and relaxed during the wedding ceremony.

To make the walk more exciting

While the tradition of having bridesmaids and groomsmen walk together may have stemmed from more practical reasons, there are ways to make this wedding custom more fun and exciting. Here are some ideas to add a unique twist to the processional:

• Mix up the pairings: Instead of having a bridesmaid walk with a groomsman, get creative by mixing up the wedding party pairings. For instance, pair the maid of honour with the best man, or let the bridesmaids walk with the ushers. This unexpected twist will keep guests guessing and add a layer of excitement to the processional.
• Incorporate props: Add some fun and surprise to the walk by incorporating props. This could be anything from colourful balloons, funny masks, or even light-up signs. For instance, the groomsmen could carry personalised banners with funny quotes or inside jokes that pertain to the couple. This will definitely make the walk more memorable and entertaining for both the wedding party and the guests.
• Choreograph a dance: Instead of a traditional walk down the aisle, why not choreograph a fun dance routine? This can be as simple or elaborate as the wedding party is comfortable with. It could be set to a medley of the couple's favourite songs, or even include a fun costume change halfway through. Imagine the surprise of the guests as the bridal party breaks into a synchronised dance!
• Include interactive elements: Engage the guests by including interactive elements during the processional. For example, the bridesmaids and groomsmen could hand out small gifts or favours to the guests as they walk down the aisle. Alternatively, they could involve the guests in a simple, fun activity, such as a quick game or a wave of colourful pom-poms to cheer the couple on.
• Personalise the walk with themes: The bridesmaids and groomsmen can embrace specific themes that reflect the interests and personalities of the couple. For instance, if the couple adores a particular movie franchise, the wedding party could incorporate elements of that theme into their walk, be it dressing up as characters or playing the iconic soundtrack. This will not only make the walk more exciting but also infuse it with more personal significance.

By implementing these ideas, the walk of the bridesmaids and groomsmen will undoubtedly become a memorable and enjoyable part of the wedding celebration, adding a unique twist to this long-standing tradition.

To make the procession shorter

There are many ways to organise the procession at a wedding, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide what they prefer. However, one reason bridesmaids and groomsmen walk together is to make the procession shorter.

Having the bridal party walk in pairs can make the ceremony more efficient and reduce the time spent on the procession. This is especially true if there are a large number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Walking in pairs can also make the procession feel less awkward for those involved, as they are not walking alone.

One couple chose to have their bridal party walk in pairs to avoid having eight people process down the aisle individually, which they felt would be "long and unnecessary and possibly boring" for their guests to watch. Another couple chose to have their bridal party walk in pairs because the bridesmaids were not used to wearing heels and were walking on grass.

While some people prefer to have individual photos of each member of the bridal party, others feel that it is unnecessary and that it is more important to have photos of pairs walking down the aisle together.

To get better photos

There are several reasons why bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle together, and one of them is to get better photos. Here are some insights from various sources:

Getting Clear Photos of Each Pair

One wedding photographer shared that they prefer when groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle together because they can get a clear photo of each pair. They explained that when the groomsmen enter first and stand at the front, they often don't get great shots of them and only capture good photos of the bridesmaids. By pairing up, photographers can capture each couple walking down the aisle together, resulting in more balanced and aesthetically pleasing images.

More Photo Opportunities for the Groomsmen

In a discussion about wedding processionals, one person commented that having the groomsmen walk down the aisle with the bridesmaids can provide more photo opportunities for the groomsmen. They suggested that walking in one by one or with a partner can result in more photos of the groomsmen entering the ceremony space.

Efficiency and Practicality

Some people also consider the efficiency and practicality of having the wedding party walk in pairs. For example, one person with four bridesmaids and four groomsmen thought it would be unnecessary and possibly boring for guests to watch eight people walk down the aisle individually. They also questioned the importance of having photos of each person alone and felt it looked better and was more efficient to have them walk in pairs.

Overcoming Awkwardness

Walking down the aisle can be intimidating, and some people feel more comfortable having a partner. One bridesmaid shared that she prefers walking with a groomsman because she feels more awkward walking alone. Another person agreed, mentioning that walking solo can be awkward, as you wonder how much to smile, where to look, and worry about tripping in heels. Having a groomsman as an anchor can provide balance and support, especially if the bridesmaids are not used to wearing heels.

Customization and Personal Preference

Ultimately, the decision to have bridesmaids and groomsmen walk together or separately is a matter of personal preference and customization. Some people prioritize getting individual photos of their wedding party, while others opt for the efficiency and aesthetics of pairs. It's important to do what feels right for you and your wedding party, whether that's walking in separately, together, or a mix of both.

Frequently asked questions