Down the Aisle: Wedding Processional 101

It’s hard to pick just one favorite part of a wedding ceremony—aside from the kiss, the moment we love most is the bride’s grand entrance and walk down the aisle. But before she takes her first step, there are some pretty important people to kick off the ceremony processional.

{Photo by Munoz Photography}

So, who goes first? Our friends at BRIDES magazine shared their “Ultimate Guide to the Wedding Processional Order” and we just had to pass it along to you. Peek inside their guide…

The Bride’s Mother: The mother of the bride’s entrance signals that the processional is about to begin. Once she reaches the end of the aisle, she takes her seat to the left of the aisle in the first row. (In Jewish ceremonies, she and the bride’s father escort their daughter down the aisle together.)

The Groom: After the mother of the bride takes her seat, the groom will traditionally take his place at the head of the altar (coming in from the side of the venue). However, many couples these days choose to have the groom’s parents escort him down the aisle (then, his parents would sit to the right of the aisle in the front row).

{Photo by Munoz Photography}

The Best Man: The best man either walks in from the side and takes his place at the altar next to the groom, or he can walk in as the last groomsman. He may also hold the bride’s ring (or both rings).

The Groomsmen: The groomsmen open the processional as they walk down the aisle one by one. Some couples also choose to have the groomsmen and bridesmaid walk in together arm-in-arm.

{Photo by Chris Joriann Photography}

The Bridesmaids: During the processional, the bridesmaids walk down the aisle before the maid or matron of honor.

The Maid or Matron of Honor: Before the ceremony, the maid (or matron) of honor assists the bride with her dress, veil, and train, making sure everything looks perfect before she walks down the aisle. She then stands by the bride’s side at the altar and holds her bouquet and sometimes the groom’s ring.

The Flower Girl(s) and Ring Bearer(s): The ring bearer and flower girl precede the bride down the aisle. Traditionally, the ring bearer carries the wedding rings (or decoys, if he’s too little to be trusted with the real things), tied to a small pillow. The flower girl may carry a basket of petals, which she scatters as she walks, or a posy of flowers. After the procession is over and the rings are handed off to the best man, the children’s work is done, and they can be seated with their parents.

{Photo by Alain Martinez Photography}

The Father of the Bride and the Bride: The bride’s father traditionally escorts his daughter down the aisle, standing to her right. After he “gives her away” to the groom, he lifts her veil and kisses her, signifying his blessing, then takes his seat beside the bride’s mother.

{Photo by Christian Oth Studio}