I have had many brides and some grooms, ask me how their processional should be executed and have also shared ideas of their own. They realize that this moment is one of the highlights of their wedding ceremony and want it to be seamless.
In today’s modern society and mixed cultural marriages there are so many different ways to plan your processional. Explained here are traditional and a few non-traditional ideas to ponder.
The Bride’s Mother
As the music begins or the conch shell is blown, that is the signal that the processional is about to begin. The mother of the bride has an escort as she walks in first. The groom many times escorts her unless he chooses to escort his mother when her spouse is not present. She would sit to the left of the aisle in the front row.
In Jewish ceremonies, she and the bride’s father escort their daughter down the aisle together. We have seen many weddings where the bride has been escorted by both parents no matter what their background.
The Groom
The groom will traditionally take his place at the head of the altar or bamboo arbor, after the mother of the bride takes her seat. However, many couples today choose to have the groom’s parents escort him down the aisle. His parents would sit to the right of the aisle in the front row.
The Best Man
The best man either walks in from the side and takes his place at the altar next to the groom (if this is how the groom entered) Or he can walk in as the last groomsman. He may also hold the bride’s ring or both rings.
The Groomsmen
The groomsmen may walk down the aisle one by one or also stand at the alter. Some couples also choose to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together arm-in-arm. With larger wedding parties if time is an issue, having the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in together may be best.
The Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids walk down the aisle one-by-one before the maid or matron of honor or in pairs with the groomsmen as mentioned above.
The Maid or Matron of Honor
The maid of honor or matron of honor (when married) is usually paired with the best man. She then stands by the bride’s side at the altar or bamboo arbor and holds her bouquet and sometimes the groom’s ring. If necessary she may even rearrange the brides train so it looks nice.
The Flower Girl(s) and Ring Bearer(s)
The ring bearer and flower girl precede the bride down the aisle. The ring bearer carries the wedding rings or ring decoys just to be safe especially when having a beach ceremony. Pillows are usually used however couples may choose to use small special boxes or even large shells to keep that Hawaiian theme.
The flower girl traditionally scatters flower petals as she walks. Couples have come up with other creative ideas for the children such as having them carry small signs, ribbon wands and other cute ideas. After the procession is over and the rings are handed off to the best man and the children sit with their parents. You may have several flower girls as in some cultural traditions and several ring bearers.
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 gives her a kiss and shakes the grooms hand, signifying his blessing.
For large wedding parties a rehearsal is always recommended with your wedding planner present and always remember to keep smiling!
