Wedding Processional

From LoveToKnow Weddings

The wedding processional is a key element of the wedding ceremony, and understanding the correct order for attendants and what music is suitable for that long walk down the aisle can help couples plan a flawless wedding day.

How should the bridal party walk down the aisle?

Point of the Processional

The processional of the wedding party is the part of the ceremony where they solemnly take their places before the wedding vows begin. This builds anticipation for the rest of the ceremony and sets the mood for the entire wedding event. All of the attendants typically take part in the processional, though the exact order and length of the lineup may vary.

Correct Order of a Wedding Processional

The exact order of the processional often varies depending on a couple’s religion, their personal preferences, and the formality of the wedding. To ensure a proper processional, the couple should always consult their priest or wedding officiant before finalizing how attendants will walk down the aisle.

After all the wedding guests are seated, the mother of the groom and the mother of the bride are seated and the wedding ceremony is about to begin. The basic order of a typical processional is as follows:

  • The officiant and groom enter the ceremony area, typically from the side or front, and take their places.
  • The groomsmen enter the area, either by walking down the aisle or more commonly from the front, taking their places near the groom. The best man should be closest to the groom.
  • The bridesmaids walk down the aisle to a slow and stately tempo, beginning with the attendant who will be furthest from the bride. The maid of honor should be the last bridesmaid down the aisle.
  • The ring bearer and flower girl are next down the aisle. They may walk together, or if they will walk separately, the ring bearer will be first, followed by the flower girl.
  • The bride is the last person to walk down the aisle. She may walk alone, though many brides choose to be escorted by their father, grandfather, brother, parents, or another significant individual. After the bride has reached the altar, her escort may raise her veil if desired, or they may respond to the officiant’s question of “who gives this woman” if it will be part of the wedding vows. Once the escort is seated, the primary part of the ceremony can begin.
The bride walks down the aisle last.

Processional Music

The wedding processional music helps set the mood for the ceremony. Instrumental background music is often used while the guests are being seated, with a more solemn piece played while the mothers take their seats. In general, one piece of music is play while the attendants arrive, with another piece played to signify the arrival of the bride. Popular choices for the bride’s walk include Canon in D, the Wedding March, Ode to Joy, and Ave Maria, but couples can choose any music that suits the mood and tone of their wedding. If couples are to be married in a church or temple, however, music selections may need to be approved by their officiant prior to the wedding.

Tips for Your Processional

The processional may only last a few minutes, but it can seem much longer for an anxious, nervous couple. To make the most of your processional, remember…

  • Timing: Keep attendants spaced out by approximately three seconds for the proper solemnity and timing, building anticipation as everyone arrives.
  • Photos: Many guests will be taking photos during the processional, as well as the professional wedding photographer. Be sure to keep your posture in good form, and smile appropriately.
  • Shoes: Choose suitable shoes for what may seem like a very long walk down the aisle. Be sure they will not slip and that they will provide secure footing for every step. Similarly, be sure your dress is hemmed to the proper length so it will not be an obstacle for these important steps.
  • Breathe: It is very common for brides to be nervous when all eyes turn to them as they walk down the aisle. Take deep, steady breaths to remain calm and collected without feeling faint or unwell.
  • Eye Contact: You will want to remember every moment of this walk, and one of those cherished moments is when your fiancé sees you for the first time. Make eye contact with him, as well as with other significant people who are witnessing the ceremony, such as parents and your closest friends.

The wedding processional marks the beginning of a couple’s most sacred wedding moments, and planning a proper processional ensures that this walk is a flawless one.

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Comments

Beth - Ideally, the two of you would walk together unless he is the best man and you are a regular bridesmaid; the maid of honor would walk with him in that position, or vice versa if you were maid of honor. If you're just "regular" attendants you should walk together, and you can talk to you brother about his (or his fiance's) reasons for not having you walk together. Some couples choose to have attendants line up by height, for example, which may be the reason for the change. All told, you can ask why but remember the ceremony will last only 20-30 minutes or so and the walking even less; as long as you can be with your husband at the reception and dancing, it may not be worth being upset about the order of the processional. Best wishes!

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

My husband and I are both in my brother's wedding as bridesmaid & groomsman but we are not currently "scheduled" to walk down the aisle to gether. Is there some ettiquette reason for this or what? I'd like to walk down with my husband and not some other guy. Just wondering.

-- Contributed by: Beth

The bridesmaids should take whichever arm of the groomsmen is suitable relative to where they will stand during the ceremony, which is on the same side as the bride. A bride is customarily on the groom's left (so his right hand would be free to defend her in medieval times), so the bridesmaids would also be on the left, but if the order is reversed for everyone it's not a grave breach of propriety, so long as it's consistent.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz
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