Here comes the bride…. and everyone else too!
We often think of the much anticipated moment the blushing bride walks down the aisle, but there are a few notable members of the wedding party that build up the excitement for her grand entrance. These VIPs all play an important part, so it’s not a bad idea to get them organized for their role in the day’s most awaited event.
We’ve broken down the traditional wedding processional so you can have everyone prepped, ready, and well rehearsed for their walk down the aisle.
Mother of the Bride
The mother of the bride enters first, signalling the start of the professional. Once she reaches the end of the aisle, she sits to the left in the front row.
The Groom
Following the mother of the bride, the groom would traditionally enter and take is position at the head of the altar. He would usually enter from the side of the venue, however; many couples have updated this tradition by having the groom escorted down the aisle by both of his parents.
The Best Man
The Best Man can either enter next and take his side by the groom or enter as the last groomsmen. The best man may also have the responsibility of holding the bride’s ring or both rings in addition to making sure the groom makes it to the ceremony on time.
The Groomsmen
The groomsmen would then open the processional for the rest of the wedding party as they walk down the aisle one by one. Some couple may also choose to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids enter in pairs.
The Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids would then follow, walking down the aisle before the maid of honour.
The Maid of Honour
The maid of honour has the responsibility of assisting the bride with her dress, veil, train, making sure she is prepped and ready to walk down the aisle. She stands next to the bride at the altar and would hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony and sometimes the groom’s ring.
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
The flower girl and ring bearer are the last to enter before the bride. In many ceremonies, the flower girl would walk down the aisle with a basket of flower petals scattering them as she proceeds down the aisle. The ring bearer, as the name says, would traditionally carry the rings down to handing them off to the best man. In some cases, the ring bearer may be too small to be trusted with the actual rings so may just carry a pillow or decoy rings down the aisle.
Father of the Bride and the Bride
Of course, the last and most exciting part of the wedding march is the gorgeous bride. The bride is traditionally escorted down by her father who then “gives her away” to the groom. He would then lift her veil and kiss her, shake the groom’s hand and give the couple his blessing before taking his seat next to the bride’s mother signalling the start of the wedding ceremony.
The Bride and Groom Leave
Following the ceremony, the bride and groom leave together down the aisle as husband and wife.
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen leave in pairs
The bridesmaids and groomsmen follow shortly after, leaving in pairs and officially ending the wedding ceremony.
Feature Image: Click Away Photography via Style Me Pretty
