The Processional - the grand walk down the aisle. Sure we are just having friends and family enter the wedding ceremony and take their places…what’s the big deal? This is a big deal! This is a small detail of your wedding waiting to be elevated to really draw out the emotional connection to your guests and speak volumes with just a walk.
Let’s break down the different parts of entering the ceremony and where it’s nice to buck tradition and make it your own.
Pre Processional
During this moment, all guests have found their seat and are awaiting for the wedding to start. Typically, this is where you are able to insert those who you’d like to honor by having them walk down the aisle to take their seat, instead of being seated by an usher in the front two rows. We don’t suggest sending everyone down the aisle, but taking a look at how you can involve those who have a big part in your life is a nice nod to those individuals.
For example, if you are trying to think of a nice way to honor and include the mother of the groom, maybe she can walk down with the groom, and he can then seat her in the front row to start the beginning of the ceremony. Another wedding planner tip would be sending down those grandparents who had made the long trip to the wedding, or a person that is representing someone that just passed that should have been in the wedding.
The Processional
I give this little speech during a lot of my consultations with our couples. I would say 9 times out of 10, when going over the walking order of the bridal party, I see them paired up. Traditionally, this was actually only done in a Catholic wedding. And if this is what we are going for, great! But, if we are talking secular, the symbolism of the groom (or partner #1) walking first and then his/their groomsmen/groomswomen all walking down single file represents that single part of the bridegroom’s life and those who have supported them up to this very moment. Now, when the bride (or partner #2) walks down after her/their entourage, that is representing her/their single life leading up to the moment of meeting their beloved at the altar. When the ceremony concludes, everyone recedes back down the aisle, after the couple, now paired up and together symbolizing the two lives have joined. It certainly might not be for everyone, but it is something to maybe consider. Our take on entering the ceremony is, traditional processionals have their place in every wedding.
How many on each side?
This brings us to another element of the processional, and also bleeds into the ceremony of how many on each side and who? This is reserved for you and you alone to decide on. It is not a popularity contest; this is for those who you want to stand up there in support of your union. We have seen up to 11 on each side, and down to no bridal party at all. If one side has 3 and the other side has 5, it still works! Don’t worry so much on numbers but take time to think about who you want up there. This is not a small ask of your friends, and with that it should be reserved for those who can take it on financially, and who have the time to devote to it and to you.
Prelude music cues
With all that - here is a sample Pre-Processional and Processional mock up … after we’ve helped out. (Wink)
Pre- Processional
Officiant walks
Groom Walks with his mom
Grooms dad and little sister walk
Grandma Rae and Grandpa Joe walk (Flew in from Ireland to be here)
Grandma Betty and Uncle Eric walk (Grandpa Melvin passed 9 months ago, Uncle Eric, their son to honor in his place) * Maybe Eric could be holding a picture of Grandpa Melvin
Processional
Groomsmen/ Groomsmaids enter, each one following the other and greeting the groom as they arrive and line up at the altar
Flowerboy and ring girl enter (Doesn’t need to be children)
Bridesmen/Bridesmaids glide onto the aisle, slow and purposeful
Bride steps out onto the aisle, Mom and Dad come from behind and link arms with her to escort her down the aisle to her husband/wife to be.
It’s a lot to think about, but it really can have such an impact on your day and memories! Check back for more blogs about the latest wedding conundrums, and how we navigate through them to make it your day!
—Christina
All photo credit to Something Minted Photography
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