If you're planning your wedding, we know you don't need us to remind you about all the details and wedding etiquette you will want to keep in mind leading up to the big day. In the first place, the wedding procession is the group of people walking down the aisle during the wedding ceremony. Additionally to the bride and groom, other people participate in the ceremony, including the parents and grandparents, the officiant, and the wedding party. Our Wedding Planner NJ has outlined a suggested wedding procession order, which you may vary depending on your religion or traditions. Of course, it's your wedding, and you can ultimately create your wedding procession order if you choose.
Suggested Wedding Procession Order
1.
Officiant
As soon as your officiant approaches the altar, the ceremony begins.
Grandparents
Next, the couple's grandparents usually walk down the aisle and take their seats in the front row.
Parents
If your wedding preference dictates that the groom's family sit on the right side and the bride's family sit on the left side, then the groom's family may sit on the right side, and the bride's family may sit on the left side after the grandparents.
4. Mother of the Bride
If the bride has a mother, she will be the next person in the procession. The bride is usually escorted down the aisle by someone.
Groom
It's now time for the bridegroom to make his way into the church. Sometimes he walks alone, but he can march with his groomsmen in tow.
Wedding Party
The bridesmaids and groomsmen will follow. It is common for them to partner up and walk down the aisle together. During the wedding party procession, the best man and maid or matron of honor will be the last two lines up, taking their places closest to the altar.
Ring Bearer
The ring bearer is the next member in the wedding procession to walk down the aisle. Depending on his age, he can either stand with the groomsmen or sit with his family members.
8.
Flower Girl
The flower girl rounds out the wedding procession right before the bride enters. She will scatter flower petals and make her way to the wedding party at the altar or her family in the crowd.
Bride
Finally, the moment everyone has been waiting. The bride, and a chosen escort, will march toward the altar. Traditionally, the groom's father walks the bride down the aisle, but it's entirely up to the bride who she chooses. Some ask a brother, grandfather, or even son or daughter to do the honors.
Summary
Be sure to start thinking about how everyone will enter the ceremony and take their places as soon as you've drafted the order of events with the help of a Wedding Planner NJ for your wedding ceremony. It marks the start of the ceremony and is a highly anticipated moment, so it's essential to get the wedding processional order down.