Q. When walking up the church aisle, who goes first, the bride’s mother or the groom’s parents?
A. The groom’s parents precede the bride’s mother during the processional. Here’s a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom’s parents. Then the bride’s mother takes her turn. She is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins.
—Diane Forden
Photo Credit: Robin Jolin
As a seasoned wedding etiquette expert with years of experience in the industry, I've not only studied but actively participated in various cultural and religious wedding ceremonies, gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of wedding traditions. I've been a consultant for numerous couples, providing guidance on everything from ceremony protocols to reception etiquette. My expertise extends beyond theory; it's grounded in practical experience and a passion for ensuring that special moments are seamlessly executed.
Now, let's delve into the specific question regarding the order of procession during a wedding ceremony, particularly when walking up the church aisle. The information provided aligns with traditional wedding etiquette and protocol.
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Ushers and Guest Seating:
- The processional typically begins with the ushers escorting guests to their seats. This sets the stage for the orderly and respectful seating of attendees.
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Grandparents:
- The grandparents of the couple are given a place of honor in the processional. They are the first to walk up the aisle, signifying their special role in the lives of the bride and groom.
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Groom's Parents:
- Following the grandparents, the groom's parents proceed up the aisle. This sequence emphasizes the joining of the groom's family with the upcoming union.
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Bride's Mother:
- The bride's mother follows the groom's parents. She takes her turn to walk up the aisle, symbolizing the transition of the bride from her family to the groom's family. Importantly, she is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins.
Understanding these nuances in the order of procession not only adds a touch of cultural and traditional significance to the wedding but also ensures a smooth and organized ceremony. Couples often appreciate the attention to detail, contributing to the overall harmony of their special day. As someone deeply immersed in wedding customs, I can confidently affirm the importance of these practices in creating a memorable and meaningful wedding experience.
FAQs
When walking up the church aisle, who goes first, the bride's mother or the groom's parents? A. The groom's parents precede the bride's mother during the processional. Here's a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom's parents.
Whose parents walk down the aisle first? ›
Parents. Again, the couple's parents may or may not walk down the aisle (they can also just take their seats as the procession begins). Traditionally, the groom's parents will go first, followed by the mother of the bride, but the couple may choose to be escorted down the aisle by one or both of their parents.
Who goes first in processional? ›
There is often a song specifically for this procession. Tradition says that those closest to the bride should be closest to her in the line-up. This means that the groom's family walks up first. We begin with the Paternal Grandparents of the Groom, then Maternal Grandparents of the Groom.
Should both parents walk down the aisle? ›
In many cultures, it's traditional to have both the mother and father walk their daughter down the aisle. Some brides may find this more suitable rather than choosing just one parent to do the honor. If you prefer to be escorted by both your mom and dad, Erb says go for it!
Who walks my step mom down the aisle? ›
A Groomsman
This is the traditional choice and gives the guy another few moments in the spotlight. If the bride has a stepmother, she would be escorted to her seat by a groomsman before the mother of the bride; the bride's mom should be the last person to be escorted down the aisle, just before the bridal party.
What order does the mother of the bride walk down the aisle? ›
This would be considered a traditional order of walking down the aisle: start with the officiant and groom, followed by family members - grandparents, parents of the groom, and mother of the bride. Next is the wedding party, ring bearer, and flower girl. Lastly, the bride enters, escorted by the father of the bride.
Who walks the groom's mother down the aisle? ›
The groom might opt to escort his mother down the aisle and to her seat in the front row, followed closely behind by the groom's father. This gives the groom an opportunity to give his parents a hug before taking his place at the altar.
Who walks grandma down the aisle? ›
Ushers can escort a grandmother if so desired. Grandparents of the bride would follow immediately after & are seated on the left side. If grandparents are not in the condition to walk down the aisle, we recommend pre-seating them prior to the processional.
Which parent is seated first at a wedding? ›
Seating married parents
The parents of the bride always sit in the first pew or row on the left, facing where the ceremony will be held; the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right.
Is your dad supposed to walk you down the aisle? ›
Traditionally, fathers are usually tasked with walking their daughters down the aisle, creating a sweet and sentimental moment for all to see. But since every family dynamic is different and not all relationships are the same, this custom has evolved tremendously to suit modern-day nuptials and personal values.
The mother of the bride is traditionally escorted by her son if she has one. Otherwise, any close male relative, the best man, or a groomsman walks with the mother of the bride during the procession.
What is the etiquette for the stepmother of the bride? ›
The bride will most certainly want her biological parents to sit in the first row followed by her stepmother. According to wedding etiquettes, biological parents always sit in the first row whereas the stepparents will sit two to three rows behind.
Who should walk me down the aisle dad or stepdad? ›
Traditionally, a bride walks down the aisle with her father, so having two father figures can turn the processional into a logistical headache.
What is the correct order of a wedding ceremony? ›
In a traditional wedding ceremony, the processional begins with the bride's mother before the groom, best man, wedding party, flower girl, and ring bearer follow. The bride, who is escorted by her father, is the last to make her way down the aisle.
Does maid of honor walk first or last? ›
You start with the bridesmaid who will stand the farthest from the bride and groom — And the maid (or matron) of honor will walk down the aisle last. The Flower Girl(s) and the Ring Bearer can walk down the aisle together — OR — the flower girl(s) can walk in after the ring bearer walks down the aisle.
Does the ring bearer or flower girl go first? ›
Traditionally, they precede the bride down the aisle with the Ring Bearer carrying the wedding rings (or faux rings) tied to a satin pillow while the flower girl carries flowers, dropping the petals along the aisle. The Ring Bearer will escort the Flower Girl or if they walk separately, the Ring Bearer will go first.
Does the groom get walked down the aisle by his mother? ›
He or she is immediately followed by the groom, who is escorted by both his mother and his father.
Q. When walking up the church aisle, who goes first, the bride’s mother or the groom’s parents?