Image by Manuel Aldana.

The wedding ceremony is arguably one of the most significant parts of any wedding. Despite being relatively short, it’s filled with a large amount of sentiment and meaning. It’s also the moment when you’ll exchange wedding vows and be pronounced as a married couple in front of your loved ones. Given its importance, you’ll likely want every detail to be perfect from start to finish.

When it comes to planning your ceremony, you don’t just have to worry about writing vows or picking the perfect processional song. You also have to consider the order in which people walk down the aisle. The wedding procession marks the beginning of the ceremony and sets the tone for the rest of the event. To ensure your ceremony starts off smoothly and in an organized manner, here’s a breakdown of both traditional and non-denominational wedding processional orders. 

FAQs for Wedding Procession Order

What is a Wedding Processional?

A wedding processional marks the beginning of a ceremony. It’s where notable family members, wedding parties, and the couple make their way down the aisle. 

What is the Length of a Wedding Processional?

The length of a wedding processional can vary widely based on several factors, including the number of participants, the size of the venue, and the choice of music. On average, processionals last anywhere between five to seven minutes. 

How Can You Customize Your Processional?

Your wedding, your rules, applies to every portion of your wedding day, including the processional. And there are many ways to personalize this small portion of your wedding day. There are numerous ways to personalize this special part of your day. You can experiment with the processional order, choose unexpected music, or even have a flower girl grandma.

What if the Number of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen is Uneven?

This is where you can get creative with your processional order. Traditionally bridesmaids are escorted down the aisle by groomsmen, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Maybe you just want something different, or you have an uneven party. This could be the solution. Consider having your bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down solo. 

What Song Should I Play for Our Processional?

There is so much opportunity for creativity in this simple walk, especially when it comes to your music choices. The music you choose for each component of your wedding matters as it enhances the moment. If you’re looking for processional song ideas with a little more flair, check out this list of possible tracks.

Image by Linda Nari Photography.

Traditional Wedding Processional Order

When hosting a traditional or religious celebration, couples often adhere to a customary wedding processional order. This is the case whether you’re tying the knot in a local church or a lavish ballroom. If you’re working with your officiant to create a traditional ceremony script, use this processional order as inspiration for your grand entrance. 

1. Officiant

The officiant–who leads the ceremony–is typically the first to walk down the aisle. They are responsible for the opening remarks to the guests. Once they reach the altar, they will announce any important information, such as the ceremony being unplugged or instructions for the grand exit. The music will not officially start playing until after the officiant is in place. 

2. First Partner’s Parents 

Traditionally, the first partner approaches from the side prior to the processional, eagerly awaiting their soon-to-be spouse to walk down the aisle. But their parents will still be included in the processional. They will make their way down the aisle and take their seats to the right of the aisle in the front row.

3. Second Partner’s Mother

Next to walk down the aisle is the second partner’s mother. This important person is the last to be seated among the parents and grandparents. Her seating signals the official start of the wedding party’s procession.

4. Groomsmen and The Best Man 

Kicking off the wedding party’s processional will be the groomsmen and the best man. The groomsmen can either walk down the aisle individually or paired with bridesmaids—this is a personal preference. The best man will then follow, taking his place beside the groom at the altar.

5. Bridesmaids and The Maid or Matron of Honor

If not being escorted by the groomsmen, the bridesmaids will then walk down the aisle one by one, starting with the one who will stand furthest from the bride. After all the bridesmaids have made their way, the maid or matron of honor follows, taking her place closest to the bride.

6. Flower Girl and Ring Bearer

If you’ve chosen to include a flower girl and a ring bearer, they will follow the wedding party. The ring bearer walks down the aisle holding the wedding bands, followed by the flower girl who scatters petals to prepare the aisle.

7. Second Partner and Their Father

At this moment, the processional song begins as the second partner walks down the aisle. Traditionally, they are escorted by their father or another significant person in their life. This marks the head-turning moment, marking the official start of the ceremony. 

Image by TMinspired Photography

Modern Non-Denominational Wedding Processional Order

Those who wish to fully customize their wedding processional order often opt for a non-denominational approach. Couples who choose this route are met with a variety of unique options that break away from tradition. While it may resemble a traditional processional order, you can make substitutions and changes as desired to suit your preferences.

1. Officiant

The officiant will kick off the processional, walking down the aisle. This can be a friend, notable family member, or anyone you trust who’s ordained to perform weddings. For a modern approach, consider an officiant that’ll customize your ceremony script. 

2. First Partner and Parents 

Traditionally, there is always one partner waiting at the altar at the beginning of the processional. We’re seeing more couples put their own twist on things. Rather than approaching from the side, the first partner will walk down the aisle solo or be escorted by their parents. After leading their child to the altar, the parents will take their seats to the right of the aisle in the front row. 

3. Groomsmen and The Best Man 

Similar to the traditional processional order, the groomsmen and the best man will follow the parents. Starting with groomsmen, walking down the aisle solo or coupled with bridesmaids, followed by the best man taking his place beside the groom at the altar.

4. Bridesmaids and The Maid or Matron of Honor

If not being escorted, the bridesmaids will then walk down the aisle one by one, starting with the one who will stand furthest from the bride. After all the bridesmaids have made their way, the maid or matron of honor follows, taking her place closest to the bride.

5. Flower Grandma

While most couples choose to include a flower girl, we’re seeing more people add an unexpected touch to the processional with a flower grandma. Following the wedding party, she scatters petals to prepare the aisle. 

6. Second Partner and Their Parents 

At this moment, the second partner walks down the aisle. Typically escorted by their father, this isn’t always the case. It can be grandparents, siblings, or both parents! This is another chance to get creative with your processional. 

Image by Carolin Volker.

The wedding processional order is just one component of a ceremony. There are many other details to consider, from your vows to the ceremony script. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, check out our wedding ceremony planning guide. It’s filled with valuable resources and guides to help you through every step of the planning process.

Image by Manuel Aldana.