The procession is an important part of planning the ceremony. Traditionally, there is a specific order and method to the ritual; however, tradition is taking a step to the side in the modern world of wedding planning. Let’s explore tradition and some creative ways to plan the procession in the wedding venue.
The Ceremony Space in the Wedding Venue
Tradition created special seating assignments in the wedding venue that are slowly changing. Previously, guests would take a seat on the side of the room that corresponds with the bride or the groom. Wedding planners share that the shape of the ceremony space in the wedding venue is changing. Couples are inviting their guests to choose a seat and not a side. Ushers play an important role in helping guests find their seats. All the guests must be seated before the procession of the wedding party begins.
The Mother of the Bride
The procession of the wedding party usually begins with the mother of the bride entering the ceremony space at the wedding venue. This signals that the main event is about to begin. The mother of the bride can be escorted down the center aisle with a family member or walk alone. Once she takes her seat on the front row, it signals the important event is about to begin.
The Groom
The groom walks down the aisle and takes his place at the wedding arch. It is common for the groom’s parents to escort him down the aisle. The groom’s parents take their seat in the front row on the appropriate side or according to seating arrangements. The groom is rarely involved in the procession of the bride due to some old superstitions about not seeing the bride before the ceremony. However, wedding planners share they are seeing the groom escort the bride in the wedding venue, creating some exciting and new traditions.
The Wedding Party
The procession of the wedding party can occur in a couple of different ways within the wedding venue. Traditionally, the groom’s party makes an entrance in the wedding venue after the groom takes his place at the wedding arch. The best man walks the aisle first and takes his place beside the groom. The groomsmen walk down the aisle one after the other in a single line to join the best man. The bridesmaids follow behind the groomsmen and take their place on the bride’s side. The maid of honor walks down the aisle behind the bridesmaids. Sometimes, the best man escorts the maid of honor and the groomsmen escort the bridesmaids down the aisle. If children are included in the ceremony, page boys and flower girls make their entrance before the bride.
Procession of the Bride at the Wedding Venue
The music changes and the doors in the back open to welcome the procession of the bride. Traditionally, the father of the bride escorts the bride down the center aisle to give his daughter away to the groom at the wedding arch. When the father of the bride is not available, the role can be filled by a family member or close friend. The solo procession of the bride is becoming popular for many reasons. Regardless of the reasons that empower it, it is completely acceptable.
The Crystal Ballroom Wedding Venue
However you choose to journey down the aisle, do it in a wedding venue designed the way you dreamed it up in imagination. Walk the aisle in an all-inclusive wedding venue with master designers, planners, elegant décor and extraordinary services. Meet inside of the design studio and choose your colors, linens, chinaware, centerpieces and floral designs. Bring imagination to the dedicated professionals at The Crystal Ballroom and create your fairy tale.
