Etiquette Q&A: "Whose Parents Walk First During the Processional?" (2024)

FAQs

Who does the mother of the bride walk down the aisle with? ›

If the mother of the bride is taking part in the wedding processional, she is traditionally escorted by a close male relative like a son or brother or may enter alone. If the parents are divorced, she may be escorted by her partner. In some cases, a groomsman or best man will escort her down the aisle.

Any Wedding party members that are walking in should walk in the opposite order in which they are standing (starting with the couple and out). For example, the maid of honor enters last, so the bridesmaid on the far end of the line should be the first to enter.

Most of the weddings that I've attended, the groom's mother is be walked down the aisle by one of the groomsmen, followed by her husband. Generally, the mother of the groom.

Traditionally, the bride's parents pay for the wedding ceremony and reception which is why they take on the role of host/hostess. This responsibility includes determining the final guest count, making guests feel welcomed and seeing that everything goes smoothly. Oversee the closing of the reception.

She can certainly find her way to her seat on her own but it's traditional for a male relative or friend walk her. Since the bride's father will be busy walking his daughter down the aisle, whose arm does she take?

Typically the Mother of the Bride's dress should complement the bridal party's color palette. Not necessarily match with the bridesmaids, but choose a color in the color family. The most popular color for the mother of the bride to wear is navy or a royal blue, followed by blush or a shade of nude.

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.

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.

Answer: It's less traditional for the maid or matron of honor to walk down the aisle with the best man, but there's no rule against it. Plus, since they were recently wed and responsible for you and your fiancé meeting, it will add a romantic twist for those who know both couples. Go for it!

It's the first time guests—and usually even the soon-to-be spouse—will see the wedding dress, and it marks the start of the marriage journey. Traditionally, fathers walk daughters down the aisle. Once the pair reach the altar, she's then presented to her partner to be wed.

Does the son walk his mother down the aisle? ›

Traditionally: The bride's brother who's an usher or any usher from the bride's side walks the bride's mother down the aisle. An usher who's the groom's brother or sometimes the groom himself could escort the groom's mother down the aisle. The groom's father follows behind.

The deal was usually made by the bride's father, who wanted his daughter to marry rich to help his own family. However, many parents would worry that if the groom saw the bride before the ceremony, he might not find her attractive and could call off the wedding—leading to serious shame for the bride and her family.

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.

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.

The people who make up the wedding party (the bride and groom, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the flower girl and ring bearer, or the father and mother of the bride) are basically the MVPs of the big day. Get bridal party fashion advice, etiquette tips, gift ideas, and more.

On the day of the wedding, the mother of the bride should be prepared to help the bride with whatever she might need. This might include playing hostess, helping guide out-of-town guests, or being ready with a tissue box!