The Wedding Processional

Your wedding processional introduces the beginning of the wedding ceremony, those in the wedding party, and family and friends of significance.

It is a much anticipated moment filled with excitement. This is a most celebratory point in time when the gathering is pulsating with joy, and unspoken well wishes from all who are gathered.

Truly, you are the focus, the center of attention, and the reason that all are gathered. Few moments in life are we privileged to enjoy such focus on "me".

Processional Garden Path

There are a lot of resources, recommendation and traditions around the wedding processional. I encourage you to think about what you want, and how the Processional will mark the formal beginning of your life together.

Traditionally the bride enters while the groom awaits. Traditionally they leave together. This is most symbolic but it is not the only way it can or should be done. Explore your options.


The traditional order of the wedding processional

Church Processional
  1. The grooms parents
  2. The mother of the bride
  3. The officiant
  4. The groom (traditionally entering from the side at the front
  5. The best man entering with the groom
  6. The groomsmen/groomswomen
  7. The bridesmaids
  8. The maid of honor
  9. The flower girls and ring bearers
  10. The father of the bride with the bride, or the mother of the bride with the bride, or both the mother and father of the bride along with the bride


Consider what feels appropriate to you, your partner and to the guests. I have seen Processionals to the tunes of rap, hip hop, and dance themes. For me these types of entrances detract from the dignity and significance of the moment. The Processional does not need to be stuffy, but it holds a different milieu than the Reception or after party.

I have a bias toward giving the groom his own moment. Typically the groom enters from the side and waits at the front. Brides should not be the only one who has special significance. It takes two to make a marriage. Why not find a way to mark his entrance?

One might consider the deeper meaning of having the groom wait for the bride while she moves forward toward him. Perhaps there can be a statement of mutuality by including the groom at the beginning of the Processional, rather than entering from the side. Maybe the groom enters proceeding down the aisle with his parents, and then takes his place waiting for his bride? There is also a great deal of memory making in watching the one you are about to marry walk down the aisle. Be sure that creativity does not sacrifice meaning.

Groom waiting

Is the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the ceremony important to you? In considering the Processional, moving away from tradition can conflict with some traditions of which we are very attached. Whatever you decide about the Processional and traditions, make the Processional yours, make it dignified, make it memorable, and make it the moment that centers the spotlight on the couple.  


5 Blue

Things to consider

  1. Will this be a traditional wedding or religious wedding of a particular faith? This may impact Processional considerations.
  2. If the wedding is very small and intimate will there be a need or desire for a Processional? A Processional would be out of place if the marriage is taking place at a local office of the Justice of the Peace.
  3. If the wedding is for a same sex couple, there will be creative ways of making an entrance. Do both walk in and later walk out together? Do each walk in separately?
  4. Consider if you want to include grandparents, children or pets. These can add warmth and a good sense of family and relationship. They can also present moments of unpredictability in which you will need to roll with grace.
  5. You can also walk down the aisle alone as this too has its own statement of elegance and purpose, or walk in as a couple and walk out as a couple. It is perfectly fine!


Let there be Music

Music and Shoes Processional

I officiated at a wedding when, at the rehearsal, it became apparent that the musician had selected her own piece of music that would be played for the Processional.  The bride was shocked that the selection was not the traditional, Here Comes the Bride! The matter was eventually resolved. The point is to be sure that there is ample communication about music selections, even for the Processional.

As well as in selecting the music, musicians will have various ways of interpreting how the music is played. It is best to have a preview in order to determine if musician preferences align with what you are imagining. Find time in advance of the rehearsal to hear how your musician will choose to accompany you as you walk down the aisle. Some musicians will want the music to be soft and slow. It can come across as romantic, or it can be insignificant to the point of being ignored and inconsequential. Other musicians will feel the moment is celebratory and want to begin with a crescendo of delight. Such a moment can be heart stirring or startling.

Sheet Music

One final thought about music for this opening moment.  Will the music selection be the same throughout the entire Processional, or will the selection change once the entire wedding party has entered except for the bride?


Some choose to make the distinction that, now the moment has come, and the bride is about to enter. Truly, here comes the bride!