Processional
This is the movement of your guests of honour, bridal party and bride to their respective places for the ceremony.
This also includes the prelude music playing as guests are seated, as well as the music selections for the bridal party and the bride. (You could simply have recorded music, (string quartet), CD/MP3 player, etc.)
Guests can be ushered to their respective places by the groomsmen and/or ushers or simply allowed to seat themselves. You may choose to have bride & groom ‘sides’ where the guests of the bride are seated to the left and of the groom to the right.
Honoured Guests Order (suggested but open to personal taste)
– Children of the Couple
– Grandparents of the Couple
– Parents of the Couple
Bridal Party
The couple can choose to have the bridesmaids walk down alone or escorted by groomsmen. In the case that the wedding is outdoors on an uneven surface, it is highly recommended to have the bridesmaids escorted for their own safety.
Bride
These days there are no rules as to who can escort the bride down the aisle. Traditionally the father escorts the bride but it is very common for the mother or the mother and father or a brother or a family member or a friend to have the honour in escorting the bride to the waiting groom. It is also very normal for a bride not to be escorted by anyone – but to walk down alone, or have the groom meet her half way.