PHOTO: Mandee Johnson Photography
On average, planning a wedding typically takes a year or more — sorting out the design, the vendors, the finer logistical details, and all of the guest touchpoints. So, when it’s finally time to get ready on the morning of your big day, there’s nothing you want more than to have your processional go off without a hitch.
The first time you greet your guests, see your partner (!), and have your wedding party all in one place can be nerve-wracking and emotional. So, if you aren’t sure where to begin or need a little inspiration, here’s your crash course to all things processionals.
First: What’s Trending?
Understandably, you might be a bit overwhelmed with all the moving parts of a procession and your options. Here are some major trends that might spark some ideas.
If you’re the extroverted type, Andrea Smith of SoiréeSmith recommends opting for something a little more show-stopping: “One ceremony wedding trend I’m noticing for processionals is that couples hire more elaborate theatrical experiences, like a live vocalist or even a gospel choir, to greet guests. It really elevates the ceremony and creates an unforgettable, exciting experience for everyone involved.”
Mary Angelini of Key Moment Films suggests mixing up your music. “Instead of playing a single song for the entire wedding party, couples choose unique songs for different groups to walk down the aisle to. The groom can have his own entrance song, the groomsmen another, the bridesmaids a separate song, and a distinct song for the bride’s walk down the aisle.”
For some experts, they’ve enjoyed the departure away from the more traditional components of the processional.
“Another trend I love is allowing the wedding party to sit during the ceremony instead of standing,” adds Nicole Chan of Nicole Chan Photo & Video. “This way, they get to fully experience and witness the vows rather than being stuck with a limited view. It also makes for a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.”
Alternatively, Deliece Knights of Dhalia Events LLC is giving you the green light to skip the processional altogether. “Another trend we have noticed is that couples opt to forego a procession altogether. Couples are foregoing the moment of the big reveal and choosing to welcome their guests as they arrive at the venue and simply assemble in place when it is time to commence the ceremony.”
Adding Some Flair To Your Processional
Photo: Colton Simmons Photography
Making your entrance a little out-of-the-box and more memorable than a standard walk to the altar might be more your style.
“Check out different areas of your venue to see what other places people can enter from,” notes Alex McClard of Vision in White Events. “Don’t be afraid to plan a dance down the aisle!”
Kristin Hubbard of Our DJ Rocks recommends reinventing the flower girl and ring bearer roles. “Who says these roles have to go to kids under the age of 4? I’ve seen flower grannies (yes, grandmas throwing petals down the aisle) and even an older ring bearer tossing dollar bills instead. The best part? It’s a way to include loved ones in a meaningful and hilarious way.”
Angie Johnston of Sapphire Celebrations says, “Add unique versions of songs for the different parts of the wedding procession. I especially love it when their recessional song is more of a contemporary song.”
Straying From Tradition?
Photo: Manda Weaver Photography
When we consider wedding traditions these days, they’re more of a guide rather than a set of restrictions. Don’t be afraid to switch up your aisle escort, your pose, requested photos, hand-off, and more if you want your ceremony to feel more you.
Photographer Lucy Struve shares, “Your ceremony should reflect who you are as a couple, so there are no rules for how you make it to the altar. By the time ceremony planning happens, many couples are decision-fatigued and opt to do ‘whatever is normal,’ but your ceremony is the most important moment of the day! Stay engaged in the process, and be intentional about what best honors your story.”
According to Craig Peterman of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography, it’s important that you don’t let the stress get you down. “Don’t feel pressured to stick to any rules that don’t resonate with you. If you want to walk in together holding hands, go for it. If you’d rather keep the ceremony super simple, that’s okay, too. Your wedding should feel authentic to who you are, so it’s totally fine to write your own script for this moment.”
Loni Peterson of LP Creative Events agrees: “All families are built differently, with a variety of relationships and presence from parents and other family members. This could mean you want to walk solo, with a sibling or a family friend that means a lot to them, or even meet your to-be-spouse halfway down the aisle so you can finish the journey hand in hand.”
Even if you have a vision of what the moment will look like as you walk down the aisle, it’s important to outline the order of events and remember that it’s solely up to you; no traditions are etched in stone!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.