Wedding Processionals Part I: The Order

One of the largest parts of any wedding ceremony is when the bridal party makes their entrance. Everyone is full of anticipation as the groom anxiously awaits his first glimpse of his significant other in their wedding dress. Do you know the correct wedding processional order? If not, I am here to help guide you.

Types of Wedding Processionals

The order of wedding processionals follows a general pattern, but varies according to religious traditions.

Catholic Weddings

1. Priest, groom and best man enter through a side door and wait at the altar
2. Groomsmen
3. Mothers and the groom’s father
4. Bridesmaids
5. Maid of honor (Alone)
6. The ring bearer and/or flower girl
7. The bride escorted by her father or other close family member to the bride’s right

Jewish Weddings

1. Rabbi and/or cantor
2. Grandparents of the bride, who are then seated in the first row
3. Grandparents of the groom, who are then seated in the first row
4. Groomsmen, in pairs
5. Best man, alone
6. The groom, escorted by his parents with his father on his left and his mother on his right
7. Bridesmaids, in pairs
8. Maid of honor, alone
9. Ring bearer and/or flower girl
10. The bride, escorted by her parents with her father on her left and her mother on her right

Protestant Weddings

1. Mothers of the bride and groom are seated after all guests are seated
2. Officiant, groom and best man enter by a side door and wait at the altar
3. Groomsmen enter through a side door or can escort the bridesmaids
4. Bridesmaids
5. Ring bearer and/or flower girl
6. Maid of honor
7. The bride escorted by her father or other close male family member or friend on her right

For a non-denominational ceremony, a secular ceremony, or a non-traditional ceremony  you can borrow one of these traditions or make up your own. In this day and age anything goes.