AboutWeddings Etc LLC Expertise Wedding traditions, fashions, ceremonies, wedding planning, coordination, customs, how to handle situations that arise, responsibilities, budget planning.
Experience I''ve been a wedding coordinator for 16 years. I authored a WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE, a Bride''s Workbook, that is available in local bridal shops. Tattered Cover Bookstores in Denver, CO as well as local Borders Books and through my website. I''ve worked with weddings from just 2 people to 350 guests and all budget ranges. I've also written and teach The Art of Wedding Coordination to those who want to become wedding coordinators.
Question I am directing a wedding for the first time and need to know the basics, such as who enters the auditorium first and in what order, which side are the bridesmaids, mothers, etc. escorted (on which arm of the escort). It is a simple wedding but the mother of the bride still wants to follow wedding etiquette. Thank you.
Answer Dear Sandy,
Here's the order of your processional:
The groom's grandparents are seated
The bride's grandparents are seated (if there are grandparents)
The groom's mother is seated
The bride's mother is seated
(If you are doing a unity candle, I generally have the mother's light the tapers (the candles on either side of the unity candle, then take their seats.)
The pastor, groom, bestman and groomsmen enter
The first bridesmaid enters
The othe bridesmaids enter and take their places working up to the maid of honor
The maid of honor enters
The ring bearer and flowergirl (I generally have them sit with family instead of standing at the altar and NEVER put the actual rings on the pillow...let the best man and maid of honor carry them.)
The bride enters on her father's left arm.
The RECESSIONAL
The bride and groom exit
The maid of honor is escorted out by the best man
the attendants pair up with groomsmen and walk out
The BRIDE'S parents are the first to be escorted out
then the GROOM's parents
Then the grandparents
Ushers return to release the guests row by row.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you need any further assistance.
