Expert: Weddings Etc LLC - 2/10/2008

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.