Procession order at a wedding is a key part of the perfect ceremony. The right lineup will create an organized flow to your ceremony, allow for proper pacing, and ensure you get those photographs in the right order. So, what is the right sequence of the ceremony lineup? Who goes first in the ceremony procession? Let’s discuss it! In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of a ceremony procession order and give you a sample wedding procession order so yours goes off without a hitch.

I’ve also made a short video on the topic: you can watch it here.

Enjoy!

Order of Procession for Wedding

Before we begin, keep in mind the proper pacing is just as important as the lineup order. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to keep approximately 4 paces in between the person in front of you when walking down the aisle. This pacing allows for the flow to go nicely: not too fast, not too slow, and with enough time for your photographer to capture a nice image as the person is walking down the aisle.

The Importance of Procession Order

First and foremost, what’s the big deal, and why is a procession order important? You don’t want everyone just walking down the aisle wherever they choose! You want to create a wedding lineup in a standard order so the pacing is perfect, the wedding photographer can capture the proper pictures, and everyone waits for the big reveal: the bride walking down the aisle!

Without a ceremony lineup order, it will be chaotic and disorganized; with a proper procession, you’ll have everything looking cohesive and in place, fitted nicely to the music, and with an even flow.

Who Should Be Included in the Procession Order?

Here’s who is included in the ceremony procession so you can line them up in the right order.

Officiant, Groom, Best Man

First and foremost, the officiant, Groom and Best Man enter first from the side of the ceremony. They can walk down the aisle if you prefer, but it’s not mandatory. Following them are the grandparents, the Groom’s parents, and the Mother of the Bride, typically escorted by usher(s).

Ushers / Parents / Grandparents

The ushers can walk down the aisle paired or singularly: they can even escort the mother of the bride down the aisle if she wishes. The Mother of the Groom and Father of the Groom typically take their seats early, but they can walk down the procession, too, if you wish. As mentioned, grandparents can be a part of the procession but it is uncommon. Typically, grandparents are seated in one of the first rows of seats and escorted by ushers prior to the beginning of the ceremony.

Junior Bridesmaid

If you have a junior bridesmaid, she will walk down the aisle next.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Bridesmaids and groomsmen process down the aisle together in pairs or singularly. If you have uneven numbers of bridesmaids or groomsmen, don’t worry: they can walk down the aisle singularly – no worries there!

Ring Bearer

If you have a ring bearer, he walks down the aisle after the wedding party.

Flower Girl

Next up: the flower girl. She will hold a bouquet of flowers or sprinkle petals down the aisle as she walks.

If they’re nervous to walk down singularly, the ring bearer and flower girl can walk together. :) The goal is to get everyone down the aisle!

Bride

Last but not least, the bride! The bride walks down the aisle escorted by her father or someone else she asks; she can also walk down the aisle by herself.

Creating a memorable wedding procession order is easier than you probably imagined! Now that you know who walks down the aisle in the right lineup, your wedding will be cohesive and properly organized. And now that you see the importance of procession order, and understand wedding procession etiquette, you’ll be on your way to creating a memorable one for you and your guests.

Have a question? If you’re stumped on your ceremony and need help planning the procession order, let us know. Comment in the box below or email here and we’ll swoop in to help!

Here’s a sample list you can print out and use for planning.

Order of Procession for Wedding: Sample

1. Ushers / Grandparents, Parents
2. Junior Bridesmaid(s)
3. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
4. Ring Bearer
5. Flower Girl
6. Maid of Honor
7. Bride with Father / Escort