Walking Down the Aisle Basics

Nowadays, there is really no right or wrong thing to do with weddings. It is pretty much up to the couple to choose how they want their wedding to be.   This article will outline what is traditional for weddings and what is an alternative way to do things.

Choosing Sides

Traditionally the bride’s family and friends sits on the left side and the groom’s family and friends on the right side.   Groomsmen many times escorts guests to the either side. The family sits in the front rows on both sides.

Now, you may see that guests can sit on any side that they’d like. We like to do the choose a seat not a side and save the front rows for immediate family.

Walking the Bride Down the Aisle

Traditionally, the father of the bride walks the bride down the aisle.

Now, you can have anyone who is special walk you down the aisle – brother, uncle, cousin, your children, your sister, you Maid/ Matron of honor, or maybe even both parents.

Wedding Party Entrance

#1

The officiant is at the front waiting for the wedding party to walk down. All the guests are seated, including the groom’s parents, and then the bridal party makes its way down the aisle. (If you are not having chairs, everyone will be standing, instead of seated.)

The order for walking down the aisle is below:

  • The Groom starts the ceremony by walking down the aisle (he can escort his mom if he’d like)
  • The Bride’s Mother can walking down the aisle if she would like (someone special walks her down)
  • Best Man
  • Groomsmen
  • Ring Bearer
  • Maid/ Matron of Honor
  • Bridesmaids
  • Flower Girls
  • Bride (and person if they are walking her down)

#2

The officiant is at the front waiting for the wedding party to walk down. All the guests are seated, including the groom’s parents, and then the bridal party makes its way down the aisle. (If you are not having chairs, everyone will be standing, instead of seated.)

The order for walking down the aisle is below:

  • The Groom starts the ceremony by walking down the aisle (he can escort his mom if he’d like)
  • The Bride’s Mother can walking down the aisle is she would like (someone special walk her down)
  • Best Man paired with  Maid/ Matron of Honor
  • Groomsmen paired with Bridesmaid (walking together)
  • Ring Bearer
  • Flower Girls (with ring bearer or by herself)
  • Bride (and person if they are walking her down)

#3

All the guests are seated, included the bride’s mother (except if she is walking with the bride) and the groom’s parents are seated. (If you are not having chairs, everyone will be standing, instead of seated.)

The groom and groomsmen will already be at the front waiting for the bride.  Many times, the groom will have his back to the bride and then turn around to see her for their first look when she is making her way down the aisle.

Then, the order for walking down the aisle is below:

  • Ring Bearer
  • Bridesmaids
  • Maid/ Matron of Honor
  • Flower Girls
  • Bride (and person if they are walking her down)

#4

If there is something unique to the two of you for walking down the aisle, please let us know.

Here’s a few different ideas to think about also:

Bride’s Mother – maybe joining her could be the bride’s brother or other person in the family so she doesn’t walk down the aisle alone.

If you want to include your family more:

  • Groom walks with this Mother
  • Groom’s Father with groom’s Grandmother
  • Bride’s Mother with Brides’s Sister
  • Bride with her Father

If there is no bridal party:

  • Groom walks in with both of his parents
  • Bride walks in with both of her parents

If there is a large bridal party:

  • The bridesmaids and groomsmen can be paired together

Standing Up Front

Traditionally, the Bride, Groom and Minister are in the middle, and the bridal party is around them, in the reverse order they walked down the aisle. For example, the Maid of Honor would be the last person in the bridal party before the bride, she would stand right next to the Bride and the first bridesmaid to walk down the aisle would be on the very last person on the end.

You may want to have the bridal party take their seat and only have the Best Man and Maid of Honor up front.

Walking After the Ceremony

The Bride and Groom are the first to walk up the aisle after the ceremony. From there it is who ever is next to them that walks as a couple – for example, the Maid of Honor and the Best Man.

You can pair the two of them to walk up the isle or have them walk individually.

However you choose to have   the bridal party walking down the aisle, Coastal California Weddings helps their couples coordinate the order of the bridal party. Also, since we coordinate the day of the wedding, we will be in charge of working with the order of the bridal party. 

Coastal California Weddings provides all-inclusive weddings and elopements on the Central Coast.   Have your wedding overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, or Avila.

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

By Natalie Jones • February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.

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