Today Bride’s are expanding on the many ways things can occur. The traditional
procession has evolved into being a bit contemporary. All of my research states what
ever you do, do it in good taste. I’m going to present Procession A (Traditional) and
Procession B (Contemporary).

Procession A (Traditional)

1. The groom, best man and Officiant enter by using a side door or in the case of an outdoor wedding
are there in advance of all others. They will stand facing the guests.

2. Groomsman escorts the grandmother(s) of the Bride’s to their seats.

3. Usher escorts the grandmother(s) of the groom to their seats.

4. Usher escorts the mother of the groom to her seat.

5. Usher escorts the mother of the Bride’s to her seat.

6. The ushers walk down the aisle and/or escort the Bridesmaids, then stand next the groom and best
man and face the guests.

7. If not done previously, the Bridesmaids walk down the aisle.

8. The maid/matron of honor walks down the aisle.

9. The ring bearer walks down the aisle with the flower girl. Sometimes they will walk separately with the
ring bearer first, then the flower girl.

10. The father of the Bride escorts her down aisle.

11. The father of the Bride kisses her and they hug.

12. Groom steps forward and shakes the father of the Bride’s hand and father passes the Bride’s right
arm to the groom.


Procession B (Contemporary)

1. The Officiant enters by using a side door or in the case of an outdoor wedding are there in advance
of all others. They will stand facing the guests.

2. Groomsman /member of the family escort the grandmother(s) of the Bride’s to their seats.

3. Groomsman /member of the family escort the grandmother(s) of the groom to their seats.

4. The groom / member of the family escort the mother of the groom to her seat.

5. Male member of the family / someone close to the family / groom escort the mother of the Bride’s
to her seat.

6. The groom joins the Officiant at the altar.

7. Optional – Best man and groomsmen join groom at altar, facing guests

or

8. Groomsmen walk with Bridesmaid’s to altar

9. Best man walks with Maid of Honor / Matron of Honor walk

or

10. Best man is already at altar and Maid of Honor / Matron of Honor walk

11. The ring bearer walks down the aisle with the flower girl. Sometimes they will walk separately with
the ring bearer first, then the flower girl.

12. The father of the Bride escorts her down aisle.

13. The father of the Bride kisses her and they hug.

14. Groom steps forward and shakes the father of the Bride’s hand and father passes the Bride’s right
arm to the groom.