Who walks the bride's mother down the aisle?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 06, 2026
Traditionally, a groomsman should walk the mother of the bride down the aisle. However, as with most details of a modern ceremony, the couple getting married is free to make any adjustments or choices they would like when wedding planning.
Does the bride's mother or groom's mother walk down the aisle first?
The groom's parents precede the bride's mother during the processional. Here's a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom's parents. Then the bride's mother takes her turn. She is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins.
Who walks the step mother down the aisle?
If the bride has a stepmother, she would be escorted to her seat by a groomsman before the mother of the bride; the bride's mom should be the last person to be escorted down the aisle, just before the bridal party.
Does a stepmother walk down the aisle?
Some etiquette experts say that the stepmother should be seated with her husband both in the ceremony and the reception. Other than that, it is up to the bride. AND you should honor and respect her decisions. It is always customary for the bride's mother to get the best seat – the front row aisle seat.
Who walks mother of groom down aisle?
The most traditional choice is for a groomsman to walk the bride's mother down the aisle. This can be an especially good choice if the two sides of the wedding party are uneven or if you'd like to give this gentleman some additional spotlight.
17 related questions foundHow do divorced parents walk down the aisle?
The bride's father can sit in the second or third pew with his spouse or relatives after he escorts the bride down the aisle. If the bride's stepfather will be escorting her, the bride's father and his companion should be escorted to their seats after the grandparents and before the bride's mother.
What are the mother of the bride duties?
The mother of the bride plays the role of hostess, meaning you should spend some time greeting guests during the reception. Although there are exceptions, other wedding-day duties may include sitting at the parents' table and dancing with the father of the bride to help warm up the dance floor.
Are step parents part of the wedding party?
If you want to include your stepparents in the actual ceremony, have them process down the aisle at the beginning of the ceremony. They can walk with their spouse ahead of the wedding party, they can escort the bride or groom, or you can find another way to alter the order to include them. Let them make a toast.
Who walks down the aisle first?
1. Officiant. Your officiant is generally the first person to walk toward the altar, signifying the ceremony is about to commence.
Who usually walks down the aisle at a wedding?
The bride's walk down the aisle is always one of the highlights of a wedding day – however, she's not the only one to take that walk during the ceremony. A few other important people, such as the officiant, groomsmen, bridesmaids and groom all make an appearance on the aisle before the bride makes her grand entrance.
Who comes out first in a wedding?
The processional begins with bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down the aisle, typically paired up. The maid of honor and best man walk down after all other bridesmaids and groomsmen have made their way down the aisle. The ring bearer will then carry the rings to the altar, followed by the flower girl.
Do the groom's parents walk down the aisle?
The groom's parents can also walk down the aisle together, followed by the groom as he walks alone. Or the groom might opt to use one of the above options, such as walking down the aisle with both of his parents.
Which side does father of bride walk?
"The father of the bride typically walks down the right side of the aisle, having the bride on his left arm (facing the altar)," Jones explains.
Who walks the bride down the aisle when the father is deceased?
According to wedding tradition, the bride is typically escorted down the aisle by her father. If the bride's dad is deceased, asking someone else to escort the bride is a powerful tribute. This could be an uncle, family friend, step-parent, sibling, the mother of the bride, or friend.
Who gives this bride away?
In many traditional weddings, the father still gives away the bride. In modern weddings, however, it can be anybody. The most important consideration is that the person is someone with whom the couple trusts and feels comfortable.
Do step moms get corsages?
The Flowers
It would probably be best to buy parents and stepparents corsages or boutonnieres. It's perfectly appropriate to give your birth parent's new partners a less flashy corsage or boutonniere (as long as they're not the only ones getting them).
What does stepmom of the bride wear?
If the stepmother is close to the bride or groom and the bride or groom's mother will not be offended, it is acceptable to dress in a gown similar to what the mother of the bride/groom is wearing. If anyone feels uncomfortable, the stepmother should wear what the guests are wearing.
Do step parents wear flowers at wedding?
Stepmothers. A corsage helps identify your or your partner's stepmom as an important person in your life. If possible, give your stepmom her corsage personally.
What is the most popular color for mother of the bride dresses?
When it comes to color choices, navy is the number-one most requested color for the mothers of the bride and groom. Other popular colors include blush and shades of nude. Traditionally, you want to avoid white, black and red.
What a mother should say to her daughter on her wedding day?
Messages from Mother to Daughter on Her Wedding Day. I am so happy about your wedding, although you'd remain my little princess always. May you have a wonderful life with your life partner! May you have a little beautiful world of yours in this big world that is full of love, joy and trust!
What color should the bride's mother wear?
What Color Does the Mother of the Bride Wear? There's not one specific color the mother of the bride should wear. It's generally best to steer clear of white, ivory or champagne hues as to not take attention away from the bride.
Who sits in the front row at a wedding?
Reserved Seating
The bride's parents should be in the first row on the left, with grandparents behind them. If the bride's parents are divorced and remarried, seat one set in the front row and the other behind, with grandparents in the same pew as their child.
Where does the mother of the bride sit?
Seating married parents
The parents of the bride always sit in the first pew or row on the left, facing where the ceremony will be held; the groom's parents sit in the first row on the right.
Why is the bride always on the left side?
Why does the bride stand on the left in the ceremony? The bride stands on the left side of the altar in most Western and Eastern cultures. This position is chosen because it is the position of honor. The tradition of standing on the left can be seen in many cultures, but it's not universal to all cultures or religions.
Does the mother of the groom get ready with the bride?
She can spend a little time with both the bride and groom.
If that's the case, she may want to start her morning with the bride and her group, then leave once she has her hair and makeup done. After, she can head to the groom's getting-ready area to help him prepare for his walk down the aisle.