The Processional and Recessional: Who Walks When and Why | Let’s Marry Celebrant Brisbane
A Question We Hear at Almost Every Meeting
As a wedding celebrant Brisbane couples lean on for guidance, one of the most frequent questions we hear is simply, who actually walks down the aisle, and in what order? Traditional processional order has been around for generations, but it is far from compulsory, and many of our couples choose to adapt it to suit their own family dynamics and personal style.
The Traditional Order
In a classic processional, the celebrant and groom enter first, followed by the wedding party in pairs or individually, then the flower girl and ring bearer, and finally the bride, often accompanied by a parent. This order has stood the test of time because it builds anticipation beautifully, ending on the moment everyone is waiting for.
Modern Alternatives We Love
These days we see plenty of variations. Some couples walk down together, side by side, choosing to begin their married life as true equals from the very first step. Others have both partners enter from opposite ends of the aisle to meet at the centre. Same sex couples often have lovely flexibility here too, simply choosing what feels most natural rather than following a script built for a different era.
Including Children and Pets
If you have children, this is often where they shine, walking ahead with rings, flowers, or simply holding a parent2019s hand. Pets are increasingly part of the processional too, walked down the aisle by a willing bridesmaid or groomsman before being handed off to someone reliable for the rest of the ceremony.
The Recessional: Walking Out Married
Once the ceremony concludes, the recessional sees the newly married couple leading the way back up the aisle, usually to upbeat, celebratory music, followed by the wedding party. It is a joyful, energetic close to a ceremony that often began with nervous excitement.
Whether you are planning your ceremony in Mount Gravatt, Kedron, Sunnybank or Upper Coomera, we are happy to help design a processional and recessional that suits your style. Let’s Marry is a proud finalist in the 2025 Australian Bridal Industry Awards, Wedding Celebrant Division, and the 2025 Bx Business xCellence Awards, Wedding Division.
