Wedding etiquette isn’t as stringent as it used to be – not even by far. Yet, some rules have stuck with us even today, in modern times – and following them might actually be a good idea if you want to make sure your wedding moves smoothly. 

For instance, do you know how to figure out the order of the bridesmaids and groomsmen at the wedding ceremony? 

We have some tips to help you elucidate this “mystery” – so read on and find out more. 

  • The traditional wedding processional starts with the grandparents, moves on to parents, then the groom and the officiant, followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen. The bridesmaids walk down the aisle chaperoned by groomsmen, with each bridesmaid to the left of each groomsman. If you have an uneven wedding party (which is totally possible and admissible), one of the bridesmaids can walk down the aisle surrounded by two groomsmen (or the other way around, depending on your particular situation). 
  • There’s no actual rule as to what order the bridesmaids and groomsmen should take. One of the most common ways to arrange them is by height. This will help you avoid hurting anyone’s feelings (and it will also look aesthetically pleasing when the photographer takes shots of the ceremony). 
  • Another way to arrange the bridesmaids and groomsmen at the altar (and consequently, their order of entrance) is according to the relationship you have with them. This way, the Maid of Honor and the Best Man would be the first ones to walk down the aisle, and the last ones would be the bridesmaid and groomsman you are least close to. However, as you’d expect, this could make some people feel bad. 
  • Also, you could arrange the bridesmaids and groomsmen according to how long they’ve known you. Thus, your childhood friends would be the first ones to walk down the aisle, and your most recently acquired friends would be the last. This could be a bit sensitive and tricky, but in the end, your friends won’t mind this as much as ordering them according to who you consider to be closest to you. 

Remember: keeping your bridesmaids and groomsmen happy during the wedding day will help you have a better, smoother, and happier Big Day – so do everything in your means to make sure they smile and feel great!