I love it when couples do something unexpected and add a unique personal touch to their ceremony. I wrote in a previous blog post about choosing music for the arrival of the bride, but you could also think about whether you want to follow tradition with the bride arriving with her father, or if you want to do something unconventional. In fact, for all sorts of reasons, it's not always appropriate for brides to be walked down the aisle by their fathers. This might be the case, for example, in families where there is no father, or the father hasn't been involved in the bride's life. I've seen brides escorted down the aisle by their mums, children, both parents, or a close friend. Here are a few more options to think about:
- What's wrong with the bride walking down the aisle on her own?
- Another option would be for the bride and groom to arrive together and make the procession down the aisle as a couple.
- Why should the bride get all the attention? How about the groom walking down the aisle first with his groomsmen, and then the bride making a second grand entry?
- A surprise alternative could be for the bride and groom to be the first to arrive, and then they greet their guests together on their arrival.
- Both bride and groom could make their entries at the same time, but coming from different sides and meeting in front of the celebrant.
- For a traditional arrival with a nice twist, think about the bride being escorted half way down the aisle by a parent, relative or special friend, and then the groom meeting her half-way and walking her the rest of the distance.
- Of course, there is no limit to how creative you can be and it's just a matter of time and I'll see a bride or groom upstage the helicopter or parachute!