Who Should You Include in Your Wedding Processional?

Traditionally, a wedding party processional includes grandparents, parents, the wedding party, and the couple. However, at your wedding you get to choose who you want included in both your wedding ceremony processional and reception entrances. 

Grandma & Grandpa

If you are open to grandparents, parents, and the wedding party entering, consider asking your family and friends if they want to participate in that way. We've found that many grandparents are less comfortable walking long distances in front of other people, especially outside, downstairs, or on uneven ground.  Be respectful of their age and consider asking your grandparents if they are comfortable being part of formal entrances if that's something you want them to do. 

The same approach goes for parents.

Some people don't like being the center of attention, so even parents might not want to be part of formal entrances in either the ceremony or reception. If it is important to you to have your parents enter, be sure to articulate that. 

Wedding party entrances can be intimidating for shy friends.

If it's really important to you to have people enter one at a time or in pairs, do it! But just know that there are other options. You can have your whole wedding party enter at once. You can have the wedding party enter in small groups or 3 or 4, or even just announce from their seats and they can stand from their chairs. There are plenty of ways to acknowledge people without making them do a funny dance into a room of strangers. 

Traditional Ceremony Processional Order:

Traditionally, the order for who walks into a ceremony is set. You of course do not have to follow this order, but for reference here it is: 

Family section: 
Grandmother and grandfather of the groom (paternal)
Grandmother and grandfather of the groom (maternal)
Grandmother and grandfather of the bride (paternal) 
Grandmother and grandfather of the bride (maternal)
Groom's parents
Bride's mother escorted by a family member or usher

Wedding Party section: 
Groom and officiant 
Best man
Groomsmen 
Bridesmaids 
Maid of Honor
Ring Bearer
Flower girl
Bride and father