Читать книгу Planning Your Marriage Service - Margaret Webber - Страница 12

Many weddings begin with the groom and best man standing at the front of the church while the bridal procession comes down the aisle, the bride coming last on her father's arm. This custom is based on very old ideas about the bride as property, brought in by one man and led out by another. You may want to use the “traditional” entrance procession, or you might like to consider alternatives which express your relationships more accurately.

1) The groom and best man come to the front of the church and wait for the bridal procession. The ushers, then the bridesmaids, then the bride come down the aisle. The bride is accompanied by her father or some other family member or friend. Flower girls and ring bearers may be included in the procession.

2) The bride and groom both come down the aisle in a procession which may be led by the priest and acolyte(s). Such a procession might begin with an acolyte or assistant carrying the cross, followed by the priest (and other clergy). Ushers follow them, and then the groom, accompanied by his parents and/or by the best man. Then the bridesmaids come, followed by the bride, accompanied by her parents and/or the maid of honor.

The second pattern is intended to express better the equality of the bride and groom and the support of their families.

3) There will be also very small or informal weddings at which the bride and groom will come down the aisle together, led by their witnesses and, perhaps, by acolytes and clergy.