You know that saying “Keep your eye on the prize?” Although out of context, I think we can use it in regard to wedding receptions — with the “prize” referring to the guests. As I’ve mentioned before, one of the most important aspects of a wedding is that all your guests, including your family, are comfortable and having a good time. If you focus on that, answers to “problems” come easier!
The mother of a bride asks: “My daughter and her fiancé have only one honor attendant each (maid-of-honor and best man). Our son will probably be the organist, and the groom is an only child. Who will walk the grandmothers and mothers down the aisle? Is there an etiquette rule for this?”
Dear mother of the bride: There is no hard and fast rule of etiquette that specifically relates to your question, so keep this in mind: If the grandmothers are elderly, or unsure on their feet, then you need someone to steady them. If they are young grandmothers, then the picture changes somewhat. Keep in mind that walking down the aisle is an honor, and should not be of concern to the moms or grandmothers. You’ll want to do what makes them most comfortable and at ease!
Here are several alternatives regarding the mothers and grandmothers:
- Parents and grandparents can walk down in their respective couples. If parents are divorces, they may walk with their new spouses
- Children/grandchildren (if they are teenaged or older) can assist
- The two mothers/grandmothers can walk together
- If the bride has siblings, one of them can serve as an “usher”
- The mothers/grandmothers can each walk alone
- The mothers/grandmothers can walk down the aisle with the best man; he’ll escort them to their seats (or positions standing), and then take his place
- The mothers/grandmothers can walk down the aisle with the maid-of-honor; she’ll escort them to their seats (or positions standing) and then take her place
If you’re unable to use any of these suggestions, you may have the moms or grandmothers walk down the aisle to each side of the officiants. If none of these options work for you, then you (and they) may have to forgo walking down the aisle. Good luck and please let me know what option you choose!
To submit your own question to the Wedding Guru, email Judy at judy@hvmag.com.
