In my experience attending weddings, I have observed that the only people who typically walk on the aisle runner before the bride are the ring bearer and flower girl. These adorable children play an important role in the ceremony, adding a touch of innocence and charm to the occasion.
The ring bearer, usually a young boy, carries the couple’s wedding rings down the aisle on a decorative pillow. It is a symbolic gesture that represents the couple’s commitment and the exchange of rings during the ceremony. The flower girl, on the other hand, is typically a young girl who scatters flower petals along the aisle, creating a beautiful and fragrant pathway for the bride to walk on.
These roles are traditionally assigned to young children, often relatives or close friends of the couple, and are seen as a way to involve them in the wedding celebration. It is a sweet and heartwarming moment when these little ones make their way down the aisle, often capturing the attention and admiration of the guests.
However, it is important to note that not all weddings include a ring bearer or flower girl. Some couples may choose to forego these roles or may not have young children in their lives who would be suitable for these positions. In such cases, the aisle runner is typically deployed immediately before the bride’s entrance.
The deployment of the aisle runner is an important part of the wedding ceremony. It serves both a practical and aesthetic purpose. From a practical standpoint, the runner helps to protect the bride’s dress from any dirt or debris that may be on the ground. It also creates a clear and defined path for the bride to walk on, ensuring that all eyes are on her as she makes her grand entrance.
Aesthetically, the aisle runner adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the ceremony. It can be personalized with the couple’s monogram, names, or a design that complements the overall theme of the wedding. The runner is often made of a luxurious fabric, such as satin or silk, and can be adorned with flowers, petals, or other decorative elements.
In my opinion, it is best to have the aisle runner deployed right before the bride’s entrance if there are no ring bearer or flower girl. This ensures that the runner remains pristine and undisturbed until the bride walks on it, creating a dramatic and visually captivating moment.
To summarize, the only people who should walk on the aisle runner before a bride are the ring bearer and flower girl. These roles are typically assigned to young children and add a touch of charm to the ceremony. If these children are not used in the wedding, it is best to deploy the aisle runner immediately before the bride’s entrance. This ensures that the runner remains pristine and creates a beautiful pathway for the bride to walk on.