Wedding Processional and Recessional Order Explained: A Calm, Modern Guide for Couples in Vancouver | Vancity Officiant Wedding Guide
- Vancity Officiant Team
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Many couples share the same quiet concern after booking their ceremony: they are unsure who walks first, who follows, and whether there is a correct order they are expected to follow.
This is completely natural. A wedding ceremony is meaningful, but most people experience it only a handful of times in their lives, usually as guests. Understanding ceremony flow is not something couples are expected to know instinctively.
This guide explains how a traditional wedding processional and recessional usually work, and how modern couples in Vancouver often adapt it to feel more natural and relaxed. The purpose is not to prescribe rules, but to help you feel oriented and at ease.
What is a wedding processional?
The wedding processional is the entrance sequence of the ceremony. It marks the shift from gathering to intention, gently guiding guests into the emotional space of the wedding.
Traditionally, the processional begins with family and the wedding party, and concludes with the bride’s entrance. In modern ceremonies, this structure is often simplified or personalized while keeping the same sense of flow and meaning.
A traditional wedding processional order
Below is a commonly used structure for weddings in Vancouver and across British Columbia. It works well for both intimate ceremonies and larger celebrations.
Before the music begins
The officiant enters first and welcomes guests. A brief introduction is offered, along with a reminder to silence phones. If the couple wishes to have an unplugged ceremony, this is typically mentioned at this moment.
During the first song
The wedding party and immediate family usually enter in the following order:
Groom’s parents
Bride’s mother, escorted by a loved one
Groom
Groomsmen, either from outermost to closest or in reverse order
Bridesmaids, either from outermost to closest or in reverse order
Maid of Honour
Ring bearer, flower girl, or pets
There is flexibility within this sequence. Some couples prefer wedding party members to enter individually, while others choose paired entrances. Both approaches are widely accepted.
Guests rise and second song
Guests are usually invited to rise for the bride’s entrance.
Bride entering with a parent or loved one
This moment often carries the strongest emotional weight and is traditionally given its own musical cue.
Which side should the bride’s father or escort walk on?
This is one of the most common questions couples ask, especially after seeing different answers online.
In most modern weddings, the father or escort walks on the bride’s right side, with the bride on the left. This orientation allows for a smoother handoff at the front of the ceremony and feels more natural for movement, photography, and the transition into vows.
Some older etiquette references suggest the opposite, but in contemporary ceremonies this is no longer a rule. Comfort and ease matter far more than tradition, and either side is completely acceptable.
As officiants, we quietly guide this moment at the front so the transition feels natural and unhurried, regardless of which side you choose.
A traditional wedding recessional order
The recessional marks the conclusion of the ceremony and the beginning of celebration. After the officiant legally pronounces the couple married, music plays and the couple shares a kiss.
A traditional recessional usually follows this order:
Newly married couple, often joined by their pets
Flower girl and ring bearer
Maid of Honor and Best Man as a pair
Bridesmaids and groomsmen as pairs
Bride’s parents
Groom’s parents
This structure keeps the focus on the couple while allowing the wedding party and family to exit smoothly.
Gently modern variations couples often choose
Many modern couples prefer a simplified or adapted version of the traditional structure. These choices are not about breaking tradition, but about creating comfort and authenticity.
Common variations include:
Using one song for the entire processional
Walking in together as a couple
Having parents walk together
Choosing not to have a formal wedding party
Allowing guests to remain seated throughout the ceremony
Ending the ceremony without a formal recessional and inviting guests to mingle naturally
All of these options are commonly seen in contemporary Vancouver weddings.
Including pets in your processional or recessional
Pets are often included symbolically in modern ceremonies, especially during the recessional or alongside the couple. Some couples prefer their pet to walk in early with a designated handler, while others invite their pet to join them only after the legal portion of the ceremony is complete.
When including pets, it is helpful to:
Assign one person to guide and care for them
Keep their role brief and calm
Choose timing that supports their comfort
A relaxed pet contributes to a relaxed ceremony.
Do we have to follow this order exactly?
No. These structures exist to support ceremony flow, not to restrict personal choice.
As officiants, our role is to guide timing, transitions, and pacing so couples can stay present and enjoy the moment without managing logistics. Once the flow is understood, adjustments feel intuitive rather than stressful.
A note from your officiant
Ceremony structure is not about tradition for its own sake. It is about creating clarity, emotional ease, and a meaningful sense of arrival for everyone present.
When the flow is clear, the ceremony has space to feel natural and unforced.
Further reading
If you would like to explore practical ceremony flow examples, you may also find these guides helpful:
These resources are designed to help you visualize different options and decide what feels most natural for your ceremony.
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