15 Modern Ideas for Walking Down the Aisle at Your Wedding

Mother of the Bride, Bride, and Father of the Bride Walking Down the Aisle — Photo by Kristin La Voie Photography

Walking down the aisle on your wedding day is probably a moment you’ve been dreaming about ever since you were little: Striding toward your future spouse with pristine hair and makeup, a beautiful wedding dress, a smile on your face, and all of your loved ones gazing lovingly at you is the quintessential wedding scene that has likely played out in your head repeatedly. Besides being a long-awaited vision, your processional is a pivotal part of your nuptials. Marching toward the altar marks your debut as a bride; it’s the first time your guests (and maybe your partner—if you decide against doing a first look) will see you on your special day. And it commences the start of your ceremony, when you’ll make your marriage official.

While walking down the aisle is primarily a moment for you to shine, the person who escorts you makes the experience even more meaningful. Traditionally, the father of the bride accompanies his daughter during her processional. But many modern brides are choosing alternative ways to make their entrance. Some, especially those whose father is deceased or out of the picture, ask other noteworthy people in their lives, such as their mother, their grandfather, or their brother, to fulfill this honorable role. Others choose to walk solo as a way to highlight their independence. Whatever route you take, putting your own spin on this ceremony ritual will make your wedding feel more personal to and reflective of you.

If you’re rethinking the customary ceremony entrance, here are 15 modern ideas for walking down the aisle as the bride.

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With Your Mother

Bride in floral dress walking down aisle with her mother in pink dress — Photo by Emily Melissa Photo

If you’re closer to your mother, consider asking her to guide you toward the altar. By designating your mom as your escort, you'll be able to focus the spotlight on the influence she's had on your life. This is also a great option for brides who don’t have a father in the picture, either due to divorce, death, or other extenuating circumstances.

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With Both Parents

Bride and Parents Walking Down Yellow Aisle at Wedding Ceremony — Photo by Feather & Twine

Take a cue from the Jewish wedding tradition, where the bride makes her descent with both parents. At Jewish ceremonies, as the bride walks toward the chuppah, her father strolls beside her on the right side, while her mother stands on the left. You can swap the sides, but whatever order you follow, this alternative is a heartfelt way to include both of your parents in your wedding ceremony.

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With Your Stepfather

Stepfather in Black Suit and Bride in Long-Sleeved Dress Walking Down the Aisle — Photo by Deborah Ann Photography

Plenty of stepfathers have walked their stepdaughters down the aisle, especially when the two have a close-knit relationship. If your stepfather is your main father figure, then chances are, you're going to want to include him in the ceremony, anyway. Guests will see how much he means to you, and you’ll have the classic father-daughter moment.

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With Your Father and Stepfather

Father and stepfather walking the bride down the aisle — Photo by Natura Collective

Many brides feel their stepfather is just as endearing to them as their biological father, so it’s a super sweet sentiment to be accompanied by the two major men in your life. Propose that both of your “fathers” do the honor. If, for whatever reason, they aren’t on good terms, consider having a heartfelt conversation with each of them before the big day to check on their comfort level.

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With Your Brother

Bride in Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress and Brother in Black Tuxedo Walking Down Stairs — Photo by Jenny Quicksall

If your brother is your best friend or role model, consider asking him to stand by your side as you make your grand debut. This idea for walking down the aisle is particularly sound if your father has passed away or if you're looking for a special way to make your brother feel included in the celebration. Assigning your sister this role will also have the same effect.

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With Your Father and Brother

Bride walking down aisle with father and brother — Photo by Andrew Graham Todes Photography

Maybe you want to honor the tradition of having your father usher you toward your future spouse—but with a spin. If there's another monumental figure who you believe will elevate this moment, ask them to stand on the other side of you, opposite of your dad. For instance, linking arms with both your father and brother will allow you to enter with extra love and support.

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With Your Uncle

Brides wearing yellow sari walks with two paternal uncles into Hindu wedding ceremony — Photo by Edward Winter for READYLUCK

In Hindu tradition, brides make an appearance at their ceremony alongside their maternal uncles. Often, their uncles carry them in on a doli, or a small carriage decorated with flowers. Whether or not you're throwing an Indian wedding, you can adopt this custom at your own service, with or without the pomp and circumstance.

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With Your Cousin

Brunette bride walking down the aisle with her family members — Photo by Glorianna Chan

Walking down the aisle with a cousin who's like a sibling to you is another modern alternative that will make your ceremony extra special. Asking this extended family member to step up to the plate will give you the opportunity to honor their significance in your life and express gratitude for their friendship. You can even ask additional family members like your uncle or father to accompany them, too.

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With Your Grandfather

bride and her grandfather walking down the aisle — Photo by Jacqui Cole

Does your grandfather have a paternal presence in your life? If so, give him the privilege of holding your hand as you proceed to your partner. Asking a grandparent to complete this honorable duty will make them feel loved and appreciated. If you're considering this possibility, make sure your grandfather or grandmother is mobile and agile enough to make the distance on their feet. For those in a wheelchair, you can either guide the handlebars or recruit another member of your wedding party to do so.

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With Your Kids

Bride walking down the aisle with two family members in black suits — Photo by Max Wanger

Whether it's your second marriage or you're tying the knot after you and your significant other had kids, enrolling your children as your chaperones will make your processional emotional and unforgettable for everyone in attendance. If one or both partners has kids from another relationship, this is a beautiful way to blend your families together.

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With Your Pet

Bride and Groom Holding Greenery Leash and Walking With Dog — Photo by Hannah Forsberg

Your pet is likely an adored member of your family, so walking down the aisle with them is only fitting (well, you'll probably be walking them). Having your favorite four-legged creature by your side will calm your nerves and bring joy to many of your guests. Just make sure to check with your venue first to see if animals are allowed. If they give you the green light, spend some time practicing with your pet, so they refrain from veering off courses or jumping on your dress.

To shift attention back to you and your partner, have someone in the first few rows grab your pet after you finish your walk. Once you reach the end of the aisle, the individual will take hold of the leash without interrupting the ceremony.

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With Your Nephews

bride walking down the aisle with her two nephews — Photo by Matoli Keely Photography

If you’re an aunt who treats your nephews (or nieces) like your own, having them join your processional will be a full-circle moment. Brides often ask their nephews to serve as ring bearers, but if yours are older, enlisting them as your escorts will make them a part of your big day in a new and memorable way.

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With Your Future Spouse

Bride in Black Strapless Dress and Groom in White Tuxedo Walking Down Outdoor Aisle Surrounded by Seated Guests — Photo by Scott Clark Photo

Instead of waiting until you join your future spouse at the altar, why not walk down the aisle together? Your wedding day is a celebration of your relationship, so it's only fitting to choose one another to do the honor. As the two of you guide each other toward your eventual marriage, it's a symbolic way to commence the service and your shared lives together.

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Halfway by Yourself

Bride Walking Down Aisle Towards Groom — Photo by Perry Vaile

Replicate Meghan Markle's royal wedding entrance by starting your processional solo before meeting another person halfway. With this modern idea, you'll demonstrate your independence while still honoring an age-old tradition. If you want to make a bold statement, we can't think of a more memorable entrance.

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On Your Own

Brunette Bride Walking Down Mirrored Aisle in White Gown — Photo by Jenny Quicksall

Who says you need an escort at all? Instead of having another person join your processional and "give you away," consider walking down the aisle solo. Opting to enter your ceremony alone will showcase your autonomy and self-reliance, making the ultimate statement.

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