On your wedding day, there are many ways the bride and groom may enter, and much 
depends on how many attendants you have. The wedding ceremony begins with the groom’s mother and then the bride’s mother being seated in the front row aisle seats by an usher, a groomsman, or sometimes even the groom. Sometimes the moms pre-light the Unity Candle or pour in the Unity Sand at this time. Then the minister and the groom walk out together. The best man and groomsmen may follow, or they may escort the bridesmaids from the back of the room and down the aisle. If there is a ringbearer, he or she follows the other attendants. The flower girl, if there is one, usually enters right before the bride. For simple weddings, the same bridal march can be used for the attendants and the bride. With several bridesmaids, you may want an introductory piece, followed by the wedding march for the bride only. The mothers take the lead in standing up when the bride enters. If the bride’s father or another man is escorting her down the aisle, he walks on the bride’s right. He can simply escort her down the aisle and then sit down, or the officiant may ask, “Who gives this bride in marriage to this man?” or “Who blesses this marriage?” The father replies “I do,” “Her family and I do,” or “Her mother and I do.” The minister then says, “Thank you.” The father may kiss the bride on the cheek, and perhaps offer her right hand to the groom’s left hand as they walk the last step to the front together. The father or escort then sits down in the front row.
