How to Plan Your Wedding Processional and Recessional
A stress-free guide to organizing the start and end of your ceremony with confidence.
📸 Photo: ZR Weddings @ Newberry Library
Planning your wedding ceremony is one of the most meaningful parts of the wedding planning process — and while the vows often get all the attention, the entrance and exit are what set the tone and bookend the moment. The processional and recessional may only last a few minutes, but they’re emotionally charged, highly photographed, and totally worth planning with intention.
Not sure where to start? Who walks when? How to make the transitions smooth? You’re not alone. If you're a couple planning a wedding in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago — from Naperville to Wilmette to Barrington to Rosemont and even Chicago proper — this guide will help you organize your ceremony with clarity, confidence, and ease.
Let’s break it down.
What Is the Processional?
📸 Photo: Jess Lizette Photo @ The Crawford
The processional is the formal entrance of your wedding party and key family members. It's the first moment your guests truly feel the ceremony begin — and it's the first time you’ll walk toward your partner, surrounded by the people who matter most.
There’s no one “right” way to do it, but the traditional order looks like this:
Common Processional Order (for a more traditional setup)
Officiant (optional — they may already be at the front)
Grandparents of the couple
Parents of the couple
Wedding party
Groomsmen or attendants
Bridesmaids or attendants (either together or separately)
Best person or maid/matron of honor
Flower child / ring bearer (optional)
Person getting married (aka "bride" or partner being escorted)
Each person or group typically enters to a specifically selected piece of music (or section of the same track) that builds anticipation. The final entrance — usually of the bride or the last partner to enter — is the most emotional and iconic moment of the processional.
📸 Photo: Amna Belal Photography @ Naper Settlement
We’re seeing a lot of changes these days with processionals - here are a few fun ones that we like:
The couple is each escorted down the aisle by both parents or loved ones who play a significant role in their lives.
The couple walks in together (fun fact, Sholeh did this at her own wedding!)
Members of the wedding party walk down the aisle alone instead of pairing up.
No wedding party
…and more! Make it what you want!
💡 Tip: Not everyone has a wedding party, and not every couple wants to be “given away.” We’ll work with you to make this feel authentic to your story.
Cueing the Music
You’ll generally want two or three songs for your processional, but some people are choosing to have only one song:
One for family
One for the wedding party
One for the final entrance
That last piece is sometimes referred to as “the walk down the aisle” song — and it should feel powerful, intimate, and personal. Whether you go classical (think Canon in D) or contemporary (like A Thousand Years), make sure the transitions between songs are timed and practiced with your ceremony team.
📸 Photo: This is Feeling Photography @ Chicago Botanic Garden
What About the Recessional?
The recessional is the moment after you're officially married — when you turn to your guests, beam with joy, and walk back down the aisle together.
📸 Photo: Theresa Kyriazes @ Unity Lutheran Church
The recessional should feel upbeat, celebratory, and full of movement. It typically follows this order:
Traditional Recessional Order
Newlyweds (they will go all the way down the aisle before anyone else recesses)
Wedding party (in reverse order of entrance)
Parents of the couple
Guests (led by ushers or left to exit row by row)
This is your chance to pick something fun, unexpected, or totally classic. Songs like This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) or Signed, Sealed, Delivered never go out of style — but your choice should reflect the vibe you want to set as the party begins.
Rehearsing the Flow
A ceremony rehearsal (typically held the day before the wedding) is where everything comes together. Your planner or coordinator will guide the group through timing, spacing, cues, and transitions. This is especially helpful for:
Children in the ceremony (flower kids, ring bearers)
Family members or friends who are walking in
Music cues and any spoken intros
📸 Photo: Nicole Ann Photography @ Newberry Library
At Sholeh Events, we always lead a clear and calm rehearsal so everyone feels prepared — and so you can walk into your ceremony with full peace of mind. Explore our Wedding Packages to learn more.
A Few Extra Tips for a Smooth Processional & Recessional
Assign someone to cue the music — your planner or a designated point person should coordinate with the DJ or musicians.
Practice spacing — aim for 3–5 seconds between entrances, or halfway down the aisle between each set of people.
Have tissues nearby — emotions run high at the start and end of ceremonies.
Let the joy lead — your recessional should feel like a celebration. Smile, cheer, kiss — this is your just-married moment!
Final Thought: Make It Yours
Remember, the beauty of modern weddings is that you can personalize the flow however you like. Want to walk in together? Skip the party entrances? Dance down the aisle to Beyoncé? Go for it. The structure is here to serve you, not the other way around.
📸 Photo: Allie Idrac @ Congress Hotel
If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, we’re here to help. From writing your ceremony script to managing music cues and handling logistics, we’ve done this many, many times — and we’d love to make it easy for you, too.
Ready to Plan Your Ceremony with Confidence?
Contact us today for a custom planning proposal or to learn more about our ceremony coordination services. We’ll help you bring clarity, structure, and calm to this unforgettable moment.
