Way back when, an aisle runner’s primary purpose was to protect the bride’s gown from dirt or mud that was tracked in from the streets. It was also used to ensure that the bride felt like royalty on her wedding day. For many brides, this is the reason they still choose to use an aisle runner.
Todays weddings are all about personal choice and what feels right to the couple. Traditional, modern or traditional with a modern day twist! There are many different options for runners as well as when and how to use them. Over time, aisle runners have morphed into yet another way to add that elegant and unique touch to the ceremony. It can define the wedding couple’s personal taste.
In a Church or Synagogue, the runner may be laid our prior to the ceremony, in which case the top of the aisle would be blocked off and guests would then enter pews from the side aisles to take their seats. If the runner is pulled out by the bridal party, this would happen after all guests are seated to signify the beginning of the ceremony.
However, for an outdoor ceremony, I caution using a runner if it is light weight or plastic. In these cases its nearly impossible for them to lay flat on grass or sand and if they aren’t secured, the wind can make them dangerous to walk on. I recently heard a story where a guest actually heard the bridesmaids shoes popping holes all the way down the aisle when the runner was plastic over grass. Yikes!
The floral arrangement aisle runner is one of my personal favorites and it can be used both indoors as well as in a garden ceremony. The flowers can be simply scattered or more personalized with monograms and designs. Lots of petals are needed for this to really make an impact but the results are amazing!
My newest love is Original Runner Co.. The runners that they produce are a complete game changer. Again, with todays brides all hoping for the unique touches to their wedding day, Original Runner Co. makes that so easy for them. They offer a wide array of patterns from elegant damask to funky glittered metallic. You can also choose from a rainbow of solid colors, custom designs and patterns, monograms and names, quotes and saying, even custom rhinestone detailing! As if this wasn’t amazing enough, these high quality runners can be made at custom lengths, and are the only ones in the world made with non-slip backing. Check out these three examples below to get a taste of their magnificent designs and what they can do for your special day!
Lastly, a very simple and still very popular option is to choose two groomsmen to roll out your runner. I still find this to be very dramatic and it’s a great way to quiet your guests and let them know that the big moment is about to begin. Best of all, it’s very easy and inexpensive. You simply place the runner at the end of the aisle and the groomsmen hold on to the pull cord and walk up the aisle.
There are many different choices for aisle runners. Don’t forget to look at all of your options to find the best fit for your dream wedding! One final piece of advise…be sure that you check the length of the aisle. Nothing could be worse than deciding to have a runner and then it being too short!
