The Processional {Jewish Weddings}

Today's modern wedding has several options as to how the wedding procession is determined. Jewish tradition states that since it took a mother and father to bring their child into the world then both of them should escort their child to the Chuppah. The bride's attendants will stand on the right side of the Chuppah and the Groom's side to the left of the Chuppah.

Photo Source

The Rabbi and Cantor proceed down the aisle first, giving the congregation an awareness that the ceremony is about to begin. Grandparents of the Bride and Groom proceed down the aisle and are seated on the respective sides.

The Groom's attendants proceed first with the Best Man, who has the honor of standing closest to the Groom, standing on the outside front pole of the Chuppah. Groomsmen follow in order of height. The Groom is escorted by his parents to the Chuppah. His parents stand under the left side of the Chuppah between the clergy and where the couple will stand.

The Bride's attendants follow suit but on the right side of the Chuppah. If there is a flower girl and ring bearer participating, they will walk down either separately to awaiting parents or relatives and will then be seated.

The Bride's parents proceed to the same piece of music as the rest of the wedding party. They stop one-fourth of the way up the aisle and face each other. The music then changes to the Bride's processional. The Bride walks to her parents and walks with them up to the top of the aisle. Her Groom comes to escort her to the Chuppah. Before doing so, he exchanges a loving gesture such as a hug and kiss to his future in-laws as they, too, walk under the Chuppah.