Meghan Markle and Serena Williams did it solo. Kim Kardashian too (third time lucky), while Priyanka Chopra and Princess Helena chose to walk with their mums. Wedding dress shopping? Gift lists? No - we're talking about those all-important steps towards marriage: the walk down the aisle.
Whether it's something you’ve imagined for years or a moment that's taken shape during wedding planning, the aisle walk is your grand entrance. It’s the first glimpse your guests have of you, and a chance to soak up every second of the celebration you've so carefully created. But if tradition doesn't quite feel like you, there are plenty of ways to make the moment your own. From going solo to arriving with your inner circle, here's how to take to the aisle in style:
Just Dad
Traditionally, fathers walked their daughters down the aisle – a custom rooted in the idea of “giving away” the bride. Today, many see it instead as a gesture of love, support and the joining of families. Whether your dad isn't present, your relationship is different or if you simply want to do things your own way, there’s no obligation to follow tradition. The key is clear communication - you don't want dad assuming he's waltzing you down the aisle while you're planning a solo entrance. If your plans don't include him, you can still honour your relationship with a meaningful father-daughter moment during the ceremony or reception.
Make it about Mum
Walking with your mum is a sweet, modern approach, whether driven by practicality or personal preference. Perhaps she raised you single-handedly and you’d like to honour your bond, or perhaps she’s taken on both parental roles if your father has passed away. It may simply be about celebrating her presence on your day, or creating a ceremony that feels more inclusive and less bound by tradition. Dads and stepdads can still be involved - perhaps offering a reading, or meeting you halfway along the aisle if you'd like to share the moment.
Parental Parade
If you have a close relationship with both parents, why not take inspiration from Jewish tradition and have them walk either side of you? It’s a powerful, symbolic gesture of support as you step into married life. It also works beautifully for blended families - and if relationships are more complex, there’s no reason you can’t mix and match who accompanies you.
Mums and dads, step-parents, birth parents, foster family – anyone significant can be part of this moment, honouring their role in your life as you move into this next chapter. It's a lovely way to celebrate strong family bonds and recognise those who've supported you along the way. And If dad and stepdad get on well, there’s nothing stopping both of them joining you – just make sure everyone is clear on the plan from the start.
Go It Alone
Taking those first steps towards marriage solo can feel quietly powerful. But it doesn’t have to be for any reason other than simply wanting to. Some choose to go it alone if they are marrying for the second time or because they want to feel confident and fully present in the moment. It can also be a visual choice – solo entrances often create a more striking feel in photographs - or simply a chance to enjoy your moment in the spotlight, with the focus solely on you as you meet your other half. It's not about rejecting tradition or making a statement - it’s just what feels right for you. Meghan Markle chose to walk part of the aisle alone before being joined by King Charles for the final steps towards the Duke of Sussex.
Pre-marriage posse
Your aisle entourage can be made up of the people who mean the most – from supportive family members to close friends. Why not involve aunts and uncles (who often play a key role in Hindu ceremonies), or grandparents for an added sense of occasion? For something a little more high-energy, a group entrance can bring a sense of fun entrance - think a coordinated walk - in with your closest friends or family members, whether that's a few playful poses or a simple routine as you approach your other half. It's a joyful, personality-filled way to start the ceremony - just be sure to give your partner a heads-up if you're planning something unexpected.
Time with children
Walking down the aisle with children can be deeply personal. Whether it reflects a blended family, honours your role as a parent or simply feels right if your swerving tradition but don’t want to go it alone, it's a meaningful way to begin the ceremony. Children of any age can be part of the moment - from siblings to your own little ones - whether you walk with one child or several. Older children may enjoy a sense of responsibility, while with younger ones it's best to expect the unexpected (and not assume a two-year-old will follow instructions to the letter). Those spontaneous, impromptu moments often become the most memorable. Including nieces and nephews is also a lovely nod to strong family bonds - and from pre-schoolers to teenagers, they're almost guaranteed to bring a few happy tears along the way.
Pet patrol
Nothing says personality quite like a well-dressed pup - think bulldogs in bow-ties or dogs-of-honour stealing the show. From "pets-men' to four-legged ring bearers, there are plenty of ways to include your pet in your aisle moment. Whether they walk alongside you, lead the way or are pulled along in a specially decorated cart, it's a playful and memorable addition to your entrance. Tie their look into your theme with collars and leads bedecked in foliage, flowers or fairy lights.
As a Couple
Walking into your ceremony together is a modern, romantic take on the aisle moment, symbolising equality and partnership from the very start. It's a beautiful way to reflect a supportive relationship, and works just as well the first time around as it does if you’re marrying again. It lends itself well to more intimate ceremonies, but works equally well on a larger scale. It can also be a thoughtful option if parents or grandparents are elderly or less mobile. If you arrive together, consider seating close family – parents and grandparents – along the edge of the aisle so as you walk you can share a glance, a smile or a squeeze of the hand - a simple but meaningful way to show they're part of your journey.
words Elizabeth Chester
