Ushers & Runners

May has been a busy month for me wedding-wise, and so a couple of details are on my mind.

Ushers - they are a good thing. I heartily recommend asking 2 to 4 friends or family members if they would help out at the ceremony. They can:
- provide a bit of guidance when guests arrive at a space
- make sure certain seats are saved for specific guests
- tell inquiring guests if there are or are not "side" preferences
- hand out programs
- define a space, in the event the guests will be standing rather than sitting
Having ushers is a gracious gesture to offer to guests, who often look slightly bewildered when entering a ceremony space.

Aisle Runners - they benefit from some planning. The idea of a long carpet, perhaps strewn with flowers petals, for a spectacular entrance is lovely. The reality is that I have seen too many runners trampled and crumpled before the proper satin-shod toe steps out onto the stretch of fabric. If a runner is laid out before the guests enter, how are the guests supposed to get to their seats - or run over and hug someone they haven't seen in a long time? Ushers can help direct people away from the center aisle, but really...do you want to keep people from greeting each other?

If you are going to include a runner, make it a dramatic moment in the ceremony, having two or more ushers unroll it with a flourish to heighten the tears and the "Aaahhhh!"s for that historic walk down the aisle. And if you actually want flower petals to stylishly adorn the pathway, choose a flower girl/boy who is older than 5. The whole ritual can be quite stunning, creating anticipation for the entrance.

Let your celebrant know that you are going to have a runner. She or he can help you decide how you wish it to be used. It is one of those details that offers an opportunity for a beautiful ritual.

Details, details. They are the nuts and bolts of the occasion.

photo by Sonya Andonov