Who goes first, bride or bridesmaids?

Traditionally in England it's bride first, the bridesmaid first thing is from America.

I had my bridesmaids go down first so that they got their moment to shine, and so that there was a little more anticiapation for moi!!

Bridesmaids first is an American tradition.

You can do whichever you want if you are having a civil ceremony. If you are having a church ceremony check with your Vicar as some won't let you do anything other than bride first

I'm being bridesmaid on Saturday and I'll be following the bride down, but when I get married I think I would like to do it the other way round, for the reasons porkchop mentioned. I think it's entirely up to you, although I have heard of some churches not letting you do it the 'American' way.

I'm sending the bridesmaids in first so I can have a bit more suspense before I make my grand entrance! ?

My bm's will be coming in after me, I want everyone to be able to see me! Haha. Actually, to be honest it is more that it's the traditional thing, and that way they can sort my train out etc before we go in. One of bm's is also incredibly shy, so she wouldn't want to be center of attention!

I thought it might be American. I'm not sure if I'd want to be first 'look at meeeee' or after like a big reveal!!

decisions decisions and only 2 weeks to go. Eeek

It depends on personal preference, and perhaps ease at your venue.

My venue said it would be easier for them if the bridesmaids went first because they can just slip into their seats when they reach the front, but if they go behind me they might need to jiggle past a little because of limited space.

But, my Mum was adamant that she wanted me to go first, then the boy joined in and said that if I didn't go first then there was no point in him turning round to look at me, because his view of me would be obscured by the girls. And I love seeing the look on the groom's face when the bride comes in. So I am defying the venue (I say that lightheartedly, they don't mind really) and I am going first.

But I have been a bridesmaid before where we went first and bride and her fatehr followed us. She felt more comfortable that way. It really doesn't matter, just personal preference.

Oh! Bex, that's a very good point! There you go, completely cemented my decision, there's no way I want him to see them and not me! I can't wait to see his face

Mine are going first. The bet bit of my dress is the back!

I'll let them get all the way down and out the way too before I come in. I'm an attention seeker!

I will be going first then my bridesmaids will follow but only because I want my wedding to be really traditional. I do like the idea of the bridesmaids going first though and then the bride entering after a bit of suspense! xxx

I'm pretty sure mine were all the way down before I started walking down! My husband could definitely see me, I know that!

ETA: Ah yes, look - eyes all on me! Ha! ?

I'm sending my bridesmaids first! 4 littles and then my 5 grown ups (with 1 holding her baby) and when they get to the end and sit down I'll come :-) xx

Flower girls first, they get to the bottom have a feeling they'll run anyway, two daughters next, then MOH. I want clear photos of them all going down. I don't want them to be stuck behind me and the tog not to be able to them.

I asked my bridesmaids what they preferred and the answer was for me to go first. That was what I preferred too so a easy decision to make! I worried I wouldn't be seen haha!

you could still have bridesmaids go first!

My bridesmaid went first they for to the front and took their seats. The doors were closed to hide me and my dad at some point while they were walking down! Is chosen a separate song for my entrance! Music started and I made my grand entrance... OH actually ended up walking a little part way to meet me, my dad handed him my hand too his seat and we made our way (a few steps literally) to the 'altar'

ive never been to a wedding where the bride enter first! (Even in a Catholic Church) I've only been to 2 civil ceremonies too!

I think I'll have BM first as when I get to the front of the isle I don't want to have to wait around for her behind me to take her seat. Also i hope once I've made my entrance everyone will be looking at me for the whole walk up the isle, rather than being distracted with the BM behind me.

This thread has thoroughly confused me now! I was all set on bridesmaids behind me, but I'm now thinking you might be right about the bridesmaids having to shuffle around you, hotel aisles are not as wide as church aisles!

I think I'll be going last. I personally think it builds the suspension nicely. I *think* all the weddings I've been to (in NZ and here) have always had the BMs go first.

I think we'll be having the BM first and waiting for them to be seated before me and my dad enter .it definitely suits the music better too as the song builds and I want my entrance to be at that point.

I think we'll be having the BM first and waiting for them to be seated before me and my dad enter .it definitely suits the music better too as the song builds and I want my entrance to be at that point.

Had the chuch rehearsal today and the vicar said you will go then bridesmaids, and out of my mouth came 'we want the bridesmaids to go first' so decision made!

i though OH wanted bridesmaids first so he could see me in all my glory on my own, it turns out he doesn't want everyone looking at me and the bridesmaids not getting a look in. Oh well, I guess it makes him thoughtful, kind of!

Ooh, decision made then!

Haha, bless him, that is thoughful! I guess once the bride arrives no one is looking at the bridesmaids anymore! I still haven't decided, this thread confused me!