The Correct Processional Order for a Jewish Wedding Ceremony

In Jewish ceremonies, the processional and recessional order is slightly different than traditional Christian ceremonies. At a traditional Jewish wedding, the bride is on the right (if you're facing the chuppah) and the groom is on the left. Note that this is the opposite of a traditional Christian ceremony, where the bride's side is on the left. In Jewish services, both sets of parents stand under the chuppah during the ceremony, alongside the bride, groom, and rabbi.

The Processional

During the Jewish ceremony procession, the grandparents, the groom's parents, and the bride's mother all join the processional in this order:

• Rabbi and/or cantor (stands beneath the chuppah in the center)
• Grandparents of the bride (they are seated in the first row on the right side)
• Grandparents of the groom (they are seated in the first row on the left side)
• Groomsmen (in pairs)
• Best man
• The groom, escorted by his parents (father on his right, mother on his left)
• Bridesmaids (starting with she who will stand farthest from the bride)
• Maid/matron of honor
• Ring bearer and/or flower girl
• The bride, escorted by her parents (father on her right, mother on her left)

The Recessional

Following the ceremony, the procession is reversed, and the men in the wedding party escort the women:

• Bride and groom
• Bride's parents
• Groom's parents
• Bride's grandparents
• Groom's grandparents
• Ring bearer and flower girl (optional)
• Honor attendants (maid/matron of honor and best man)
• Bridesmaids and groomsmen
• Rabbi and/or cantor