Should your wedding party be seated during the ceremony?
In the ever-evolving world of weddings, tradition is taking a back seat to personalisation—and I love to see it!
One trend that’s gaining traction is the idea of the wedding party sitting during the ceremony rather than standing up front the whole time.
Think: your besties, siblings, and chosen family walking down the aisle with you, then taking a front-row seat to witness your “I dos” instead of standing to the side for the entire ceremony.
It’s a fresh take that balances aesthetics with comfort and gives your wedding crew a new way to be present. So let’s unpack the pros and cons of this trend to see if it could be something you want to do for your Byron Bay wedding!
The Pros of Seating Your Wedding Party During the Ceremony
They Get to Relax and Actually Watch the Ceremony
Standing for 30+ minutes—especially in heels or suits—can be tiring. Seating your wedding party lets them settle in, breathe, and take in every second of your big moment without fidgeting or sore feet.
They Can See You Not Just the Guests
When standing off to the side, your wedding party might only catch glimpses of your ceremony from the corner of their eye. Being seated front and centre gives them the best view in the house—to see every smile, happy tear, and that magic moment you say “I do.”
It’s Inclusive and Flexible
Not everyone feels comfortable being in the spotlight, and not everyone is physically able to stand for long periods. Seating your crew allows them to participate in a way that feels good for them—without pressure or expectation.
It Keeps the Focus Where It Belongs
Let’s be honest—sometimes, a full lineup behind the couple can be distracting in photos. Seated wedding parties mean your photographer has a cleaner backdrop and can focus fully on you and your partner.
Photos could be better
If you have a large wedding party (for example, 4 or more on each side), photos may look a little bit ‘off’ if everyone isn’t perfectly symmetrical. Or when one or two people start to fidget or move around. One of my jobs as a civil wedding celebrant is to always go over this with the wedding party before hand- everything out of pockets, no fidgeting, toes all lined up, symmetry; but sometimes that does not go to plan!
The Grand Entrance Still Happens
You don’t have to skip the fun of walking down the aisle together! Your wedding party can still make their entrance, then simply take a seat once they’ve arrived—getting the best of both worlds.
Are There Any Cons?
Of course, like any trend, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Here are a few things to consider before pulling up a chair:
Your Photos Might Look Different
If you’re after that classic photo with your full wedding party standing behind you as you exchange vows, seating them might not deliver the same visual. (But hey, you can still grab those group shots just before your celebrant asks them to be seated, or afterwards.)
Outfit Reveal Is Shorter
For some, showing off the wedding party’s looks and style is part of the fun. If they’re seated early, those epic outfit moments might feel a bit fleeting.
You Might Need Extra Seating or Space
Depending on your venue layout, you may need to shuffle seating arrangements to fit the wedding party into the front row, especially if you have a larger group. Also consider- where will your immediate family sit if the bridesmaids/groomsmen are all taking up the front row?
Is This Trend Right for Your Ceremony?
Like everything in weddings, it comes down to you. If you’re the kind of couple who values comfort, intimacy, and creating an inclusive space for your crew, this trend is worth considering.
As a celebrant, I’ve seen how meaningful it can be when your wedding party gets to witness your ceremony rather than just stand through it. There’s something incredibly powerful about locking eyes with your best friend in the front row as you say your vows.
If you’re still undecided, I always say—let’s chat. Together, we can design a ceremony that reflects your personalities, values, and love story.
Final Thoughts
Whether you stick with the traditional standing line-up or try something a little more relaxed, your ceremony should feel right for you. There are no rules here—only options that help you create the kind of moment that feels authentic, warm, and completely yours.
Looking for a celebrant who can help you craft a ceremony as unique as your love story? I’d be honoured to help- contact me here!
Let’s make some magic together. 💍
Check out Aurora House for your wedding venue!
FAQs
Q: Can your wedding party sit during the ceremony?
A: Yes! More couples are choosing to have their wedding party sit down after walking down the aisle. It’s a modern trend that prioritises comfort and presence over tradition.
Q: Why would you seat your wedding party instead of having them stand?
>>>>>>>A: Seating your crew means they can relax, stay out of the spotlight, and have a better view of your ceremony. It’s also a more inclusive option for guests who may not be able to stand comfortably for long periods.
Q: Will the wedding party still walk down the aisle if they’re seated?
A: Absolutely! They can still make a stylish entrance and then simply take a seat in the front row instead of standing throughout the ceremony.
Q: Does seating the wedding party affect how your ceremony looks in photos?
A: A little—but often in a good way! Without a full lineup behind you, the focus stays on you and your partner. Plus, your photographer can still capture beautiful group shots before or after the ceremony.
Q: Is this a good idea for large wedding parties?
A: It can be! You may need to reserve extra front-row seating or adjust the layout a bit, but it’s totally doable—and your wedding party will thank you for it.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Heidi Robertson — a modern, down-to-earth and highly organised wedding celebrant based in the beautiful Byron Bay region. With 14 years of experience and hundreds of happy couples married by me, I’m here to help bring your ceremony vision to life. Whether you’re after something incredibly simple or simply incredible!
From taking care of all the legal requirements to crafting a personalised, heartfelt ceremony, you can count on me to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to chat about your big day? Get in touch with me here!
