Rock the Aisle

For a ceremony your wedding guests will never forget, say "I do" to these stunning ideas from master planner Colin Cowie.

Wow Vows

“The ceremony is the most meaningful part of the wedding, and it should be set in a place that has meaning for the bride,” says Colin Cowie. “It used to be that ceremonies all looked the same, but now brides see them as a way to express themselves and their vision for their wedding.” Cowie “loves the idea of reinventing the aisle; with a serpentine shape the bride and groom can amble along naturally!”

colin cowie wedding ceremony aisle

Gates adorned with spring time cherry blossoms open onto a serpentine aisle leading to the wedding arbor .
(Photo Credit: Colin Miller).

colin cowie wedding ceremony aisle

A sandy aisle, in the shape of a wave, sweeps toward the altar.
(Photo Credit: Colin Miller).

“Choose colors or a particular motif, and draw it through your ceremony and your reception,” Cowie advises. “Think of it as if you’re pulling a thread through your entire event. Make your wedding a seamless story. Be inspired by your location, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Look for the beauty in the spot you’ve chosen.”

colin cowie wedding ceremony aisle

Enchanted forest: White roses in an organic shape create a dreamy bridal party.
(Photo Credit: Alison Duke)

colin cowie wedding ceremony aisle
Naturally romantic: Roses, vines, ivy and hydrangeas create a fairy-tale feel for a garden wedding.
(Photo Credit: Colin Miller)

YOUR ENTRANCE: Cowie believes that every bride has a vision of herself standing at the end of the aisle, waiting to start her walk of a lifetime. What is your vision? A sandy pathway on a tropical beach? A serpentine red carpet? Whatever it is, it should be meaningful to you.

ALL EYES ON YOU: “The exchange of vows is your big moment. Be sure there is a focal point: an arbor, an arch, an altar, a chuppah, a backdrop. Think of it as framing the ceremony.”

LET THERE BE LIGHT: “Be sure you have enough natural light so that you can be seen by everyone. Having plenty of natural light is also crucial to getting the kind of photos you want.”

colin cowie wedding ceremony aisle

A round window at the end of the aisle creates a focal point for the exchange of vows.
(Photo Credit: Nathaniel Ward)

colin cowie wedding ceremony aisle
A simple white aisle runner has a softly pretty border of lavender rose petals.
(Photo Credit: Alison Duke)

TRUE COLORS: “Your ceremony flowers should reflect the same color scheme as the rest of your flowers, from the bouquets and boutonnieres to the centerpieces. You want to create a sense of uniformity.

MIX IT UP: Flowers can be expensive, so you might want to mix blooms with other elements. Depending on your venue and your vision, consider using shells, moss or vines. Hint: If you’re marrying in Mexico, Gerbera daisies are the least expensive flower in that country, so use them to border your aisle. Another idea for a pretty border: succulents. They don’t need to be planted to stay moist.”

colin cowie wedding ceremony aisle

A charming flagstone path leads the bride to a ceremony in the round.
(Photo Credit: Jeffrey Asher)