repost from 07 board: Entrance line up

The Procession
The basic Christian procession will go as follows:

The officiant, groom and best man will wait at the altar.
The groomsmen will either walk in from the side or will walk down the aisle accompanied by a bridesmaid.
The bridesmaid who will stand farthest from the bride at the altar will walk down the aisle first. Followed by the other bridesmaids.
The ring bearer and flower girl will walk down the aisle next (usually they are seated with their parents after they reach the altar).
The maid of honor will then walk down the aisle.
Finally, the bride will make her grand entrance and walk to the left of her escort as she makes her way down the aisle.


The basic Jewish procession will go as follows:

Cantor or Rabbi
The groom's grandparents.
The bride's grandparents.
Groomsmen will walk down in pairs.
The Best Man will follow.
The groom will walk down the aisle with his parents. His father will be on his left and his mother on his right.
The bridesmaids will follow. Starting with the bridesmaid that will stand farthest from the bride.
The maid of honor will follow.
Next will be the ring bearer and flower girl
Finally, the bride and her parents will proceed down the aisle. Her father will be on her left and her mother on her right.


The Recession
After the ceremony is over and you've kissed and been announced husband and wife, it's time to go celebrate. The recession goes as follows:

The Christian recession:

The bride and groom will walk down the aisle first.
Followed by the flower girl and ring bearer (this is optional).
Maid of honor and best man will follow next.
Followed by the bridesmaids and the groomsmen walking down in pairs.
The parents will then follow the wedding party.


The Jewish recession:

The bride and groom will walk down the aisle first.
Followed by the bride's parents
The groom's parents will follow next.
Followed by the flower girl and ring bearer (this is optional)
Maid of honor and best man will follow next.
Followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Finally, the rabbi or cantor.


For more helpful information in planning your ceremony, click here.

The Receiving Line
This is a nice way to greet all your guests and to introduce them to your parents and attendants. The receiving line typically includes: the bride and groom, both sets of parents and the bridesmaids. The best man and ushers do not stand in the receiving line.

I found this on the massachussetts wedding guide at this website: http://www.maweddingguide.com/planning/weddingparty/lineup.htm