Pros and Cons of Aisle Runners for a Wedding

Planning a wedding is fun, tiresome and on occasion a confusing task. Deciding where to trim costs or justify a splurge is always a concern for a couple on a budget. One option many couples consider is an aisle runner. While not a necessity for a happy marriage, aisle runners provide a clean walkway for the bride and groom when approaching the alter. Although aisle runners are a beautiful addition to a wedding, the plastic or cloth walkway can be a benefit or a nightmare.

Pro: Aisle runners add style to a wedding.
Available in many colors, an aisle runner can accentuate wedding colors. Coordinate the walkway with the bridesmaid's dresses, the season or choose classic white or ivory. Be daring and imagine a bride walking on her very own red carpet. This flashy aisle runner option makes the couple feel like movie stars.

Monograms are commonly embroidered or printed on the end of an aisle runner. This chic addition is almost always a topic of conversation during the wedding. Consider adding more than the new last initial. The wedding date, the couple's first names or even a poem can be displayed on an aisle runner to a custom touch to the wedding ceremony.

Con: Aisle runners are a tripping hazard.
If the wedding party will be wearing high heels, an aisle runner may not be a good option for the wedding ceremony. When the fabric or plastic of an aisle runner bunches, it can become a tripping hazard. After the ring bearer and flower girl have made their way down the aisle, even the most carefully placed aisle runner is sure to have a few wrinkles. If an aisle runner is part of the ceremony, ask women to wear flat-sole shoes.

Pro: Aisle runners keep the bride's dress clean.
Brides walking down a grassy aisle, sandy path or garden lane covered in wood chips may choose an aisle runner to keep their dress clean. Long flowing trains and an outdoor environment are not a pleasing combination. Avoid grass and dirt stains by choosing to use an aisle runner.

Con: Aisle runners can blow in the wind.
Outdoor weddings are beautiful, but on a windy day aisle runners can become a nightmare. Prepare for wind by placing potted plants, decorative stones or heavy luminaries along the edges of the aisle runner. No bride wants to watch her walkway sail away in a summer breeze.

Pro: Aisle runners cover ugly floors.
Does your wedding venue really need new carpet or to replace a few flooring tiles? Aisle runners can help hide unsightly flooring issues that the wedding couple can't change. Choose to accept the flooring, or lay down an aisle runner to obscure a portion of the floor.

Con: Aisle runner can get caught on the bridal gown.
If the bride's gown has a sweeping train, an aisle runner maybe be difficult to maneuver. As she steps on the end of the aisle runner, and assistant will need to lift her train to allow for a smooth transition onto the walkway. The train can easily catch the end of the aisle runner, and start rolling it under the dress. No bride wants to take the aisle runner to the alter during her processional.

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