How Do I Create A Walkway At An Outdoor Wedding? – Ask The Wedding Expert Answer
Question from Debra:
My wedding ceremony is outside under a large willow tree at my mother’s house. The willow tree happens to be near the end of her very long driveway. My plan is to get ready inside the house(at the top of the driveway) and my issue is…. where do I walk from?
Is it ok to begin at the house and walk down the drive? It would take about 3 min to get from the house to the beginning of the “ceremony site”.
Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:
Hi Debra, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I see your dilemma. I suggest that you create some type of barrier part way down the driveway that could be the starting point for the processional. Of course you want it to be beautiful, here are some suggestions.
If you have folding screens, they can be placed on either side of the driveway, leaving an opening for you to walk through. If it is windy, having it stabilized by a table or some other object would be a good thing. If you have tall plants in pots that are movable, they can act as a screen.
If you have someone who is handy, visit a garden centre with them, and see if you can find some trellis or lattice that can be made into a screen. For the same cost, you can probably rent items to act as a screen from a wedding supplier or a banquet or catering supply place, so check out that option. They can be decorated with tulle or mesh with some great ‘dollar store’ flowers to dress them up.
If you don’t like the screen idea, then you need to find some way to make the length you walk down significant in some way. Patio torches or similar items to create a sense of drama is what you would need. Another idea is that you can “rope off” the official walkway with stakes hammered into the ground, and draped with fabric (mesh or tulle). It makes the beginning of your walk official and clear to everyone, and you don’t need to start at the ‘far end’ of the driveway. Another idea, is to use one of the many aisle runners available at the above link to designate the official walkway for yourself.
I hope that gives you some ideas. Good luck, and congratulations on your wedding.
Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert
