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Rock the Aisle

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

by Susan Schneider

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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!”

From left: Gates adorned with spring time cherry blossoms open onto a serpentine aisle leading
to the wedding arbor. A sandy aisle, in the shape of a wave, sweeps toward the altar.
Photos by Colin Miller.

A Unique Look

“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 byyour location, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Look for the beauty in the spot you’ve chosen.”

From left: Enchanted forest—white roses in an organic shape create a dreamy bridal party.
Naturally romantic--roses, vines, ivy and hydrangeas create a fairy-tale feel for a garden wedding.
Photos by Alison Duke; Colin Miller.

Aisle Advice

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 thekind of photos you want.”

From left: A round window at the end of the aisle creates a focal point for the exchange of vows.
A simple white aisle runner has a softly pretty border of lavender rose petals.
Photos by Nathaniel Ward; Alison Duke.

Beautiful Blooms

TRUE COLORS: “Your ceremony flowersshould reflect the same color scheme as the rest of your flowers, from the bouquetsand 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 otherelements. Depending on your venue andyour vision, consider using shells, moss orvines. Hint: If you’re marrying in Mexico,Gerbera daisies are the least expensiveflower in that country, so use them to borderyour aisle. Another idea for a pretty border:succulents. They don’t need to be plantedto stay moist.”

RIGHT: Wedding Chic (Clarkson Potter) isevent designer ColinCowie’s latest book on wedding style. You’ll findmore ideas for aislesand for all other aspectsof your big day.