Fabric Wedding Aisle Runners

Aisle runner adds memorable touch

BY Sharon Naylor

Creators.com

For many brides, the path taken to their true love is even more beautiful when it's atop a colorful, artistic aisle runner.

In the past few years, aisle runners have evolved into true works of art, hand-painted with the couple's names and wedding date, clusters of butterflies or birds, even 3-D renderings of rose petals or river stones.

"We've come a long way from 1980s-era plain white aisle runners that seemed more like paper towel rolls," said Linda Zec, of wedding supply company Invitations4sale.com.

Today, aisle runners are not just elegant, but practical as well. Made from fine fabrics, the runners also match the wedding's decor and are non-slip.

They can used in a ballroom that's been transformed into a ceremony site, or on a lawn for a backyard wedding.

They also make the aisle stand out.

"Wedding couples are now choosing bright colors for their aisle runners," said Julie Goldman, owner of The Original Runner Company. "The most popular colors recently are purple and silver."

Below, experts offer their tips on how to choose an aisle runner.

STICK WITH THE BASICS

Experts say wider aisle runners made of cotton and polyester blends are the best.

Be sure the runner has a nonskid foam back. The last thing you want is for the bride to trip and fall on her big day.

Also, be sure you know your wedding colors, theme and location before buying or renting an aisle runner.

Always choose hand-painted accents on the runner rather than iron-on decals.

Bring or send a swatch of the bridesmaid dresses and a sample of your flowers so the hues can match perfectly.

Review the company's portfolio of previous work for inspiration on fonts, florals, flourishes and borders, and custom select the design of your aisle runner.

PUT IN PERFECT PLACE

Aisle runners are pre-placed at the ceremony site, so be sure yours is placed where there's optimal beauty, and no bumpy or wavering surfaces.

With the runner in place, drape a garland of flowers across the back row of seats so that guests do not walk on the runner on the way to their seats.

The new trend is for ushers to escort guests to their seats via the side aisles.

TYPE OF DÉCOR

The edges of aisle runners may be accented with potted flowers, clusters or lines of flower petals, or even seashells or river stones to suit the location's natural decor and the wedding theme. Or keep it simple with a pretty border embedded in the design of the runner.

Making a Statement with Your Wedding Aisle Runner

Many brides today choose to go with personalized aisle runners. Most companies even offer to personalize the runner for no additional charge. Such businesses tend to cost you about $100.00 for the personalized runner plus shipping. While this does seem a bit pricey it will more than make up for the cost of doing it yourself if you are not a crafty girl.

The Wedding Book, The Big Book for Your Big Day

How to Have an Elegant Wedding for $5,000 Or Less, Achieving Beautiful Simplicity Without Mortgaging Your Future

The Bride's Survival Guide, 150 Mistakes You Should Avoid for the Perfect Wedding

How to Plan Your Own Wedding and Save Thousands, Without Going Crazy

The Wedding Sourcebook Planner