Outdoor weddings have a wonderful charm; you get to say “I do” at the beach, in your backyard, in a lovely garden, or even in a forest. If you’re organizing your outdoor wedding, chances are you’re searching for a wedding aisle runner. This piece of fabric should add sophistication to your outdoor place, keep your dress clean and make the whole ceremony elegant. If you’re checking aisle runners Australia offers, here are the things to consider when buying.
What’s an Aisle Runner?
An aisle runner is a decorative and functional piece used in wedding ceremonies. It’s a lengthy piece of fabric or tarp placed along the aisle for the bride to walk down. The primary purpose of an aisle runner is to enrich the visual appeal of the aisle and protect the bride’s dress from any potential damage.
What Colour Should It Be?
Traditionally, white has always been the go-to colour for wedding aisle runners. However, nowadays, couples are getting more creative and opting for a wider range of colours and designs. If you’re checking aisle runners Australia offers you can find options in other colours such as warm red, black, beige or gold.
If you want to stick to your colour scheme or match your wedding theme, choosing a tone from your palette or a simple design for your aisle runner can help tie everything together. You can even break tradition and go for a bold red or sleek black runner to add a touch of uniqueness to your ceremony.
Here’s a suggestion: if you want to maintain a traditional feel while adding a personal touch, consider lining the edges of a white runner with petals from your flower arrangements. Rose petals always create an elegant look, but using vibrant flower petals can give your aisle a one-of-a-kind style.
Size
Wedding aisle runners usually come in widths of 0.9-1.5 metres. If you have a lot of couples walking arm-in-arm, a 1.5-metre runner is a great choice for both comfort and beautiful photos. It will also create enough space between the guests on each side of the aisle.
However, if your ceremony is more intimate or you’ve chosen a smaller venue, a 0.9-metre runner will be just as comfortable for your wedding party and will suit the atmosphere better. When it comes to the length of your aisle runner, you have some flexibility. Most retailers offer set lengths in increments of 1.5 metres (3m, 4.5m, 6m, etc.), but some can even create custom lengths for you.
Ideally, your aisle runner should cover the entire length of the aisle, from the back row of guests to the front row. While there are no strict rules about this, it’s not common to have a runner shorter than the aisle length. However, extending the runner beyond that is a personal preference and is often done.
Do You Need an Aisle Runner for Your Outdoor Wedding?
This question often sparks a lively debate among wedding planners. Some argue that aisle runners can be more of a burden than a help, while others believe they are essential. In reality, there are several advantages to using an aisle runner for your outdoor wedding, even if the ground is already firm. The key is to choose the right runner for your specific environment.
An aisle runner helps with these things:
• The underside of your dress stays clean.
• Your wedding party, especially the flower girl and ring bearer, can stay on track.
• Your wedding guests have a clearly defined space.
• Worn-out walkways or patchy grass can be quickly covered.
• Your wedding receives an added touch of elegance.
So, while the decision ultimately rests with you, it’s worth considering the benefits that an aisle runner can bring to your outdoor wedding.
Best Aisle Runner Materials
If you’re having an outdoor ceremony on soft ground like grass or sand, it’s best to avoid using a plastic runner. Plastic tends to bunch up and can cause accidents, which won’t look great in your wedding photos. Instead, consider using an outdoor carpet runner. Not all carpet aisle runners are the same, though. Some have added backing for durability and are professionally bound or serged for added beauty. So, make sure to choose a high-quality carpet runner with a firm and reliable backing for better support as you walk down the aisle.
If your ceremony takes place on a hard ground surface like wood or concrete, an outdoor carpet runner will provide underfoot comfort. Another option for hard surfaces is an artificial turf runner. It gives the appearance of grass but is made of gentle polypropylene, reducing the risk of your dress getting snagged.
For beach weddings, artificial turf runners are also great because they can easily bend and flex as you walk on the sand. They come in various colours and are usually made of all-weather material. So, you can find one that suits your wedding theme.
How to Secure the Aisle Runner?
Outdoor weddings have one enemy – the weather. If it’s raining, you’ll find a different solution, like a venue or other place to hold the ceremony. But, if it’s windy, things are a bit tricky. Typically, carpet aisle runners don’t come with any securing method. If you’ve invested in a good quality runner, its weight should be sufficient to keep it in place as people walk on it.
However, if you’re placing the runner on a hard surface like concrete or wood, you can use matching coloured gaffer tape along the sides to provide some extra security. On the other hand, if you’ve opted for an artificial turf runner, look for one that has grommeted holes in the corners. These holes allow you to stake the runner into the ground, providing reinforcement and preventing any tearing mishaps.
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