Are you using an aisle runner?

cupcakecassie

My wedding ceremony will be taking place on the outdoor balcony of a large reception hall in a state park, and I'm not sure if I want to have an aisle runner or not.

My expected path isn't exactly straight- there's a curve where we'll need to cut around a few chairs- and I definitely don't want anyone to get confused while walking down the aisle...
I also don't want to get my dress dirty from walking on the wooden outside patio,
but it feels like a frivolous expense since I'm only going to walk on the aisle runner for a minute and then it will be thrown away. What do you ladies think?

slaketahoebride

Not sure if this would work for you, but we had our florist create a scroll design out of rose petals.

Avion22

I don't like aisle runners at all for outdoor weddings. 

Is the balconly completely flat and level?  Is it made of stone/concrete, or is it wooden decking?  If it's wooden decking or stones with grout, then I think an aisle runner is just asking for trouble (someone will catch a heel in a gap...possibly you).   Regardless, you said the path isn't straight, so I would just skip the aisle runner alltogether.  

If you want to set the aisle apart somehow, scatter flower petals on the edges, or line the edges with candles if it's an evening wedding.

As for getting your dress dirty, I think this is just one of those risks you take when you get married outside.   If you're really worried about it, I'm sure the venue will sweep the balcony before your ceremony, and possibly pressure wash it if you ask nicely.

WildMagelet

No.

Our particular venue doesn't allow them, but I doubt I would want to for our particular ceremony spot, regardless.

Wiscisbliss

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_outdoor-weddings_using-aisle-runner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:666Discussion:40e136aa-f6aa-4abd-9225-de4b154b26cePost:4117e195-3291-40af-a702-d3021756fc85">Are you using an aisle runner?</a>:
[QUOTE]My wedding ceremony will be taking place on the outdoor balcony of a large reception hall in a state park, and I'm not sure if I want to have an aisle runner or not. My expected path isn't exactly straight- there's a curve where we'll need to cut around a few chairs- and I definitely don't want anyone to get confused while walking down the aisle... I also don't want to get my dress dirty from walking on the wooden outside patio, <strong>but it feels like a frivolous expense since I'm only going to walk on the aisle runner for a minute and then it will be thrown away. </strong>What do you ladies think?
Posted by cupcakecassie[/QUOTE]

Yep.  This is why we skipped one. 

Also, your dress shouldn't get too dirty walking on a deck. 

skantrowitz

I don't like the look of aisle runners, personally. I want the look of being outside, and I don't think aisle runners jive with that.

purrcatnip

I have seen an aisle runner disaster at a outdoor wedding before. Don't do it! (My opinion).

My Friend had a wedding in the backyard on grass. She used a white paper runner for it, but when it came time for the wedding and walking on it. She tripped with her dad, because it crinkled and bunched up as she was walking on it. It was really ackward, but then she got up and walked along the side of the runner and the wedding continued. 

Without a hard surface, many runners don't stay flat and create a hazardous run way. 

I like the flower petal idea!