Does the congregation stand during the wedding recessional?

Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc

In what church are you the director?

Jodi R R Smith, The Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting

As Donna points out, which church denomination does factor into whether guests stand during the recessional. For most religions and cultures, guests will rise as the bride and groom pass back down the aisle. However, if there are special circumstances where it would be preferable to have guests remain seated, the wedding officiant can help to guide the guests.

Rebecca Black, Etiquette By Rebecca

I agree. Most often everyone stands. Guests usually leave by rows after the recessional, so it makes sense.

Nancy Tucker

It has always been my experience that the clergy directs the guests to stand. Many times even if he does not, the guests will stand anyway.

Michele Schwartz, The Modern Jewish Wedding- Certified Life Cycle Event Planner

In a Jewish wedding one does NOT stand for the entrance of the bride or the groom. However, in some traditional communities one stands as the grandparent(s) are escorted down the aisle–as the elderly person passes your row–as a sign of respect to the elders of the community. (Although, to be honest, I’ve only ever seen that happen one time). At Interfaith weddings, many times the guests do not know if it is proper to sit or stand upon the bride’s processional. So, it is not uncommon to see half of the guests do one thing and half do the other. It is considered APPROPRIATE to stand at the end of the wedding for the recessional, where oftentimes the guests are clapping and singing!

Father Ken Zelten OFM, Senior Pastor Ministers in a Minute; wedding minister service,

I prefer the congregation NOT stand during the recessional; allowing for the formal exit of the parents, and grandparents before the salutation from the minister. Once the congregation is standing, things tend to become “less-formal” quickly. It just doesn’t seem right for Grandma (who has made the trip all the way from Oklahoma)not to be seen by all, as she makes her way back down the aisle. Its also been my experience that when the congregation is standing, they sometimes begin filing out before the minister has an opportunity to conclude the service.