The wedding aisle runner is a traditional element used in many wedding ceremonies. It is the perfect way to add romance and elegance to your big day, as it creates a beautiful path for the bride and groom to walk down. However, it is important to choose the right material for your aisle runner to make sure it lasts for the entire wedding ceremony and looks beautiful the entire time.
What are Aisle Runners?
First, let’s take a look at what an aisle runner actually is. An aisle runner is a piece of fabric that is rolled down the aisle of the ceremony space. It is primarily used to accentuate the walkway and create a more dramatic entrance for the couple.
Why Use an Aisle Runner?
Aisle runners come with an array of benefits. They are an elegant way to add to your wedding decor, they create a more polished look and feel to your ceremony, and they add to the overall experience of the day. There are several types of fabrics to choose from to ensure you pick the best aisle runner for your wedding.
Types of Material for Aisle Runners
There are many different materials used for aisle runners, but the most popular ones are:
Polyester Fabric
Polyester is a great option if you want an aisle runner that is long-lasting and non-slip. Polyester is also a more affordable option compared to other materials. It is a good option for outdoor weddings, as it is not easily wrinkled and holds up well against the elements.
Nylon Fabric
Another popular option is nylon, which is a great option if you prefer a more shiny and polished look. However, nylon can be slippery depending on the surface underneath, which can be dangerous for the bride and groom, especially those wearing high heels.
Canvas Fabric
Canvas runners are durable and easy to use. They are a heavy-duty material that offers you long-lasting support. The material holds up well against the elements and can be used for both indoor and outdoor weddings.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the material for your wedding aisle runner, it’s important to consider the environment, the theme of your wedding, and the look and feel you are trying to achieve. Polyester, nylon and canvas are the most popular options and each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. Consider the surface and choose a non-slip option to ensure your walk down the aisle is safe, elegant and beautiful.
FAQ
How do you secure an aisle runner to concrete?
Securing an aisle runner properly is an essential task to ensure the wedding ceremony or event will go smoothly without having to worry about tripping or slipping hazards. When it comes to securing an aisle runner on concrete, it can be challenging as there’s no natural way to keep it in place. However, there are several effective ways to make sure the aisle runner stays in place without slipping.
One of the most straightforward ways is to use double-sided tape. With the approval of the event venue, double-sided tape on the underside of the aisle runner is the best option if a non-skid pad has not been sewn onto the backside of the runner. To do so, ensure that the area where you want to place the aisle runner is clean and free of debris. Sweep or clean the concrete using a broom or a vacuum. Then, apply double-sided tape onto the backside of the runner or a strip of clear packing tape, making sure to place in areas that will not be seen by guests. Once the tape is secured on the runner, lay the aisle runner on the clean concrete and press down to secure it in place. Using a few extra strips of tape at the entrance and exit of the aisle can help to secure it further. The double-sided tape will work well to keep the aisle runner in place during the event, and it can be easily removed afterward by gently lifting the runner off the tape.
Another option is to use weights. It is especially useful when the aisle runner needs to be placed on a breezy day or in an outdoor setting where the wind can be a challenge. In this case, you can use small weights like sandbags instead of taping the runner onto the surface. Simply roll out the aisle runner on the concrete and then place weights strategically, such as at the corners and in several spots along the aisle’s length. You can use small decorative weights such as lanterns, vases, or flower baskets to add an extra decoration element to the aisle.
Lastly, you can use clamps or staples when the wedding or event is held at an indoor venue with a carpet-covered concrete floor. In such cases, clamps or staples will work effectively in securing the aisle runner in place. However, as this method would perforate the floor, check with the venue if it is allowed before securing the aisle runner. If allowed, clamp or staple the runner securely into place.
Double-Sided tape, weights, clamps, or staples are the most common ways to secure an aisle runner on concrete effectively. Regardless of the method you use, ensure that it is approved by the venue and tested ahead of time to avoid any mishaps during the ceremony or event.
What is the average width of an aisle runner?
The aisle runner is an essential element of any wedding ceremony. It provides the pathway for the bride and the bridal party to walk down to the wedding altar or the designated ceremony spot. Typically, the aisle runner is a strip of fabric or carpet that runs down the center of the aisle, adding an elegant touch to the overall ceremony decor.
One of the most commonly asked questions about aisle runners is their width. The average width of the aisle runner can vary depending on the wedding venue. However, on average, the aisle runner width is usually between 36 inches to 48 inches.
It is essential to consider the width of the aisle runner, especially if you have a bridal party or guests walking down the aisle with the bride. The standard aisle width for two people walking down the aisle together is about 5 feet. Therefore, it is crucial to add extra length to the aisle runner if you have three people, such as the bride and her parents or two bridesmaids and one groomsman, walking down the aisle together.
Moreover, if you are planning to decorate the aisle with floral arrangements, candles, or any other decoration items, it is essential to consider their space requirements. Typically, adding 2-3 extra feet to the aisle’s width would be sufficient for accommodating such decor pieces and ensuring that the aisle looks spacious.
While the standard width of an aisle runner is around 36 to 48 inches, it is crucial to consider the aisle’s overall width and the number of people walking down the aisle. It is always better to err on the side of caution and add extra length to the aisle runner to ensure that the bride and her party have enough room to walk down the aisle comfortably.
Which is the most common aisle width?
When it comes to aisle widths, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The most common aisle width will depend on multiple factors, such as the type of setting, the nature of the products being stored, and the equipment being used for lifting and transport.
Wide aisles are the most common choice for facilities that use standard forklifts or pallet jacks. These aisles are spacious enough to accommodate the movement of employees, lift equipment, and pallets in opposite directions. They typically measure between 12 and 13 feet wide, allowing for a comfortable amount of space for maneuvering and storage. Wide aisles are common in grocery stores, wholesale facilities, and large warehouse operations.
On the other hand, narrow aisles measure between 8 and 10 feet wide. These aisles are often seen in medium-sized warehouses and distribution centers that use a narrow aisle or very narrow aisle (VNA) forklifts. These lifts require less space than wide forklifts, and the narrow aisles create extra floor space, allowing the facility to increase its storage capacity. The narrow aisle concept is highly efficient but creates problems with extra inventory or frequent order picking.
Lastly, very narrow aisles measure around 6 feet wide. These aisles are most commonly found in high-density storage operations, where a high volume of goods is stored with a slower order picking rate. VNA lifts are commonly used in this setting and require specialized wire guidance systems to ensure precise positioning. These lift trucks are designed to travel in very narrow spaces and are guided by the wire or articulated path.
The most common aisle width will mainly depend on the type of goods being stored and the equipment used for handling them. Wide aisles are the most common in grocery stores, wholesale facilities, and large warehouse operations, while narrow aisles are typical in medium-sized warehouses and distribution centers that use a narrow aisle or very narrow aisle (VNA) forklifts. Lastly, very narrow aisles are mostly found in high-density storage operations that handle slow-moving inventory.