Aisle runner - is it necessary?

It isn't necessary. My church doesn't even allow them.

I don't think they're necessary, and frankly every time I've seen one used they always get pulled up- ALWAYS.

Ends up not looking as nice. And yes, people do trip.

And every time I've seen it they've only been done for the bride.

I did some research on this since we are getting married outside and I've seen so many runners ruined by heels sinking in because a runner is on grass or sometimes a runner bundles up...they are not necessary.

No, they're not. I've seen some for $60.

@ Lori I'm getting my married outside. It's my FH only requirement. Everything else he doesn't care.

To me they're just another expense.

No, they aren't necessary. We are not allowed to have them at our venue either, due to fire regulation

There's a traditional/religious meaning behind them so that's about it, I am pretty sure you know the meaning. The other reason is to keep the dress clean. Sometimes there's no opportunity to unroll it before the bridal party goes through it. So in the even that it is rolled out already before guests arrive, guests should in theory be courteous enough to not walk all over it.

@alteray - what is the traditional meaning behind it? I actually never knew there was one besides keeping the dress clean :o

I was going to use one but am also scared if tripping (plus I'll be outside). I'm going to use flower petals instead

@Tiffinay - you are so right. Money that could be used elsewhere.

Waste. runners never end well - especially outdoors. The wind just whips them around.

I had one because last minute we had to move everything indoors and I wanted to make the aisle look nicer.

Nope. Waste of money and not needed

No. messy on grass, dangerous on dancefloors.

The only thing necessary is that by the end of the day you are married. Everything else is up to your tastes and wants.

No...they can cause unnecessary problems

The original meaning for them actually was to keep the dress clean. As far as ive heard, there is no religious meaning for them. It was invented because in the older days of horses and buggies and dirt roads, men's shoes would get messy walking to the church, so they would roll out an aisle runner for the bride so that her beautiful dress would not have to be dragged over all of the dirt and mud.

Thanks, everyone for your inputs! I do agree, I'd rather put the money towards something more useful than an aisle runner. I do like the look of it on the church aisle... but I think I've decided not to purchase an aisle runner. And you're all right, I'd rather do without the unnecessary problems associated with it

Nope, not necessary

My Catholic church does not allow them because of the trip hazard..

We didn't have one. I'm pretty sure we still ended up married. ;-)

No. Safety hazard.