Are the only aisle runners available cheap and flimsy?

Do you have a florist? Generally, they would be the ones providing this as a rental item.

But seriously, I wouldn't spend too much time looking for this. Aisle runners really aren't necessary, and I actually haven't seen them used at a wedding in at least 20 years--so, if you can't find it, its not a big deal

My venue manager said that most aisle runners are cheap. He advises against them because one time in particular as the MOB was walking up the aisle, her heel ripped the aisle runner on every step she took. This of course made the aisle look terrible by the time the bride went to walk up and the MOB was mortified. We weren't going to do one anyway.

OMG!!! Well unfortunately, the carpet in the church is blood red and as old and ratty as ever :-/ Soooo I need to cover it up. I am not using a florist and the church does not provide one.

You could try to make your own with colored jute/burlap? Its really cheap, but doesn't look quite so rustic as tan burlap.

http://thescarlettslipper.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-make-burlap-aisle-runner.html

http://www.fabric.com/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header&SearchText=jute&CategoryID=1d5f47dc-9991-4088-93f3-26a376046a5e

Have you researched actual carpet runners? You can probably find a neutral one for a pretty reasonable price.

To be honest though, I doubt anyone will pay any attention to the carpet.

In the end we didn't use one and it wasn't even noticed. I was afraid of my father and grandmother tripping on it. My sister used one and went through a paper company. they provided a heavy duty paper on a roll to her. Not sure how expensive it was but it did hold up.