Best Aisle Runner for Outdoor Weddings

Wedding Aisle Runners for Outdoor Weddings

Why spend a ton of cash just to walk all over it later? These cheap wedding aisle runner ideas won’t break the bank but still look great on your wedding day!

Your Wedding day is undoubtedly the most important day of your life, so everything has to look perfect. As you are probably aware by now, perfection is pricey. Thankfully for couples on a budget, wedding aisle runners don’t cost much and come in lots of cute and charming designs.

Ultimately what it comes down to is this – because they won’t ever be used again, there is no real need to spend a lot of money on aisle runners.

With that in mind, we’re suggesting some of the cheapest aisle runners you can get for your wedding so you can save that money for more important things, like the Honeymoon! 

What Is An Aisle Runner?

An aisle runner is a long piece of fabric or tarp that is laid down along the aisle of a wedding ceremony for the bride to walk down. Aisle runners serve the dual purpose of helping improve the aesthetics of the aisle while also protecting the Bride’s dress from damage.

Best Material for Aisle Runners

If you’re planning to have your wedding outside, it is crucial to get a proper outdoor aisle runner that can withstand any potential weather. The best wedding aisle runner material for an outdoor weddings will be Burlap or Jute.

Burlap wedding runners are an excellent choice because burlap is a naturally heavy fabric material, making it ideal in windy conditions. Because of the thicker material and larger gaps in the weave, it also dries quickly if the weather turns to rain.

This burlap roll is made from 100% natural Jute burlap with minimal processing. Naturally biodegradable, LA Linen offers a variety of sizes ranging from 1 to 100 yards!

Made will all-natural burlap and lace, this beautifully designed aisle runner will add a touch of elegance and class to your outdoor wedding. Offering runners in 15, 30, 50, and 100 feet rolls allows for flexibility and ensures you have enough material to work with.

This durable burlap aisle runner is made from 100% natural Jute, making it an eco-friendly option that is fully biodegradable. If you have any issues with your runner, you can return it with their 100% satisfaction guarantee.

When To Choose A Fabric Aisle Runner

Fabric is a good option for an outdoor wedding if you’re pretty certain it is not going to rain. Other than that, it is recommended to only use fabric wedding aisle runners indoors as they are often a lighter material and do not do well in windy conditions.

One of the main benefits of choosing fabric aisle runners is that you’re able to get just about any design or custom message worked into the fabric. There are countless options for customized aisle runners, but those often run up the price tag. There are many fabric aisle runners available online that get the job done without spending too much of your budget.

Measuring in at 3 feet wide and 100 feet long, this aisle runner should go the distance. Other fabric aisle runners are often very thin, but American Homestead uses 50 gram weight (gsm) thick material, which is much higher than the 30gsm industry standard!

Whether you are getting married on the beach or in a church, this glitter sequin runner will make a statement and be one to remember. Available in multiple colors and sizes, you are sure to find a glitzy runner that matches your wedding theme from TRLYC!

Somewhat thinner than other fabric aisle runners on the list, the Healon aisle runner is perfect if you plan to make adjustments to the size or length. Easy to work with and match with a variety of wedding themes, this affordable aisle runner is perfect for a subtle touch of elegance without the hefty price.

The Hortense Wedding accessories fabric aisle runner comes in a variety of colors ranging from red to ivory. The runner is made up of heavy rayon fabric that is quite suitable to be used indoors and outdoors. It is 36 inches wide and about 100 feet long in measurements and also has a pull cord that makes it easy to roll and unroll it.

What Are Polyester & Poly Linen Aisle Runners?

Polyester and Poly Linen aisle runners utilize human-made materials that are mass-produced and cheap to buy in bulk. Because of this, they are the cheapest aisle runners on the list, and should only be considered if you are looking to save as much money as possible.

Similar to fabric aisle runners, because they are mass-produced, there are lots of patterns to choose from when selecting polyester wedding aisle runners. We do recommend going with a more simple design, or a plain colored polyester aisle runner since the material itself will already be fragile.

Made out of high-quality spun polyester, this cheap aisle runner also has a white braided cord attached for easy unrolling. The Elite Collection is probably the best deal for the quality on this list and should not let you down if you’re worried about an unreliable product.

The Blue Panda polyester paper runner looks and feels similar to dryer sheet material, so if your wedding is on a slippery surface like hardwood floors, you should avoid it. That being said, if you’re having an outdoor wedding or wedding on carpeted floors, this is a great budget wedding aisle runner option to save money.

This 100 ft x 3 ft aisle runner is made out of non woven polyester and currently has a 4.3/5 star rating on Amazon. Steal the show with this showstopping aisle runner that is sure to get people talking and taking pictures.

Try adding some silk flowers laid out across the aisle runner for an added romantic effect.

Cheap Aisle Runners Don’t Need To Look Cheap

If your wedding is outdoors and it’s likely to rain, your best bet is a plastic aisle runner. If it does ever stop raining, plastic aisle runners are easy to quickly wipe and dry off. This helps prevent damage to the dress, or wet trousers.

Plastic aisle runners will also be on the cheaper side, making them ideal for couples on a budget. If you do decide to use plastic, make sure you also purchase tent pegs or double sided tape to help keep the runner down while your guests wait.

If you suspect that it is going to rain on your big day, then the Northwest Enterprises Plastic Aisle Runner might just be the perfect aisle runner for you. Plastic is not the most desirable fabric, but under the mentioned circumstances, it does the job quite efficiently. It comes with a pull cord and has the measurements of 36 inches in width and 100 feet in length.

This affordable aisle runner is made from eco-friendly non-woven material and measures in at 100 x 3 feet. The aisle runner has a subtle flower pattern that fits almost any wedding theme, and comes with an easy to use cord to set up the runner for the ceremony. This aisle runner works particularly well on harder surfaces such as cement or hard gravel and sand.

The Simplicity set of 1,000 rose petals is a cute and creative way to line the aisle. Organize the petals into any pattern you want, or simply lay them all along the aisle.

You can also double up and lay these on top of your regular aisle runner to spruce it up a bit.

You can easily get a bag of fresh cut Eucalyptus leaves online, and you’ll be all set to recreate this romantic idea. Perfect for lovers of the outdoors, this aisle decoration is sure to be a focal point of the wedding, and look beautiful in pictures.

Using distressed Moroccan rugs as a wedding aisle decoration is totally unexpected. It is sure to impress your guests and add a creative flair to the night. We love this idea because you can choose either the same rug all the way down or do a variety of rugs for something more abstract.

Can I Use Aisle Runners For An Outdoor Wedding?

Absolutely! Couples that plan to get married outdoors should use tarp or a similar fabric to avoid their runners looking dirty.

How Do I Secure My Outdoor Wedding Aisle Runner?

Tent Pegs – The easiest way to keep your aisle runner in place on grass or even artificial grass is to purchase tent pegs on Amazon. Tent pegs will help keep your aisle runner secure by keeping the fabric close to the grass, avoiding bumps and scrunched fabric. Make sure you remind anyone wearing heels to pick up their feet, as aisle runners will never lay completely flat which can result in falls.

Double Sided Tape – If your wedding is not outdoors, another option is double sided aisle runner tape or double sided carpet tape. Any double-sided tape will do, but keep the material your aisle is made of in mind before purchasing because not all adhesives will stick to all materials.

When Does The Aisle Runner Go Down In A Wedding?

Aisle runners need to be placed well before the ceremony begins. This is due to the fact that aisle runners are usually kept rolled up until use, meaning they will naturally want to return to their state of rest. Have someone with you prepared to flatten and tape down the edges as the runner is laid out!

How Do I Choose An Aisle Runner For My Wedding?

The material you decide on is usually dependent on the venue. Outdoor weddings, for example, are more likely to use tarp as a primary aisle runner material, whereas a church venue could easily accommodate burlap or cotton material.

What Is The Best Type Of Material For An Aisle Runner?

The most common aisle runner material is burlap due to its durability and classic look but it really depends on the location and setting. Although burlap is popular, it won’t always work well with a more formal wedding setting. Check out more options below to cover all types of wedding themes!

How Long Does My Aisle Runner Need To Be?

A 50′ aisle runner will usually be more than enough for multiple rows of chairs or benches. To be on the safe side, or if you are unable to fully measure the aisle you will be walking down, always purchase more than expected. Any material not used can usually be returned or re-sold.

What is the purpose of an aisle runner?

The purpose of an aisle runner is to give the bridal party somewhere to walk down and say their vows on that keeps the dresses clean and makes it easy for people wearing heels.
Aisle runners are usually made from lengths of fabric secured down. Some aisle runners are embellished with monograms of the new couples’ initials and some couples forego the material and instead decorate the aisle with petals before the ceremony for a more delicate look.

How do aisle runners work?

A wedding aisle runner is essentially a long piece of fabric that is laid out down the central aisle, making a walkway down the centre. They are most commonly used for outdoor ceremonies. You can also find lots of examples of wedding aisle runners being used indoors to accentuate the venue. The aisle runner is held down usually with either double sided tape or tent pegs for an outside wedding and lifted again after the ceremony and can be reused or repurposed.

What is an aisle runner made of?

Aisle runners are most commonly made of burlap or tarp but sometimes couples opt for cotton or other types of fabric in keeping with the wedding theme. More unusual ideas include carpeting or matting. You can also pre-decorate the area with petals, but this is more for aesthetics than the practicality.

Can you reuse an aisle runner?

Whilst aisle runners can be reusable depending on the fabric choice, a popular idea is to repurpose any decorated part of your aisle running by framing it as a reminder of your special day. Many of the aisle runners you can purchase off the shelf are able to be reused at another wedding if necessary, but it’s worth asking your venue if they have anything available that can be used free of charge or as part of the wedding hire.

What is the aisle runner in a wedding?

The wedding aisle runner is an optional part of wedding décor used most for outdoor weddings where the ground may be dusty or uneven; It protects the bridal party’s dress and shoes and also looks great in photos and contributes to the overall wedding décor. Many venues offer an aisle runner as needed as part of the venue hire cost, so make sure you ask your wedding planner whether you will have access to its use.

How do you weigh down an aisle runner?

An aisle runner is usually pushed into the ground using tent pegs if the wedding is outside. For an indoor wedding, double sided tape is probably the most quick and easy way to weight down the runner, ensuring you avoid any nasty trips or falls. If you are laying the wedding aisle runner yourself, be sure to make sure it left safe so no one trips, and that if the venue is indoor, you are permitted to use double sided tape, as some venues are concerned with the residue it can leave behind.

What can I use instead of an aisle runner?

More unusual aisle runner ideas that look great include: simple petal patterns laid down the aisle for a sweet and simple look, you could use a trail of old fashioned carpet for a rustic style wedding. Burlap is another popular choice with some couples even choosing to get a custom printed and monogrammed aisle runner for a chic look. Overall all, you should be planning to use an aisle runner to protect you and the dress on the walk down aisle so make sure its safety first, and avoid any slippery fabrics that could cause a fall.

How do you make an aisle runner?

You can easily make your own aisle runner by obtaining a length of fabric and cutting it to your specifications, burlap is great fabric to do this with as it’s easy to cut and manipulate. It’s a two person job so make sure you set some time aside before the wedding day for cutting and measuring.

How wide is the aisle for an outdoor wedding?

The great thing about getting married outside is there is no real standard aisle size. As a guide, 60” at least is a good guide, with the aisle runner being at 50”. Make sure the aisle is laid so there is no bunching in the fabric and the runner is fully rolled out.

How much are aisle runners?

Aisle runners vary in cost depending on the length and fabric you go for but typically, a lower end basic runner will cost under $100. Once you start looking at monogrammed runners and higher end fabric, the cost will increase.

How many rose petals are needed for the wedding aisle?

For rose petal decoration, as a guide, 4 cups per square foot scattered down the aisle will look great, but the best thing to do is speak to your florist, who will be able to give you a better idea based on your requirements. It may be that you want a very dense look or you are happy to go for a softer look with less petals, but speaking to an expert who knows the length and width of your wedding aisle runner will be the best help.

What color should my aisle runner be?

Most couples use a fairly neutral color for their aisle runner, but there are some great wedding ideas out there where couples choose to use a red-carpet runner for example, which gives an added hint of glam on their big day! Burlap is another popular option if you wedding has a more rustic shabby chic feel.

Do I need a wedding aisle runner?

You do not necessarily need an aisle runner for your wedding, especially if your wedding is indoors. Aisle runners are usually used for weddings outdoors and on potentially uneven ground such as beaches, gravel or forests, but even then, it is down to the couples personal choice. Look into the options available to you such and whether it is included in the cost of the venue décor and then you can start to make decisions on whether you would like to upgrade to a better fabric or scrap the idea of having one entirely.

What is the average width for an aisle runner?

Most commercially available aisle runners are 3ft wide although you can purchase larger for extra wide aisles if needed. A 3ft wide aisle runner ensures enough room for the average bride and groom to make their way back up the aisle together side by side, but you may choose to go wider if you have a particularly large dress or access requirements..

How do you attach an aisle runner to the lawn?

For outdoor lawn weddings, the easiest way is way to attach an aisle runner is by using tent pegs, be sure to make sure the fabric isn’t bunched anywhere to avoid trips and falls and ensure the aisle runner is rolled out to its maximum length.

How do you unroll a wedding aisle runner?

Because of the width and potential weight of the aisle runner, its best to unroll and lay an aisle runner along with at least one other person. Start where the couple will say their vows at the front and ensure its placed properly and then, securing as you go, roll the aisle runner back down the aisle towards the back of the venue.