(The information below was taken from Chabad.org & Aish.com)
The Procession
Royalty are always escorted by an entourage; on the day when they are likened to king and queen, the bride and groom are accompanied to the chuppah by escorts, a married couple, that serve as their personal "honor guards," usually the couple's married parents. Some have the custom for all the grandparents of the bride and groom to join the entourage as well.
The escorts lock elbows with the bride and groom while leading them to the chuppah. All the escorts hold candles, symbolizing the fervent wish that the couple's life together be one of light and joy.
The groom is led to the chuppah first, where he awaits the arrival of his bride. Customarily, the band plays a slow moving melody while the bride and groom walk down the aisle. The bride then circles the groom seven times upon arriving at the chuppah.
Once the bride and groom are standing side-by-side under the chuppah, the cantor welcomes them on behalf of all gathered by singing several Hebrew greeting hymns, which also includes a request for G‑d's blessings for the new couple.
After all this preliminary activity, we are ready to begin the actual marriage ceremony.
The escorts lock elbows with the bride and groom while leading them to the chuppah. All the escorts hold candles, symbolizing the fervent wish that the couple's life together be one of light and joy.
The groom is led to the chuppah first, where he awaits the arrival of his bride. Customarily, the band plays a slow moving melody while the bride and groom walk down the aisle. The bride then circles the groom seven times upon arriving at the chuppah.
Once the bride and groom are standing side-by-side under the chuppah, the cantor welcomes them on behalf of all gathered by singing several Hebrew greeting hymns, which also includes a request for G‑d's blessings for the new couple.
After all this preliminary activity, we are ready to begin the actual marriage ceremony.