First of all, can I just say one thing (in my other life, I’m a book editor; I need to get this out of my system, because I see it on wedding blogs – even the big ones – every day). It’s not an isle. That’s an island, aka a piece of land surrounded by water, aka no man is one, aka tropical the island breeze all of nature wild and free. It’s an aisle, folks. And that is what you’ll be walking down or up or whatever in the not too distant future. Just had to put that out there. Now here’s the thing about the aisle. It’s not a huge part of your wedding decor, it doesn’t mean that much to your guests, and whatever you do to it, I’d bet on your guy not even really noticing as long as you show up at the end of it. So if the budget is tight, you can pretty much leave it as it is, or go with the traditional flowers on every other pew. Nothing wrong with that. But the aisle is also a view that is unique to you (okay, and your dad and your bridesmaids), and it’s the place you are going to see your husband-to-be’s face as he watches you walk towards him. So it’s already going to be romantic. But if you’re creative, it could be the most romantic view you ever have. Think Twilight. Or think: this.

Source: Axioo Photography via Bridal Guide

That’s my favourite aisle. But there are a lot of creative couples out there who have made aisle style their own. And there’s no reason why you have to follow traditional rules. For example…

Who says you can’t use the aisle to express yourself?

Sources: Lizelle Lotter via Belle Amour (left); The Other Sister Photography via Oh Lovely Day (top right); Tammy Horton Photography via Style Me Pretty (bottom right)

And… Who says you have to use petals…?

Sources (clockwise from top left): 1 – Jessica Monnich Photography via Rock ‘n Roll Bride; 2 – Martha Stewart Weddings; 3 – via Pinterest; 4 – Love Me Do Photography via Ruffled; 5- Elizabeth Messina via Style Me Pretty; 6 – JL Designs; 7 – Exclusive Elements on Etsy

And if you do… Who says petals have to be boring?

Sources (clockwise from top left): 1 – Martha Stewart Weddings; 2 – Karen Tran; 3- John Solano Photographer via Inside Weddings; 4- Karen Tran; 5- Martha Stewart Weddings

In fact… Who says an aisle even has to be straight?

Sources (clockwise from top left): 1- Blenda Montoro Photography via Bridal Guide; 2- Events of Distinction via Platinum Touch Events blog; 3- Colin Cowie Weddings; 4- Sergio Photographer via Jetset Barbie; 5- Colin Miller via Bridal Guide

It’s not just about the aisle itself of course. Who says the lining can’t be creative?

Sources (clockwise from top left): 1- Love Me Do Photography via Green Wedding Shoes; 2- Martha Stewart Weddings; 3- Simply Bloom Photography via Green Wedding Shoes; 4- Jose Villa via A Cup of Jo; 5- Our Labor of Love

And, thanks to Kate & Wills, an aisle roundup wouldn’t be complete without… trees! Gotta love ’em.

Sources (clockwise from top left): 1- via Bridal Snob; 2- Marriott Hotels; 3- via One Wed; 4- via The Knot; 5- Make Be Leaves via Daring Devoted; 6- Jules Morgan on SBB

What are you planning for your aisle?