Frequently Asked Questions

Original Runners are made from a cotton/polyester blend fabric and are milled at a factory like any other home furnishing fabric.

They are made of REAL fabric and should not be confused with the imitation gauze, non-woven cloth, paper or plastic aisle runners that are often called “cloth” runners.

In addition, Original Aisle Runners have our exclusive non-slip foam backing that will keep the runner smooth and flat throughout the ceremony. The backing works great on carpet, hardwood, tile and even various outdoor surfaces such as concrete, gravel or grass. 

The Original Runner Company is proud to have invented the world’s first non-slip fabric aisle runners back in 2003. Our exclusive non-slip foam backing will ensure that your aisle runner remains flat and smooth throughout your ceremony.

Still not convinced? Simply request free sample swatches and we are positive that you will be impressed.

As early as possible of course! In order to ensure timely delivery for your event, we recommend a minimum of:

• 2 weeks for Solid Colored Runners
• 6-8 weeks for Custom Runners
• 6+ months for early order discounts

During the summer months, custom orders should be placed as early as possible.

Orders placed with less than 4 weeks prior to event, may incur a rush fee.

Our unique custom designed aisle runners are hand drawn and hand painted. With an extensive color palette, we take the utmost care to match to your flowers, bridesmaid dresses (or any other decor item) as closely as possible.

Yes, our Original Runners can be shipped worldwide.

International shipping charges are for freight only and do not include any duties, taxes or additional fees that may be billed as the shipment enters your country

For orders shipping outside of the USA and Canada send us an email and we can help further with your order.

Your aisle will arrive double-bagged along along with the installation instruction sheet. If you’ve included any installation accessories in your order, you’ll find them placed at the top of the package (end secured with zip tie).

The outer bag is crafted from UV-protective material so that even if you need to store the runner for an extended period, whether it’s a week or a year, it will not discolor. It’s perfect if you prefer to order your runner ahead of time, allowing you to easily check it off your to-do list without any concerns about fading or damage.

We recommend storing your runner flat, ideally beneath a bed, which will help maintain its original shape and appearance. However, we understand that space constraints might necessitate vertical storage. If that’s the case, rest assured, you can store it upright. Avoid leaning anything against the runner fabric to prevent any unwanted indents from forming.

Pre-installation of all aisle runners is highly recommended.

Roll out your Original Runner prior to the event and place a garland of flowers or ribbon across the back of the aisle to discourage guests from walking on the runner prior to the ceremony.
Have your usher or event planner direct guests to be seated from the outside of the aisle or pew.

If pre-installation of your aisle runner is not possible, we would recommend unrolling the aisle runner after all the guests have been seated but before the bridal party begins the processional.

Installation of the runner begins at the ceremony end and unrolls toward the back of the room. If you choose to place artwork at the bottom of the runner for guests to see upon entering, it’s crucial to:

1. Confirm the exact length of your aisle. As an example, if your aisle is 42 feet long, and you order a 50 foot runner with the design 2 feet from the bottom, it will extend beyond the room. Check the actual length with your venue or measure the aisle yourself.

2. Inform the installer that the runner has a design. The runner should be fully unrolled before trimming to prevent accidentally cutting off your artwork. If you were unable to measure beforehand and on-site trimming is necessary, trim your runner from the ceremony end (“altar”) and then reposition the runner into the correct spot.

We can customize the runner to any length you need for a perfect fit.

Original Runners can be used outdoors on every type of surface.

We would recommend a few safe measures for installation when being used outdoors. We can not control the wind or weather so it is best to be prepared.

On Grass: Be sure the grass has been recently cut and that the runner is spiked down in case of wind. Using simple garden stakes next to the runner will work great.

On Concrete or Pavers: Once again due to the possibility of wind, we recommend securing the sides with double stick tape or weighted objects such as flower pots to assist in keeping your fabric aisle runner flat throughout your event.

On Wood Decking: A great idea for a wood surface is to use a staple gun to secure the aisle runner but be sure to check with your venue to ensure that this is permitted. If staples are not permitted, double stick tape will work perfectly.

On Sand/ Beach: Due to the windy conditions usually associated with beach settings, we recommend installing your runner on the sand prior to the event. You may choose to lay plywood or sea grass mats under your aisle runner to provide a sturdy surface for installation. Another great idea is to bury the sides of the runner on the sand and decorate the edges with driftwood or coral for a uniquely seaside look.

We understand the huge expense a wedding can be and are happy to offer a product that actually can be used after the event. Truly get your money’s worth by using the runner after the event in some very creative ways. Because all Original Aisle Runners are made of REAL fabric, they can be repurposed for practically anything but here are some ideas:

Create a family heirloom by adding additional monograms for generations to come
Use a portion of the runner for an amazing keepsake pillow
Assemble wedding photos, fabric from your gown and your custom monogram to create a truly unique memory quilt of your big day.
Make a custom tapestry or wall hanging for your new home.
Cut a portion of the runner to be used as matting when framing your wedding invitation or bouquet.
Craft a table runner to celebrate your romantic anniversaries.
Provide a unique guest book at the reception- then frame a portion after the wedding.
Fashion a personalized Christmas tree skirt
Donate your aisle runner to a church, temple, or even a lucky friend.

Visit our slideshow of ideas for after the event for your custom aisle runner.

Yes, since all of our aisle runners are real fabric they can be machine washed and spot cleaned. For extremely long runners, we would recommend that they be professionally cleaned. If the runner has been custom painted then we would recommend spot cleaning. Do not dry clean.

Many of our wholesale clients do indeed rent our solid color runners for upwards of $350 per event. Depending on the color that is being used, our runners can be used anywhere from 2 to 10 times depending on color and conditions of use.

Yes, you can purchase a gift certificate of any denomination by calling 973-744-7070. An Original Runner gift certificate makes a great engagement or bridal shower gift so call us today.

We are happy to offer wholesale pricing to our industry colleagues. Visit our Vendor Program page for more information.

Solid color aisle runners in standard lengths (25ft, 50ft, 75ft, 100ft, 125ft) are refundable and exchangeable pursuant to our return policy as follows:

Upon receipt of the aisle runner, the customer has 72 hours to notify The Original Runner Company of their intent to return or exchange the item by calling our studio at 973-744-7070 or by emailing [email protected].

The customer will be provided with a return authorization code (valid for 14 days). No returns or exchanges will be made without an authorization code. All returns or exchanges must be made within the allotted fourteen-day period after which no returns will be accepted. Shipping is non-refundable. Restocking fee of $40 may apply.

The following is required for all authorized refunds or exchanges:

• The runner must be unused and in original packaging.
• The return authorization code
• A copy of the wedding or event invitation as recorded in the original order. Aisle runners can only be returned prior to the event for which it was ordered. Clear photocopies are acceptable.

Upon receipt of the returned item, a check will be mailed to the customer in the case of a return or a supplemental aisle runner will be sent in the case of an exchange.

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The following items are final sale and are NOT refundable or exchangeable:

• Custom aisle runners & accessories
• Non-standard (NS) length aisle runners (includes runners cut to a specified length).
• The Original Petite runners
• Sale items

The Original Runner Company cannot accept responsibility or liability for onsite installation for any of our products. No claims, representations or warranties, whether express or implied, are made by our company as to the safety, reliability, durability and performance of any of our products. Furthermore, our company accepts no liability whatsoever for the installation of the installation tape, pins, or aisle runner in your remote location. We recommend requesting permission from the venue prior to utilizing installation tape and suggest testing a small section of the installation tape in a discreet section of the flooring. Since we cannot guarantee how products are installed on remote locations, The Original Runner Co. cannot be held responsible or liable to damage that may occur to any flooring or surface with use of products sold by our company. Installation of our products is at your own risk.

In light of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic and the resulting wave of event postponements, The Original Runner Co has instituted new policies regarding event dates on custom Original Runners. We strongly advise against including the date on your runner. If you want the date included, you do so at your own risk. The Original Runner Co is not responsible for correcting the painted date on the runner. Paint is permanent, and it cannot be removed. If you received your runner prior to the pandemic and your event was postponed and need a date correction, then the client is responsible for the shipping fee both ways and the fee for our artist to correct the date if design and time allows. Please note that the only way to “fix” this is to add a second date to your runner as the original date cannot be removed (paint is permanent). We cannot guarantee there will be available studio time for date fixes moving forward. Alternatively, if the design allows, you can purchase a small piece of fabric that you can use to cover up the date, but it will be a noticeable cover-up. All custom products are non-refundable.