Photographer | Alexandra Loraine
You’ve made it! The wedding planning is almost officially done, but now you need to make sure the ceremony is in order. This time is what your wedding is all about. It is your “I Do” moment. The wedding ceremony is generally the most traditional part of the day. You can still make this time your own through personal vows, a special unity ceremony, and your choice of officiant.
TRADITIONAL ORDER
Create a list with the order of entrance with your bridal party and family members' names. Please note any unique pronunciations so they can be addressed correctly. Below is a traditional order of a wedding ceremony. We love this order because its classic tried and true. However, it is also fun when couples find unique ways to incorporate their personalities into the ceremony. Make sure to customize this to fit your family- every family is different but beautiful!
Song Cue
Groom, Officiant, and Best Man (enter from the side)
Bride's Grandparents (Mom’s side)
Bride's Grandparents (Dad’s side)
Groom's Grandparents (Mom’s side)
Groom's Grandparents (Dad’s side)
Bride's Mother Ushered by Bride's Brother (or Best Man)
Groom's Parents
Bridesmaids Ushered by Groomsmen (first to enter walk furthest from the bride & groom)
Maid/Matron of Honor
Ring Bearer
Flower Girl
Song Cue
Bride and Father
Officiant Welcomes Guests
Question: “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”
Father responds,“Her mother and I”
Marriage Message
Exchange of Vows (Traditional and/or Personal)
Exchange of Rings
Symbol of Unity or Other Tradition
Pronouncement of Husband and Wife
KISS!
Photographer | Light Photography
CHOOSING THE RIGHT OFFICIANT
The officiant runs the show! This means you need to make a very wise decision as to who is chosen to marry you as a couple. The first step is to decide if you are having a religious or a secular wedding. A secular venue does not stop you from having a religious officiant. If you are choosing a religious officiant- ask a mentor who has been involved in your, or your spouse’s spiritual life. Many brides also decide to go with a friend or family member. If this is the case- make sure they are confident with their public speaking. Nobody wants to feel awkward here! They also play a legal role in the marriage, so make sure they have their license to marry. These special people in your life may already know you and your spouse’s love story, but a third-party officiant may not. Allow time to meet with your officiant to exchange questions and stories. This can help for a smoother day.
PERSONALIZE IT
Because ceremonies can turn out to be very cookie-cutter, we want you to take the moments of personalization and run with them! the first place that will capture your essence as a couple is a welcome table. Include a guest book that will be memorable. A fun idea is to have guests sign anniversary wine bottles, one for each major anniversary. On that day you can open the bottle of wine over some dinner and reminisce on your wedding day. Are you a bride getting married in the desert heat? Consider providing water for your guests and some nice fans for them to use during the ceremony. For seating instructions, make sure you let guests know if it is the bride and groom specific or intermingled. Also, identify any reserved family seating with signage! A huge personality-capturing moment is the music. Are there some love songs that stick out to you and your groom?- include them in the ceremony. Make sure you have a set that covers the prelude, bridal party processional, bridal Processional, recessional, postlude. Pauses or silent moments can lead guests to think there is something going wrong. When in doubt, play music! There is a moment in the ceremony for a unity ceremony. This can look different for each couple. Some sweet ceremonies include releasing a lantern, lighting a unity candle, and planting a tree together. This tree can transfer to your new home, and you can watch it grow alongside your love.
There are so many little details that need to fall into place for the wedding ceremony. We have provided you with some questions to answer to figure out what you may want or don’t want in your ceremony. We also share a sample layout of the ceremony flow to ensure that your ceremony goes perfectly. Do you want this information in a user-friendly document? Download our Ceremony Checklist from the shop!
