Wedding Ceremony

While there are many ways in which you can personalize your wedding ceremony, the basic format of most ceremonies can be broken down into the following segments:

Prelude

Processional

Welcome/Opening Remarks

Your officiant will often greet your guests and remind them of why they are gathered there today, and might also offer a short sermon or prayer about the meaning of marriage, love, etc.

Readings

It is very common to invite loved ones or close friends to read one or more selections that either you or they have selected to add meaning and perspective to your marriage ceremony.

TIP: Many couples wonder how to transition from one reading to the next, if you are having multiple readings and/or readers. One idea is to simply have your wedding officiant introduce the next reader ("We'll now have a reading by ___________.") Another option is to have your ceremony musician(s) insert a brief musical interlude (no more than 30 sec. - 1 min.) while the next reader approaches the altar.

Question of Intent

In this segment of the ceremony, you will be questioned by your officiant about your willing consent and commitment to enter into the union of marriage.

Vows

You and your fiancé will now be able to share your own promises and hopes for the future, and your commitment to one another. This is a wonderful opportunity to customize your ceremony by writing your own wedding vows.

Exchange of Rings

Unity Candle Lighting (Optional)

In this ceremony, two individual candles are lit earlier in the ceremony (often by the mothers or parents) and then passed to the bride and groom to light a third pillar together, symbolizing the joining of their lives. Some couples wish to extinguish the individual candles at this point, while others will elect to keep all three burning - signifying that their individuality will carry over into marriage.

Final Blessing

Recessional

Postlude

Wedding Ceremony Accessories:

1. Wedding Guest Book
   This can be a great keepsake memory of your wedding and each of the guests, as they sign in and leave a short message for you and your husband or wife to be.
    
2. Pen and Pen Holder
   To be placed by the guest book; consider purchasing two pens just in case one runs out of ink or becomes misplaced.
    
3. Flower Basket and/or Ring Pillow
   For the flower girl or ring bearer-to-be.
    
4. Rose Petals or Bubbles
   For your guests to shower you as you exit the ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony To Do List:

1. Determine the order in which your attendants will walk down the aisle, and whether you'll plan to have one piece of music for the entire processional, or whether you'll have a separate piece for the mothers/grandmothers, one for the wedding party, and one for the bride.
    
   TIP: A good rule of thumb when it comes to choosing music for your processional is if you have more than six attendants in the wedding party, it is a good idea to use two processional pieces. If there are more than two mothers/grandmothers walking down the aisle, a third piece for their processional is a good idea.
    
   SEE ALSO: Wedding Ceremony Music
    
2. Lay out any desired seating arrangements for the ceremony.
    
3. Ask one of your bridal attendants to be in charge of holding your bouquet during the ceremony, and fixing your veil and train after you arrive at the altar (normally, this will be the maid of honor.)
    
4. If you are planning on having a receiving line at the ceremony site, plan out where the line will form and where you and your family will stand.

Important Planning Info:

Date of Wedding Ceremony ________________________

Time of Wedding Ceremony ________________________

Location ______________________________________

Contact Person  _________________________________

Phone ________________________________________

Email _________________________________________

Ceremony Rehearsal Details:

Date of Ceremony Rehearsal _______________________

Time of Ceremony Rehearsal _______________________

Location ______________________________________

Contact Person  _________________________________

Phone ________________________________________

Email _________________________________________