Typical Ceremony Order of Service

Wedding Ceremony Order of Service

Many couples have used this as a typical order of events for a wedding ceremony. Since it is your wedding, you should feel free to add, delete, or alter the sequence of these events. When I meet with you to plan your wedding, we will discuss many of the options available to you. This will make your ceremony customized, personal and uniquely yours. 

• Guests are seated (Prelude music playing)

• Honored guests enter and are seated

• Grandparents/Parents of the Bride and Groom are seated

• Officiant, Groom and Best Man enter and proceed to the front

• The Bridal party enters and proceeds to the front

• The Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl enter, proceed to front

• Music concludes for bridal party

• Officiant asks the audience to rise and welcome the Bride

• Music begins for the Bride’s entrance (Processional music)

• The Bride and her escort enter, and are met by the Groom

• Bride’s music concludes.

• Opening Welcome and commentary by Officiant

• Presentation of Bride by Escort

• Commemorative Candle(optional)

• Opening Prayer/Invocation

• First reading (religious or romantic literature -- optional)

• Musical interlude (solo, etc.)

• Officiant’s Address

• Second reading (optional)

• Special music (musical interlude, or musical and vocal performance -- optional)

• "Declarations Of Intent" by Bride and Groom (I Do’s)

• Exchange of wedding vows (traditional or customized)

• Blessing of the rings/Exchange of wedding rings (traditional or customized)

• Audience recites Lord's Prayer (Roman Catholic or Protestant version -- optional)

• Minister's prayer of blessing/benediction for the Bride and Groom

• Bride and Groom light Unity Candle -- or other ritual (music in background -- optional)

• Final commentary

• Bride and Groom kiss

• Introduction of the new couple by the Officiant

• Recessional music begins

• Bride and Groom exit

• Bridal party exits.

• Officiant’s instructions to the audience.

• Signing of the marriage license

• Pictures!

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