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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