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.
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Guests are seated (Prelude music playing)
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Honored guests enter and are seated
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Grandparents/Parents of the Bride and Groom are seated
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Officiant, Groom and Best Man enter and proceed to the front
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The Bridal party enters and proceeds to the front
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The Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl enter, proceed to front
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Music concludes for bridal party
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Officiant asks the audience to rise and welcome the Bride
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Music begins for the Bride’s entrance (Processional music)
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The Bride and her escort enter, and are met by the Groom
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Bride’s music concludes.
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Opening Welcome and commentary by Officiant
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Presentation of Bride by Escort
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Commemorative Candle(optional)
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Opening Prayer/Invocation
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First reading (religious or romantic literature -- optional)
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Musical interlude (solo, etc.)
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Officiant’s Address
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Second reading (optional)
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Special music (musical interlude, or musical and vocal performance -- optional)
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"Declarations Of Intent" by Bride and Groom (I Do’s)
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Exchange of wedding vows (traditional or customized)
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Blessing of the rings/Exchange of wedding rings (traditional or customized)
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Audience recites Lord's Prayer (Roman Catholic or Protestant version -- optional)
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Minister's prayer of blessing/benediction for the Bride and Groom
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Bride and Groom light Unity Candle -- or other ritual (music in background -- optional)
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Final commentary
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Bride and Groom kiss
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Introduction of the new couple by the Officiant
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Recessional music begins
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Bride and Groom exit
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Bridal party exits.
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Officiant’s instructions to the audience.
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Signing of the marriage license
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Pictures!
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