A
typical Wedding ceremony is broken down into the following steps
- PROCESSIONAL
- OPENING REMARKS
- THE CHARGE TO THE COUPLE
- DECLARATION OF CONSENT
- EXCHANGE OF VOWS
- EXCHANGE OF RINGS
- PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE
- THE KISS
- INTRODUCTION OF THE COUPLE
- CLOSING REMARKS
- THE RECESSIONAL
The styles of music vary for ceremonies, a few styles include traditional, classical, romantic, and popular instrumental music. Your wedding ceremony DJ or live musicians will coordinate the musical selections precisely with the pace and timing of your individual ceremony.
Prelude
The prelude is often an interval of music 20 – 30 minutes prior to your ceremony. The prelude establishes the mood for your wedding while your guests are seated. The prelude music continues until the start of the ceremony traditionally marked by the seating of the mothers.
START OF THE CEREMONY
Seating of the Mothers
The ceremony is signified by the entrance of the Groom’s mom followed by the Bride’s mom. If you are including grandmothers, they will walk prior to the moms.
Processional
The processional / wedding party follows the seating of the mothers. It is marked by the entrance of the Officiant, Groom, Best Man, and Groomsmen, followed by the bridesmaids, maid of honor, ring bearer/flower girl. Selected music should have a clearly audible cadence so that it is easy for your attendants to keep time while walking.
Last, but most important, is the Bride / Dad entrance. Whether you choose the traditional Wedding March (Here Comes The Bride) or another song, keep in mind that the selected piece should announce the bride and focus all attention on her. The traditional processional sitting arrangement is outlined below
Processional sitting arrangement
- Walking into the ceremony (Bride’s side on Left- Groom’s side on Right)
- Grandparents of the Groom – Sit in the front row on the Groom’s side
- Grandparents of the Bride – Sit in the front row on the Bride’s side
- Parents of the Groom – Sit in the front row on the Groom’s side closest to the aisle
- Mother of the Bride – Sits in the front row on the Bride’s side closest to the aisle
- Officiant, Groom, Best Man – Stands next to the Groom
- Maid of Honor – Stands next to the Bride
- Flower Girl – Stands in front of the Maid of Honor, Ring Bearer – Stands in front of the Best Man
- Bride with Father of the Bride – Sits next to the Mother of the Bride after “Handing-Off ” the Bride to the Groom.
Interlude
During the ceremony, there are some pauses – after special readings and prayers, unity ceremony, etc. Many couples fill those pauses with music that maintains a joyous and solemn mood.
Recessional
The end of the ceremony is marked by the bridal kiss and announcement of the newly married couple. At this point, the guests applauded and the Recessional song begins – the Wedding March is the most popular choice. The bride and groom exit, followed by the maid of honor and best man, and bridesmaid/groomsmen.