Wedding Bands > Wedding Planning Ideas > 10 Things To Know About Ceremony Procedures
10 Things To Know About Ceremony Procedures
Even though the reception sometimes gets the most attention, the ceremony is the actual wedding! Here are a few of the basics you'll need to know as you plan the ceremony.
- Type of ceremony. You may already have an idea of what kind of ceremony you'll have. There are many types, such as religious, civil, ecumenical, and more. It all depends on the couple and the families.
- The Officiant. Depending in the type of ceremony, you can choose to have the event officiated by a long-known clergy member, a licensed officiant or a public official from the city you're getting married in.
- The Readings. Lots of couples like to go the traditional route and have readings from religious works, poems or from a list of well-known wedding readings. You can also choose sentimental quotes or excerpts from novels. Oftentimes, the readings will be done by a close friend or relative.
- Candle Ceremony. Another celebratory act in a wedding ceremony is a symbolic lighting of candles. The bride and groom signify their union by lighting a candle each, then a third candle in unison.
- The Vows. While there are traditional vows that couples have exchanged for decades, many couples are now writing their own vows, making the exchange very unique and personal.
- The Music. Some ceremonies will include a brief interlude of music. Sometimes a friend or family member will sing a romantic song or an acoustic melody will be played usually on a piano or violin.
- The Program. This is the printed material that is passed out to guests as they are seated. Though this is not always required, many formal weddings will have programs for guests, particularly to highlight the wedding party members as well.
- The Ensemble. The groom and groomsmen are always at the altar before anyone else. They are there to greet the bridal party and honor the bride's entrance.
- The Walk. This is the big moment in the wedding after all of the bridesmaids have arrived at the altar. The music changes as the bride begins her walk, usually escorted by her father, brother, or other male figure in her family who is "giving her away" to her husband-to-be.
- The Exit. After the officiant pronounces the newly wed couple, they happily walk back down the aisle first. The bridesmaid and groomsmen, who are coupled off, walk along after them. This is when it's appropriate to toss confetti, rose petals or rice.
