FULL WEDDING CEREMONY OUTLINE

YOUR GUESTS ARE SEATED

Ensure that guests have good directions, to the venue and to the location of the ceremony itself at the venue. More info . . .

VIP'S ARE SEATED

The mothers of the Bride and Groom are trationally the last to be seated. More info . . .

ENTRANCE OF THE BRIDAL PARTY

How does everyone make it down to center stage?  This can happen in many different ways.  The following is the traditional processional order, but there are lots of different options. More info . . .

ENTRANCE OF THE GROOM

Groomsmen may or may not enter with the Groom.  The officiant may enter with the Groom.

THE PROCESSIONAL

The Groomsmen may or may not escort the Bridesmaids, who are then followed by by the Maid of Honor.  Next are the ring bearer and flower girl.

ENTRANCE OF THE BRIDE

The big moment!  Protect it!  There are many different ways for the Bride to process - traditionally it has been on the arm of her father, but the Bride can processes with any significant person, or alone. 

The arrival at center stage can be escorted or after leaving the escort at their seat.  The Bride and Groom can process the entire distance together, can go the last significant distance together, or can meet at center stage. More info . . .


WELCOME OF YOUR GUESTS

This is the address and welcome that the officiant usually makes to your guests on your behalf.  This is also the time when the officiant "breaks the ice" so to speak, and helps to release the tension present in everyone.

READING

This reading can be used to set the tone for the celebration!  The first reading is usually short. 

We encourage the involvement of your guests in the ceremony, and it makes for a wonderful photo opportunity.  Consider asking important people in your lives beyond the Bridal Party to read.  More info . . . 

DECLARATION OF INTENTION

This is the time for the "I do's".  The officiant asks the Bride and Groom a series of questions that affirm their intention to marry.  More info . . .

RESPONSE OF THE FAMILIES AND GUESTS

This is where your family and guests can respond that they will help you to uphold your marriage.  This can also be utilized as a time for vows either from or too your children, if you have any. More Info . . .

MEMORIALS

In your ceremony you can remember someone who can't be with you on your special day - either because of distance or because they have passed away.  This can be as simple as the mention of the names in the program or ceremony, or such specific actions as laying a rose in front of a picture of the person to be remembered.  More Info . . . 

READING

Again, readers from among your guests is a wonderful way to connect. 

ADDRESS TO THE COUPLE

The officiant talks. Should be relatively Short!

GIFTS TO VIP'S

Perhaps flowers to your parents, or tokens to your children.  This is highly emotional and makes for incredible memories and photos.  More Info . . .

HONORING YOUR HERITAGE

This can happen at any time in the ceremony, and may occur throughout.  Perhaps it is the playing of drums or bagpipes, or the exchange of special lei's, or a prayer or blessing in a native language.

TELLING YOUR STORY

If your family is spread across large distances, they may not know the story of how you met or what brought you together.  Sharing this in the wedding can be very meaningful for you and your guests.  More Info . . .

EXCHANGE OF VOWS 

This is the oath of fidelity that your are taking!  This is the central focus of the whole day - this moment.  Vows can be written by you in a deeply thought out process, chosen from traditional references, or ad-libed on the the spot.  More Info . . .

We can lead you through your vows one line at a time, you can memorize them if you want, or you can read them from a card.

UNITY CEREMONY

There are so many options that it is hard to list them all.  Various options include Candle Ceremony, Sand Ceremony, Wine Ceremony, Hand Fasting, Jumping the Broom, First Gifts, Coin Ceremony, and Joining of Crystals.  More Info . . .

PARENTAL VOWS

The lives of your children change just like your lives do.  Honor them with a vow for your involvement as the parents in their lives.  More Info . . .

PRESENTATION OF RINGS

If you have a ring bearer, that person can formally present the rings to the Bride and Groom by kneeling or bowing.  Another option is for the Maid of Honor and the Best Man to have the rings, and to present the ring to the person they are not attending - i.e. the Best Man presents the Groom's ring to the Bride.  

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

Often words or an oath is given while the Bride and Groom are exchanging rings.  Also, any reminder of your love can be exchanged, not just rings.  More Info . . .

BLESSING OF THE MARRIAGE 

Another great place for the inclusion of one of your guests to speak.   

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE

This can also include the signing of the legal documents, to be done with flourish. 

KISS

Any explanation necessary?

BIRD OR BUTTERFLY RELEASE

A great photographic moment, if you want to include it.

INTRODUCTION

It is my honor and privilidge, to introduce to you . . .

RECESSIONAL

Your guests cheer for you, blow bubbles, throw petals, or ring bells.  More Info . . .

YOU KISS AGAIN

Stop halfway down the aisle, in the middle of your guests, and kiss again! 

BRIDAL PARTY FOLLOWS