No matter how many weddings you have attended, when it comes to planning your own ceremony, the task can be a little daunting. You thought all you really needed to worry about was saying “I do”. In reality your ceremony may be a little more complicated. Now if you are planning a faith based ceremony, you will be off the hook – a little bit. More than likely your faith leader will guide you through the ceremony process.

However, you may need a little guidance if you’re not planning a faith based ceremony. 🙂

Here’s my usual guide to creating a meaningful and loving ceremony for your wedding.

Prelude

Approximately 30 minutes before the start of your ceremony, you will want to have music playing and ushers at the ready to welcome your guests as they arrive. Music can be provided by the venue, DJ or maybe an acoustic instrument like a string trio, classical guitar or harpist. Be sure to choose music that fits the overall theme and tone you’re hoping to set for your entire wedding. This music is a little bit like an “event first impression” for your guests.

Seat Honored Guests

Honored guests may include folks like grandparents, parents, siblings, etc. These are individuals are usually immediate family who are not in the wedding party. Ushers usually assist with the seating of these individuals immediately before the formal wedding processional begins. This process usually signifies the beginning of the wedding ceremony.

Wedding Party Processional

After the honored guests are seated, the music typically changes, and the processional begins. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen usually lead off. They can walk down the aisle as pairs or individually depending on the makeup of the wedding party. Then the ring bearers and flower girls steal the show. Finally, the music changes, all the guests rise and the bride and her escort walk down the aisle.

Officiant Provides Welcome Remarks

After the processional, the officiant usually opens the ceremony with a welcome to the guests and possibly share an inspirational story about marriage and talk about your love story.

Vows

After the officiant has laid the foundation, it is now time for you to exchange your vows. You can chose to recite your vows or write your own. If you choose to be brave and write your own vows, check out my post on how to write your own vows. I hope it will make the task less daunting – and super meaningful!

Ring Exchange

Your officiant will walk you through this portion. Just do your best to pay attention and follow your officiant’s directions! 😉 This is often a “repeat after me” segment. Therefore, don’t forget to do a little exploring for this segment. You can be as traditional or creative as you want to be for this section.

Add a Unity Custom

This is the time when you might consider including a unity candle or sand ceremony. Or maybe a beloved family member will give a reading or sing a special song. If you need a little inspiration, check out this article for some unity ceremony ideas.

Pronouncement

This is when your officiant makes your union official and announce you as “Mr. & Mrs.” (or however, you want to be announced) to the wedding guests.

The Kiss

I suggest you practice this one a few times… 😉

Recessional Music

This music should be fun and joyful! I suggest you pick a song that makes you both feel happy and makes you want to dance.

Recessional

This is basically the processional backwards. You and your fiance will lead the way, followed by your maid of honor and best man and then your remaining wedding party will bring in the rear.

Well done!

You did it! You planned your ceremony program!

Now you should celebrate by practicing your cocktail reception! 😉 Maybe try to craft your favorite signature cocktail. Just for practice, of course! 😉

Happy ceremony planning!

All my best,

Casey

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Casey Green Weddings, LLC | 2501 S Village Drive, Cottonwood, AZ 86326