Sequence
of the Ceremony Processional Welcome
to family and friends Presentation
of the bride by the person escorting her (if
any) Address
by celebrant Vows Exchange
of rings Blessing/Reading Pronouncement Embrace Introduction Recessional
Your
ceremony can be designed in any order you wish, but
one common sequence is the following:
The wedding party enters, normally in the
following order: celebrant, groomsmen, best man,
groom, bridesmaids, matron/maid of honor, flower
child/ringbearer, bride (alone or with escort).
Smaller weddings may have fewer members in the
party, even just the bride and groom alone.
The focus of the greeting is on the purpose and
commitment of marriage, and often encourages the
continued love and support of those present. Some
couples also like to acknowledge the absence of
anyone, such as deceased relatives, who nonetheless
may join in spirit with those present to create the
union.
"Who gives/presents this woman to be married to
this man?" Some couples today choose to omit the
presentation, to have friends answer, "she gives
herself," or to have the bride answer, "I give
myself." Other adaptations are also possible, such
as presentation of both the bride and the groom by
their respective parents or others.
The address usually focuses on love, friendship,
mutual trust, and respect. It sometimes concludes
with statements of intention by bride and groom.
(The address is sometimes omitted in traditional
religious ceremonies.)
Select from traditional or contemporary vows,
or compose your own.
The celebrant presents the purpose of the
rings, and the bride and groom exchange them. In
some traditions, the celebrant asks a blessing on
the rings before the exchange.
The celebrant asks a blessing ("Let us pray"),
or in non-religious ceremonies the celebrant or
another participant may present a poem or other
reading.
The celebrant pronounces the bride and groom to be
husband and wife.
The bride and groom traditionally kiss. In some
traditions the kiss is postponed until the married
couple reaches the back of the hall.
The celebrant presents the new husband and wife
to the assembly ("I am pleased to introduce Mr. and
Mrs. John Smith [or] John and Mary Smith
[or] John Smith and Mary Jones, husband and
wife.").
The bride and groom exit, followed by members of
the wedding party in reverse order of their
entrance, and lastly by the celebrant.
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