I have only been to 2 weddings, and they were done rather tacky, so I don't want to follow the same way. I am having a Christian wedding in a church, but have no idea as to how the actual ceremony is supposed to be. Like from the beginning all the way to the vows to the end, what happens? I am trying to make a program but have no idea what to put. Please help me!
2007-01-07 16:44:03 · 10 answers · asked by terrie 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Pre-Wedding Ceremony Events
Wedding Party Pictures
This should begin at least 90 minutes prior to the start of the wedding and be finished at least 45 minutes before the ceremony.
Wedding Party Dressed and Ready
The wedding party should be dressed, ready and waiting in the appropriate locations at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
Prelude
Any musical preludes or solos should take place at least 5 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
Lighting of the Candles :
Sometimes the candles or candelabras are lit before the guests arrive. Other times the ushers light them as part of the prelude, or as part of the wedding ceremony.
The Wedding Ceremony:
Processional-
Seating of the Parents
Having the support and involvement of parents and grandparents in the ceremony brings a special blessing to the couple and also expresses honor to the previous generations of marriage unions.
The processional music begins with the seating of the honored guests:
Seating of the Groom's grandmother
Seating of the Bride's grandmother
Seating of the Groom's parents
Seating of the Bride's mother
Bridal Processional Begins
Minister and Groom enter usually from stage right. If the Groomsmen are not escorting the Bridesmaids down the aisle to the altar, they also enter together with the Minister and Groom.
Bridesmaids enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time. If the Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter together.
Maid or Matron of Honor enters. If she is being escorted by the Best Man, they enter together.
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer enter.
Wedding March Begins
The Bride and her father enter. Typically the Bride's mother will stand as a signal for all of the guests to stand. Sometimes the Minister will announce, "All rise for the Bride."
Opening Remarks - "The Call to Worship"
The Opening Prayer
Congregation is Seated
At this time the congregation is typically asked to be seated.
Giving Away of the Bride
Worship Song, Hymn or Solo
At this time the wedding party typically moves to the stage or platform and the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer are seated with their parents.
The Charge to Bride and Groom
The Pledge
Wedding Vows
At this moment in the wedding ceremony the Bride and Groom face one another.
Exchanging of the Rings
Lighting of the Unity Candle
The Pronouncement
Communion
Many times couples will incorporate Communion into the wedding ceremony, making Communion their very first act as a married couple.
The Closing Prayer
The Kiss
Minister: ____, you may now kiss your Bride.
Presentation of the Couple
Minister: It is now my privilege to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. ____.
Recessional
The wedding party exits the platform, typically in the following order:
Bride and Groom
Maid or Matron of Honor and Best Man
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
The Ushers return for the honored guests who are escorted out in reverse order of their entrance.
Ushers may then dismiss the remaining guests, either all at once, or one row at a time.
2007-01-07 17:08:38 · answer #1 · answered by dream 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, first you will have ushers seating people... Then the groomsmen and bridesmaids will walk down the aisle in pairs... Everyone stands for the bride... Then you walk down the aisle to meet your soon-to-be husband who starts out down there in the first place... The pastor (or whom ever is marrying you two)... Will usually start out with announcing why everyone is there and then saying a prayer... Then he usually tells a story from the Bible.. Then you do the vows.. You can either write your own or have the traditional ones... Then the rings.... Then the "I know pronounce you husband and wife" then the kiss... Make sure you discuss what type of kiss it will be... Tongue or no tongue, long or short... It's important that you look like you want to kiss them and not uncomfortable because everyone else is there... Then you two walk back down the aisle and out the door.... I hope your wedding turns out great!! Best Wishes!
2007-01-07 16:57:12 · answer #2 · answered by ~~You Who~~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These are OK sites, but also talk to the minister. In fact most won't marry couples until they have had some marriage counseling. It would be a good time to discuss the ceremony in additions to life as a married couple. If the minister isn't pushing counseling........ask him/her if they do it. I highly suggest you do some.
As for the ceremony, I like respectful instead of modern or alternative. You are making a contract before God. As for the reception, also respectful. I am horrified when people smear cake on one another, act in a childish manner, etc. It's one thing to have bad manners, but don't invite family and friends to share it. Pass this on to your bridal party as well. It is a joyous occasion, not a kegger.
2007-01-07 16:53:40 · answer #3 · answered by fluffernut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just look up modern weddings on yahoo or google. They should give you a good idea of how long and what to expect.
2007-01-07 16:46:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends who does your wedding a lot of pastors have a book with different vows to choose from ask who ever is marrying you
2007-01-07 16:47:54 · answer #5 · answered by Leveler 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford, you may need a wedding planner.
2007-01-07 16:53:22 · answer #6 · answered by B T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.mykindaliving.com/celebrating/weddings/
2007-01-07 16:52:38 · answer #7 · answered by KJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have your priest ot pastor go over things with you. after all they do this hundreds of time.
2007-01-07 17:21:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try this website
2007-01-07 16:45:44 · answer #9 · answered by surfer_grl_ca 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://weddings.about.com/od/yourweddingceremony/Your_Wedding_Ceremony_Orders_of_Service_Vows_Readings_and_More.htm
2007-01-07 16:45:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋