Wedding Ceremony Outline

Use this Wedding Ceremony Outline to make your I Dos the most special part of the day. Follow tradition or stray from the norm to make your wedding ceremony completely you. Consult this rundown on the wedding ceremony order of events to see the standard outline. From there, you can decide what works best for you and your husband-to-be. The wedding ceremony order is up to your discretion and that of the officiant's. Make sure you enjoy every moment because is when two officially become one.

*this may vary depending on religion and preference; your officiant can help determine what is necessary

*readings, religious or otherwise, and songs can be sprinkled throughout the ceremony as you wish

Seating of the Guests

Music plays as guests enter and are seated by ushers. In Christian religions, the bride's friends and family sit on the left side of the congregation, facing the altar, and the groom's guests the right.
In the Jewish religion, it is reversed.

Seating of Grandparents

An usher or brother of the couple seats the groom's grandparents first and then the bride's. The paternal grandparents are sat before the maternal.
This is reversed in a Jewish wedding.

Seating of Parents

An usher or brother seats the groom's parents. The bride's mother is the last sat.
In a Jewish wedding, the groom's parents enter with him after the groomsmen enter in pairs. The bride's parents both walk her in. All parents stand under the chuppah with the couple.

Men of Honor Take Their Places

The officiant, ushers, best man, and groom take their positions. The best man may also escort the maid of honor down the aisle.

Attendants’ Procession

The bridesmaids enter escorted by groomsmen. The men are on the left side, the women on the right. The first to walk in are the furthest from the couple on the altar.
In Jewish weddings, the groomsmen enter in pairs after the grandparents are sat. The bridesmaids enter individually after the groom and his parents have entered.
After the bridal party has all entered, the ring bearer makes his way down the aisle, followed by the flower girl.

Bridal Procession

The bride is escorted by her father. She stands on his left side. The music normally changes at this point, and all guests rise.In Jewish weddings, the bride is escorted by both her father and mother.

Opening Remarks and Call to Worship by the Officiant

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today..."

Opening Prayer

Giving Away of the Bride

"Who gives this woman..."

Charge

The officiant declares the sanctity of marriage and the importance of the vows you will make.

"I Do"s

Vows

These may be the traditional vows, original vows, or a combination of the two.

Exchanging of Rings

Unity Ceremony

This may be a unity candle ceremony, a sand ceremony, a knot ceremony, or something more unique. This symbolizes the permanent coming together of two separate beings.