I’ll bet that most everyone reading this has been to a wedding before. I’ll also bet that you probably know the gist of what happens. Guests arrive, there’s a ceremony, a cocktail hour, and then a big reception to celebrate. Sounds pretty simple right?

Well, things get a little bit more complicated when you start planning a wedding on your own. Sometimes brides hire a wedding planner for all of the nitty gritty planning, but we think it’s a good idea for the bride to know the outline of what should happen on the day starting with the ceremony.

You may be wondering why you’re reading this on a photography blog, but we are big believers in knowing your craft well. We make sure to educate ourselves on every aspect of a wedding day because when a bride doesn’t have a wedding planner, we are usually the next people they look to for guidance. Our job is to make the wedding day run as smooth as possible, so we make it our job to not only educate ourselves but our clients on all things wedding related. We’re basically bridesmaids with cameras!!

Here’s a basic template of a wedding ceremony and some tips to make your ceremony seamless:

1. Prelude: This is when guests begin to arrive. Many couples choose to have music playing here to set the mood for the ceremony and to prevent any awkward silence. If you need any inspiration, check out our wedding playlists.
2. Processional: This is when the couple’s close family members, wedding party, and the couple themselves make their entrance.
3. Declaration of Intention: This is typically the part where the pastor questions the bride and groom… which goes something like this “will you take this man to be your wedded husband, to have and to hold, etc.” The pastor then asks the father of the bride or congregation something like, “who gives this woman to this man?.” and the FOTB says “her mother and I do.” and everyone in the audience says “awwww!”
4. Prayer: The couple is then blessed in prayer.
5. Readings: The pastor may read scripture or the couple may have a family member read a favorite poem or reading.
6. Personal Stories: The pastor may share a bit about the couple and their love story.
7. Exchange of Vows: The part when all of the promises start to sink in and everyone tends to get a bit teary-eyed.
8. Exchange of Rings: Be sure to give your rings to very responsible people for safe keeping before this part. Nobody needs the stress of a lost ring!!
9. Seal the deal with a kiss: The part you’ve been waiting for!
10. Announcement of the new couple: “Mr. and Mrs. (fill in your new name)!” The crowd cheers! Bonus points if you provide the guests flower petals or bubbles to celebrate this part! It’s so cute!
11. Recessional: Wedding Party makes their way out of the ceremony space, and typically gathers together to celebrate the newlyweds!

 

There you have it! That’s the simple breakdown of a wedding ceremony! Of course, you can mix and match it to whatever you and your fiance want, but now you know the traditional outline and some tips to get you started!

Happy Planning!

-Chelsea and Hannah

P.S.

FREE NEWSLETTER

Are you interested in FREE wedding tips delivered straight to your inbox? Click here to sign up for our newsletter for brides.