Sacred  
Affairs
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Order of Ceremony
Other things to consider

Often the groomsmen will act as ushers for the guests, grandparents and the mothers and groom's father, then take their
places with the bridesmaids as the minister and the groom enter.

Whatever the chosen structure of the ceremony, it is important that both the bride and groom have some agreement and
ownership of the words in the marriage rites. A wedding is a distinctly personal experience; a very personal occasion
and should define the bride and groom. The entire ceremony is a formula that's made to be tampered with.

* Processional  Music - Music to walk in to.

* Music of Your Choice  -  Make your ceremony more moving by creating your own soundtrack.

*The Prelude  -  Music that fills the room before the ceremony begins should begin about 30 minutes before the  
ceremony. Use instrumental, vocal or your favorite CD.

*The Processional  -  March down the aisle by using different selections for the wedding party and the bride.

*The Recessional  -  This music will accompany the newlyweds back up the aisle and out the door, followed by the
wedding party.

*The Postlude  -  This music will be played as the guests leave the ceremony area.

*Other music possibilities: Solos by friends and family can be performed after the mothers are seated, before or after
 the wedding vows are spoken or anywhere else you choose during the ceremony, musical accompaniments during the
 unity candle or rose ceremony.

* Welcome and Opening Remarks  -  These words greet the guests and state the purpose of the gathering. They
 acknowledge the importance of the event, introduce the principle people - the couple and the witnesses - and invite the
 audience to be attentive to the moment. In this moment you may want an opening prayer or silent prayer to be offered.

* Presentation of the Bride  -  This tradition calls for the families to release their children for marriage. A few select
 words can be read by the parents.

* Relationship Thoughts  -  This is where I begin to add the elements of your Love Story, those elements that you
guests will remember and recognize.

* Charge to the Couple  -  The charge is a reminder to the couple and all present that the wedding of all the implications
involved. They are asked to declare to one another and those present that they recognize the importance of their pledge
and are committed to honor it.

* Wedding Readings(Scriptural or Otherwise)/Music/Poetry  -  This moment is intended to introduce into the wedding
understandings, feelings, and reflections on love and marriage that are chosen by and have influenced and inspired the
couple.

*Vows  -  This is an opportunity for the bride and groom to be creative and compose their own wedding vows that are
meaningful to both partners; that say something unique about your love for each other and how they envision their life
together. Or repeat after me with a set of vows that I have created just for you!

* Presentation of the Rings  -  The rings are a physical reminder and symbol of the promises binding two people
together on their very special day and in their very special relationship.

* Pronouncement of Marriage  -  This is the moment when the officiant declares that the purpose for which the couple
have gathered is complete and the act of covenant is now fulfilled. "I now pronounce that you are husband and wife
together, etc." This is where the bride's parents cry, the groom's family grins a lot and everyone collectively nods their
heads.

* Affirmation of Audience (Optional)  -  This moment provides an opportunity for the audience to say "yes" to all they
have witnessed; a chance to offer their support and to remind everyone of the importance of family and community.

* Closing Remarks  -  This can be a prayer, a blessing (not necessarily a religious blessing) chosen by the couple or
especially chosen remarks by the officiant.
Traditional Order of Ceremony
Entrance and seating of the grandparents
Entrance and seating of groom's parents
Entrance of the minister and the groom
Minister enters
Music begins
Groom and grooms men enter
Ring bearer
Bridesmaids enter
Flower girl enters
Bridal march music
Bride escorted enters
Welcome to guests
Prayer
Bride is presented
Couple face each other
Minister speaks
Charge to the Couple
Exchange of vows
Lighting of the unity candle
Exchange of rings
Announcement of couple
Recessional music
HOME        MINISTERS        BEACH WEDDINGS        COUPLES COUNSELING        MEMORIALS         CONTACT US
Beach Weddings, Fees, Elopement Specials, Blended Family, Breaking the Glass, Butterfly Release, Buddhist, Christian, Civil,
Confidential, Jumping the Broom, Hand Fast, Harmony Bell, Honor Your Mother, Hindu 7 Blessing, Lasso, Love Story,  Loving
Cup, Marriage License, Native American, 13 Coin, Renewal of Vows, Rock, Rose, Sand, Same Sex, Testimonials,  Unity,
Write Your Own vows, Order of Ceremony, Contact Us
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Creating Beautiful Wedding Memories
One Love Story at a Time!