Typical Ceremony Outline

1.       Ushers seat guests (Prelude music playing i.e.: Moonlight Sonata, Ave Maria)

2.       Special music begins i.e.: Air on a G String, The Sheep May Safely Graze *

3.       Parents and Grandparents of the Bride and Groom are seated

4.       The Minister and Groom enter and proceed to the front

5.       Maid of Honor and Best Man enter and take their places

6.       Bridesmaids and Groomsmen enter and proceed to the front

7.       The Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl enter, proceed to front, sit down

8.       Music concludes for bridal party

9.       Ushers unroll the aisle runner 

10.     The Minister asks the audience to rise and welcome the Bride

11.     Music begins for the Bride’s entrance (Processional music i.e.: Here Comes the Bride, Canon in D, Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring)

12.     The Bride and her escort enter, and are met by the Groom

13.     Bride’s music concludes.

14.     Greeting

15.     Bride and Groom present flowers to parents and/or VIPs  *

16.     Consent / Declarations of Intent by Bride and Groom

17.     Reading (spiritual or romantic literature)  *

18.     Musical interlude (solo, etc. Arioso, Ave Maria)  *

19.     Charge to couple

20.     Exchange of wedding vows (traditional or customized)

21.     Exchange of wedding rings (traditional or customized)

22.     Blessing for the Bride and Groom

23.     Bride and Groom light Unity Candle (music in background i.e.: From this Moment, Once in a Lifetime Love)  *

24.     Pronouncement

25.     Bride and Groom kiss

26.     Introduction of the couple by the Minister (Presentation)

27.     Recessional music begins i.e.: Wedding March, Hornpipe-Water Music

28.     Bride and Groom exit

29.     Bridal party exits and forms reception line.

30.     Minister provides instructions to those that remain

* Optional