Wedding Ceremony 101

Couples are surprised to find there is no mandatory design for a wedding ceremony. Ceremonies can be traditional or as unique as each couple; it’s your day – you can have it your way.

Although there are a few standard lines an officiant needs to incorporate into your ceremony, for the most part it is all about your sonnet from one heart to another. If you want a ceremony created especially for you, make sure to choose an officiant who acts as guide and co-creator, rather than a director.

A Typical Ceremony

To give you an idea of how a ceremony might be structured, here is the one of the most common ceremony templates used:

Opening Words of the Officiant: This is where we welcome your family and guests.

The Giving in Marriage: (Optional) The father or family member gives the bride away.

An Opening Prayer or Reading: Nice place to have a guest or family member do a favorite reading of the couple’s choice. The officiant is also more than happy to recite your choice of reading or opening scripture.

Definition of Marriage: (Optional) The officiant can define the marriage with your choice of words.

Wedding Vows: Traditional, non-traditional, religious. This is the first time you will recite a piece to each other with the assistance of your officiant feeding the lines to both of you.

Second Reading or Song: (Optional) Very commonly a guest or family member reads or sings a song.

Exchange of Rings: You will choose a ring exchange vow that suits your heart.

Closing: (Sometimes called a Benediction) Usually the officiant recites your closing thoughts to the family and guests.

Declaration Of Marriage: "By the power vested in me by the State of _______, I now pronounce you ____________” and the best part for last, “you may now kiss the bride or life partner.”

Introduction of Newlyweds: The officiant usually introduces the newlyweds by the married names you are taking.

Other Bits of Wisdom

You have worked hard at making this the most memorable day of your life for you and your guests. Please make sure that they can hear your ceremony. Your DJ or venue will normally have a wireless mike that the officiant can use or a microphone that can be set up. Your guests and loved ones really do want to hear your vows and this allows them to be part of your special celebration, the first day of your married life.

Make sure if there are any special announcements you wish the officiant to make that you let them know before the ceremony. They can announce this after you and your wedding party leave the staged area.

There are many free and paid sites on the internet these days that have samples of wedding ceremonies. Your officiant will also be able to give you sample ceremonies they have already performed, or samples of vows and readings. Make sure the ceremony is a true reflection of the both of you. It’s your very special day…forever more.