Most western wedding ceremonies will typically follow the same basic structure. Of course every ceremony will have its own flavour and style, depending on your officiant and your religion. Beyond this you will be able to use customized readings, poems, or you could add a special symbolic ceremony such as a sand ceremony.
Prelude: Before the actual ceremony begins, the guests will start to file into the ceremony location, when they arrive they will be either seated by ushers or they will find a seat themselves. Typically this will begin about 45 minutes before the ceremony begins.
Processional: This officially announces the start of the ceremony. The music will change from the quieter prelude music to your selected bridal party processional song. The parents and sometimes the grandparents are seated last after all the guests. The groom and best man will enter and stand on the right side of the head of the aisle. The officiant will then take his place at the head of the aisle, followed by the bridal party, they may enter in boy/girl pairs or walk down the aisle in a single staggered line. The music will then change to a more suspenseful and dramatic song for the bride's procession.
Welcome: The officiant will now welcome all the guests.
Giving Away of The Bride: The officiant will ask who gives this bride away, the bride's parents or just her father will typically respond.
The Asking: The officiant will confirm that each party (bride &groom) each came on their own will and someone will respond with I do
Exchanging Vows: The couple will recite their vows to one another and express their love and commitment to each other.
A Final Reading, Song or Poem (
Optional): There are a plethora of special and romantic readings or poems you can choose to have at this moment in the ceremony. You could even ask a friend to sing a heartfelt song.
Ring Ceremony: The couple will now exchange their rings with some meaningful words for each other.
Pronouncement/ Deceleration of Marriage: The officiant will proclaim the couple as legally married, the groom is now told to kiss the bride!
Signing of The Marriage Register: At this point the officiant will ask the guests to sit quietly while the bride and groom sign the marriage register.
Recessional: This is the official exit of the ceremony venue. The newly married bride and groom will lead the recessional followed by the paired up wedding party.
AND that would be it, it may look daunting at first but it really is not. Just remember to smile for all those pictures, and really feel the moment, it only happens once after all!! :)
