Planning a traditional Christian wedding and don’t know where to start? The wedding ceremony is one of the most important aspects of any wedding – if not the most – itself. There are many wedding ceremony outlines out there, so we decided to focus on the absolute basics.
In this post, we’ll outline the traditional order of a Christian wedding ceremony. We’ll also provide tips on personalizing your ceremony to make it uniquely yours. So let’s jump right in!
What is the Traditional Wedding Ceremony Outline and Order?
This is the usual order of a traditional religious wedding ceremony.
1. Prelude
The ceremony begins with the prelude. The prelude is the music that plays as guests are seated. It sets the mood for the ceremony and helps to create an atmosphere of anticipation.
2. Processional
What is a processional?
A wedding processional is an order in which wedding participants enter the ceremony space. Traditionally, the wedding party walks down the aisle to music, with the bride walking last with her father or another escort.
The wedding processional can be a simple affair with just a few people or an elaborate production with dozens of bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Regardless of size, the wedding processional is an important part of the wedding ceremony. It sets the tone for the event and gives guests a chance to take in all the details of the bride’s dress, flowers, and other wedding decorations.
The wedding processional is also a special moment for the bride and groom, as this is when they usually get to see each other for the first time.
What is the typical processional order?
1. Wedding Officiant
The first person to enter is usually the officiant. This can be the priest or minister officiating the ceremony.
2. Groom’s Parents
After the officiant, it is customary for the groom’s parents to be seated in the front row.
4. Bride’s Mother
The bride’s mother is typically the next to be seated.
5. Groom
Once the bride’s mother has entered, the groom can enter and take his place at the altar.
5. Best Man and Maid of Honor
The next people to enter are the best man and the maid of honor.
6. Groomsmen and Bridesmaids
The groomsmen and bridesmaids will enter next, followed by the flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s).
7. Ring Bearer and Flower Girls
8. Bride and Father of the Bride
The bride is the last to enter, traditionally escorted by her father or another close relative.
As you can see, there is a specific order to how people enter during a traditional Christian wedding ceremony. However, this order can be changed to better suit your needs.
For example, if you have a large wedding party, you may want to have them enter in groups of two or four. You can also choose to have the maid of honor and best man enter first, followed by the rest of the wedding party.
3. Bride’s Entrance
The bride’s entrance is one of the most anticipated wedding ceremony moments.
As she makes her way down the aisle, all eyes are on her. The bride usually enters to the sound of traditional wedding music, such as “Here Comes the Bride.” This music helps set the tone for the rest of the ceremony. As mentioned above, the bride typically walks with her father or another close relative, and he may give her away during the ceremony.
4. Welcome & Introduction
The introduction during a wedding ceremony is a time for the officiant to welcome everyone and set the tone for the rest of the event. These are the so-called opening remarks and are an important part of the ceremony.
It’s also an opportunity to give a brief overview of what will happen next and to introduce any special guests or VIPs who may be in attendance. The introduction should be warm and engaging, giving everyone a sense of what the ceremony will be like. Of course, the exact wording will vary depending on the individual couple’s style and preferences. But in general, the introduction is vital in setting the stage for a beautiful and memorable wedding ceremony.
5. Prayer
The prayer at the beginning of a wedding ceremony helps set the tone for the rest of the day and helps to direct the focus of the event towards God.
It also serves as a reminder that marriage is a sacred covenant between two people and God. Therefore, the prayer should express the couple’s desire to marry with His blessing.. It should also reflect the couple’s personalities and relationship with each other.
6. Music
Music is often an important part of a Christian wedding ceremony. It can set the tone for the event, reflect the couple’s personalities, and create a sense of unity between the two families.
There are different ways to incorporate music into a wedding ceremony. For example, you could choose to have special songs for the bride’s entrance, the unity candle lighting, or the recessional. You may also want a choir or soloist to sing during the ceremony.
7. Readings
Another way to personalize a Christian wedding ceremony is to include readings that are significant to the couple. This could be a passage from the Bible, a poem, or even a song lyric. If you include a reading, select something meaningful to both of you and reflects your relationship with each other.
8. Unity Ceremony
A unity ceremony is a special way to symbolize the joining of two lives into one. There are many different ways to perform a unity ceremony. Still, one of the most popular is the lighting of a unity candle.
To perform this ceremony, the bride and groom each take a lit candle and use them to light a single, larger candle. This larger candle represents the joining of their two lives into one. The lighting of the unity candle is often accompanied by special music and readings.
9. Sermon
One of the most important parts of a wedding ceremony is the sermon. This is when the officiant shares words of wisdom and guidance with the newlyweds.
The sermon can be humorous or serious, but it should always be thoughtful and sincere. Many couples choose to include a verse from the Bible in their sermon. Others may share personal anecdotes or stories that are meaningful to them. No matter what approach is taken, the goal of the sermon is to offer words of advice and encouragement that will help the couple as they begin their life together.
By taking the time to prepare a thoughtful sermon, the officiant can play a vital role in helping to create a memorable and meaningful wedding ceremony.
10. Exchange Wedding Vows
A wedding vow is a solemn promise made by the bride and groom to each other on their wedding day. They signify the couple’s commitment to each other and willingness to enter into marriage together. Wedding vows often include a pledge to love, honor, and cherish one another for the rest of their lives.
Sometimes, couples write their own vows, which can be a deeply personal and moving experience. Alternatively, there are a variety of traditional vows that can be used.
For many couples, exchanging vows is the most cherished moment of their wedding ceremony.
11. Ring Exchange
Exchanging rings during a wedding is a symbolic gesture that represents the unending love and devotion between the newlyweds. Traditionally, the bride and groom each take a ring and place it on the finger of their partner.
Couples can say many different things while exchanging rings during their wedding ceremony. Some of the most popular vows include the following:
As they do so, they say a few words to express their love. For example, the groom might say, “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. I will always be here for you, no matter what happens.”
12. Blessings and Closing Remarks
After exchanging rings, the officiant will usually say a few words of blessing for the new couple. This is often followed by closing remarks from the officiant or other members of the wedding party.
Closing remarks are a chance to thank everyone who helped make the day possible and express your excitement for the future. They are often lighthearted and humorous, providing a perfect opportunity to end the ceremony on a positive note.
13. Man & Wife and the Kiss
After the officiant has pronounced the man and wife, it is time for the first kiss as a married couple! This moment is always cherished as it officially seals the deal. This is often followed by a round of applause from the guests.
The kiss is hands-down one of the most memorable wedding ceremony moments. It is a time for the couple to express their love and commitment to each other in front of their family and friends.
14. Recessional
What is a recessional?
A recessional is a processional in reverse – it’s the order in which wedding participants exit the ceremony space. The recessional usually takes place immediately after the conclusion of the ceremony, and it typically includes the bride and groom, the wedding party, and the officiant.
The recessional is often accompanied by upbeat music to get everyone in a celebratory mood!
What is the recessional walking order?
1. Bride and Groom
2. Ring Bearer and Flower Girls
3. Best Man and Maid of Honor
4. Groomsmen and Bridesmaids
5. Bride’s Parents
6. Groom’s Parent
7. Officiant
Wedding ceremonies are a beautiful way to celebrate the beginning of a new life together. By personalizing the ceremony with special readings, music, and unity rituals, couples can create a unique and memorable experience that will be cherished!
How to Write a Wedding Ceremony Script
Here are a few tips on how to write a wedding ceremony script:
1. Start by Deciding on the Order of the Ceremony
2. Choose Readings, Music, and Unity Rituals That Are Meaningful to You
3. Write Out the Vows That You Will Exchange With Your Partner
4. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
5. Establish a Time Limit
6. Work With Your Officiant
7. Consider Wedding Programs for Your Guests
8. Be Sure to Rehearse the Ceremony With Your Wedding Party Before the Big Day
Wedding Ceremony Script You Can Copy
While every ceremony is unique, there are certain elements that are essential to all weddings.
Below is a basic script that you can use as a starting point for your own ceremony. Of course, you can (and should) tailor the details to reflect your own personality and relationship, but this outline will ensure that all of the important elements are included.
Processional
The guests are seated, and the bridal party enters.
Welcome
Welcome, friends and family members of the bride and groom! We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of _____ and of _____ in marriage. This is a sacred occasion, and we are honored to be able to share it with you.
The bride and groom have spent a lot of time preparing for this day, and they have chosen the following readings, songs, and vows to express their love for each other.
Exchange of Vows
___, will you have this woman to be your wife? To live together in holy matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful unto her as long as you both shall live?
I do.
___, will you have this man to be your husband? To live together in holy matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful unto him as long as you both shall live?
I do.
Exchange of Rings
_____, will you please take this ring and place it on _____’s finger, and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, my faithfulness, and my commitment to you.
_____, will you please take this ring and place it on _____’s finger, and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, my faithfulness, and my commitment to you.
Groom: With this ring, I thee wed.
Bride: With this ring, I thee wed.
Officiant: By the power vested in me by _________, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss your bride!
Closing remarks
Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate the marriage of _____ and _____. We have just witnessed a beautiful exchange of vows, rings, and kisses that will seal their union in marriage. As they leave this ceremony, they will be embarking on a lifetime journey together filled with love, happiness, and support. We wish them all the best in this new chapter of their lives.
Recessional
The newlywed couple exits the ceremony to the cheers and well-wishes of their guests!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—a typical Christian wedding ceremony order and outline. Of course, every couple is different and will personalize their ceremony to reflect their individual styles and personalities. But this outline provides a nice framework for those planning a Christian wedding. We hope it was helpful!
What do you think?