| Processional
|
Seating of the Parents |
| Having
the support and involvement of parents and grandparents
in the ceremony brings a special blessing to the couple
and also expresses honor to the previous generations of
marriage unions. |
| The
processional music begins with the seating of the honored
guests: |
| |
Seating
of the Groom's grandmother |
| |
Seating
of the Bride's grandmother |
| |
Seating
of the Groom's parents |
| |
Seating
of the Bride's mother |
|
Bridal Processional Begins 
| |
Minister
and Groom enter usually from stage right. If the Groomsmen
are not escorting the Bridesmaids down the aisle to the
altar, they also enter together with the Minister and
Groom. |
| |
Bridesmaids
enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time. If
the Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter
together. |
| |
Maid
or Matron of Honor enters. If she is being escorted by
the Best Man, they enter together. |
| |
Flower
Girl and Ring Bearer enter. |
Wedding
March Begins
| |
The
Bride and her father enter. Typically the Bride's mother
will stand as a signal for all of the guests to stand.
Sometimes the Minister will announce," All rise for
the Bride." |
| |
|
| |
Opening
Remarks - "The Call to Worship"
Samples of the Call to Worship |
| |
|
| |
The
Opening Prayer
Samples of the Opening Prayer |
| |
|
|
Congregation
is Seated |
| |
At
this time the congregation is typically asked to be seated. |
| |
|
| |
Giving
Away of the Bride
Samples of the Giving Away of the Bride |
|
Worship
Song, Hymn or Solo |
| |
At
this time the congregation is typically asked to be seated. |
|
The
Charge to Bride and Groom 
The Pledge
Wedding
Vows
| |
At
this moment in the wedding ceremony the Bride and Groom
face one another. |
| |
Samples
of Wedding Vows |
Exchanging
of the Rings
| |
Sample
Exchanging of the Rings |
Lighting of the Unity Candle
| |
Sample
Lighting of the Unity Candle |
|
The
Pronouncement |
| |
Samples
of the Pronouncement |
|
Communion |
| Many
times couples will incorporate Communion into the wedding ceremony,
making Communion their very first act as a married couple. |
| |
More
information about Communion |
|
The
Closing Prayer |
| |
Samples
of the Closing Prayer |
|
The
Kiss |
| Minister:
____, you may now kiss your Bride. |
| |
| Presentation
of the Couple |
| Minister:
It is now my privilege to introduce to you for the first time,
Mr. and Mrs. ____. |
Recessional |
| The
wedding party exits the platform, typically in the following
order: |
| |
Bride
and Groom |
| |
Maid
or Matron of Honor and Best Man |
| |
Bridesmaids
and Groomsmen |
| |
Flower
Girl and Ring Bearer |
| |
The
Ushers return for the honored guests who are escorted
out in reverse order of their entrance. |
| |
Ushers
may then dismiss the remaining guests, either all at once,
or one row at a time. |
|
|
