A Wedding Ceremony is more than the “I Do’s” when considering the events of the ceremony. You must consider all guests that will be in attendance. Your wedding is not only about your forever happiness but also your guests’ happiness at your wedding ceremony.

A ceremony starts with the arrival of your guests. What music will you have playing? Options for background music include the classics from Beethoven and Mozart. However, you could have a bit of flair with a performing harpist, string quartet, bagpipe players, or an acoustic guitar player.

As the ceremony starts, you must consider the music that will play as the wedding party walks down the aisle. Will you have the traditional processional songs or slow to mid-tempo modern songs? View a list of our top processional songs for song ideas.

The proper order of the processional is as follows:
• Groom (Bride)
• Groomsmen (if not escorting your bridesmaids)
• Grandparents
• Parents
• Ring Bearer
• Flower Girl(s)
• Bridesmaids (Groomsmen too if escorting)
• Bride (Groom)

I would recommend having a specific song for the bride (and her escort) down the aisle. You can use the traditional “Here Comes the Bride” song or a modern choice like “The One” By Kodaline or “Speechless” by Dan + Shay.

A common event during the wedding ceremony is the unity ceremony. This could be a unity candle lighting, tying a knot with rope, and unity sand mixing. I would recommend incorporating your family somehow in the ceremony too. Having your Mom’s holding the candles or providing each with a flower adds a special touch.

Another way of adding a special touch is to have family members conduct a short reading during the ceremony. The reading does not have to be scripture; the reading could be a poem, a message written by the reader, or something written by the wedding couple.

Once the ceremony is complete after “the kiss” and the minister announces the new “Mr(s) & Mr(s)”, it is your time to celebrate your new marriage with a recessional song. This is a great time to play a more uptempo song. If you are having a traditional wedding, you may consider these selections: Handel’s “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” or Purcell’s “Rondeau”. However, if you would prefer having a modern section, consider these popular selections: Blake Shelton’s “Beside You Babe” or Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”. You can view a list of the top 100 recessional songs for more ideas.

One more ceremony consideration is the weather conditions. If there is a chance of rain, why not hand out umbrellas as a wedding favor? If you are having a wintertime wedding, consider handing out throws as a wedding favor and hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps as your signature drink. If you are having a beach wedding, why not hand out flip-flops as a wedding favor?

A common complaint by wedding ceremony guests is that they cannot hear what is being said. You can ask your minister if they have performed at your venue before and if the venue has an ample sound system. You may also consider printing an itinerary so that guests can easily follow along.

Lastly, you must plan the timeline between the ceremony and the reception. If your ceremony and reception are in the same room, where will guests go and do during the ceremony to reception transformation? If the ceremony is in the same location but in another room, will you offer guests hour d’ourvs and cocktails during the walk? If the reception is at a different location that guests must drive to, be considerate of their time. If the ceremony ends at 5 pm and requires a 20 minute drive time, do not have the reception starting at 8 pm. The day should flow from the ceremony location to the reception venue.

In conclusion, here is a common wedding ceremony timeline: