Ceremony Steps
The ushers seat guests as they arrive for the ceremony.

The mother of the bride is seated last, unless she accompanies her daughter to the altar.

The musicians play background music.

At the scheduled start time, unless the officiant, the groom, and the best man are in the processional, they take their places at the altar (or ceremony place).

The musicians start to play the processional music.

Mothers light the tapers for the Unity candle ceremony that will follow the bride and groom's kiss.

Procession - The most traditional order of the processional is ushers and bridesmaids in pairs, followed by the maid of honor, ring bearer, and flower girl. The bride enters last, escorted by her father or by both parents.

The officiant greets the guests.

In a religious wedding, the officiant leads a brief opening prayer.

Special readings, songs and or music follow.

The officiant's message.

The vows - Bride and groom.

In re-mariage the vows - blending family -vows from parents to children.

The exchange of rings and the pronouncement "pronouncing you husband and wife".

Bride and groom kiss.

In re-mariage giving each child a piece of jewelry and the pronouncement "pronouncing you a new family".

Bride, groom and kids hug and kiss.

Unity candle ceremony (In remarriage, include the kids).

The officiant then introduces the bride and groom as husband and wife.

In remarriage, the officiant then introduces the bride and groom and kids, preferably by names, as a new family.

Exit procession: bride and groom, followed by the adult attendants in pairs.

followed by the ringbearer and flower girl.

Take photos while the guests go to the reception.

Reception Steps

The reception starts with a receiving line that includes the bride and groom, parents and attendants.

At the same time it is appropriate for waiters to circulate with drinks and hors d'oeuvres while the receiving line is in progress.

Background music played.

The bride and groom can open the dancing either before or after food is served.

If you are planning a dinner and dancing reception, the "bride and groom's first dance" occurs after dinner followed by the bride dancing with her father and the groom with his mother after which other guests are allowed out on the floor.

Toasts should begin at the end of the meal.

The first toast is the best man's toast to the bride.

In re-marriage, the bride and groom introduce their children before the first toast.

Other toasts.

Cake cutting ceremony.

The garter and bouquet tosses occur just before the couple is ready to leave for the honeymoon.

The guests send the couple off for their honeymoon with a shower of rice, rose petals, or bubbles, balloons, butterfly release or doves release.

After the honeymoon, do not forget to write the thank-you notes.

Copyrights © 2004 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser, A-wedding Day and Gan Publishing