When it comes to a wedding order of service, there really are no hard and and fast rules. After all, the day is all about you and your chosen partner, so why should its run sheet be dictated by the forces that be? While there are some legal requirements your ceremony must meet, aside from these stipulated words, the way your wedding ceremony runs is entirely up to you.
While you do have relative freedom with order of service, chances are your head is already spinning with all the other choices you have to make (Canapés or a sit-down meal? Five bridesmaids or one? Flower girl or ring bearer?).
In this situation, a little structure often makes things easier. As such, I’ve put together an example of a basic wedding ceremony order of service to get you started:
- The Processional: The processional begins with immediate family members walking down the aisle and taking their seats on their respective sides. Commonly, families do this according to age, so starting with grandparents and ending with the wedding party.
- Welcome: Once everyone has taken their seats or positions, the celebrant will commence the ceremony with a welcoming address.
- Reflection: After the initial welcome, the celebrant will usually offer a reflection on marriage, which will be tied to the personal story of the couple, and what marriage means to them and what it will represent.
- Readings: The couple typically selects a few texts, and at this point, the celebrant will introduce the readings as well as those who will be delivering them. You could have a flow of passages, or, instead, have them interspersed throughout the ceremony.
- Exchanging of Vows: The big moment, and the central part of the ceremony. This is the opportunity for you and your partner to make promises and statements to each other, using either your own words or traditional phrasing. At the conclusion of each set of vows, rings, symbolising eternal commitment will be exchanged.
- The Kiss: The kiss seals the deal and is the public declaration of your unity.
- A Gesture of Unity: The exchanging of vows, rings and a kiss may also be supplemented with an action that is symbolic of your unity. There are many ways this can be done, such as binding each other’s hands with a ribbon or planting a plant.
- The Recessional: After the celebrant has introduced you as a couple to the congregation, you will lead your wedding party back down the aisle.
This is just one of many wedding ceremony order of service examples. It’s essential that you do your own research and find something that suits you. Remember, the most important thing is that the ceremony demonstrates your unique love and the personalities of both partners.
Whether you want a simple wedding ceremony, or something more lavish, it really doesn’t matter. The best way to organise your wedding order of service is to order it in a way that feels entirely comfortable, for both partners. If any aspect makes you feel uncomfortable or nervous leave it out. If you’re not the type of couple that is overly affectionate, then leave out the kiss and go for the traditional vows. If you want the whole world to know just how much you love your partner, then extend the vows section – it’s your day, and it’s up to you!
And don’t forget – I am always here to help, and to discuss ideas and suggestions. I always do my best tailor a unique order of service, written especially for you.