By the power vested in us by the State of Awesome Wedding Planners, we now pronounce you ready to figure out the final details of your wedding ceremony. It seems like just yesterday you announced the engagement and here it is already – real talk about becoming husband and wife.
When deciding upon ceremony details, it may start to feel like tradition begins to take over your wedding. Keep in mind, you are still in control and can make your ceremony as unique as you would like. Religious ceremonies will dictate certain traditions be followed but don’t be afraid to infuse your personality into the ceremony itself. It is still your big day!
Again, if anyone feels the sudden need for a quick champagne tasting or an unrelenting desire to make sure the wine you’ve selected for the reception is still spot on, we understand. It’s not cold feet, just the normal jitters that most couples feel as their wedding day edges closer. With that out of the way, we now present you with wedding ceremony options to consider.
- Processional – (order can vary slightly depending on religion) but the ringer bearer and flower girl always precedes the bride.
- Opening remarks to welcome family and guests
- Readings and prayers - Biblical, poems, song lyrics or quotes (Less traditional or secular services often elect to play a favorite song during this time)
- Declaration of intent (the "I Dos!")
- Vows (traditional or handwritten) - If you choose to do handwritten vows, you can use these His & Hers Wedding Vow Books rather than using a piece of paper or something that can be easily lost. You can have these already placed at the altar for you.
- Exchange of rings - Purchase a personalized ring box to keep them in.
- Blessings or closing remarks
- Pronouncement (Decide upon Mr. & Mrs. vs. first names with last name, i.e. “I now present you <Mary> and <John> Smith“ or “I now present you the world’s newest married couple." Lots of options!)
- Recessional
Religious ceremonies will have their own requirements, which may cause a slight deviation from the above timeline.
Items to remember:
- Ketubah, yarmulkes and glass to break for Jewish wedding
- Unity candle (or sand for a sand ceremony)
- Traditional marriage contract
- Church décor - aisle runner, pew bows, pew clips and flowers
- Ring pillow or box - Get creative and check out this Letter Tile DIY Ring Bearer Box and DIY Baby's breath Wedding Ring Holder!
- Parasols and fans
- Flower girl basket and petals
Marriage Ceremony Must-Haves:
- Marriage license (acquire one month ahead of wedding)
- Blood tests (some few states require them; does yours?)
Can you believe it? You’re in the final four months of wedding planning! Just a few more decision to make: wedding favors, guest transportation options and creating a wedding candy buffet are up next. You’ve so got this!
See more tips for every phase of your planning process in our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide.
Article written by: Melissa Collier
