ORDER OF SERVICE
* 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:
o Seating of the Groom's grandmother
o Seating of the Bride's grandmother
o Seating of the Groom's parents
Seating of Mother of Bride
* Bridal Processional Begins*
o 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.
o Bridesmaids enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time. If the Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter together.
o Maid or Matron of Honor enters. If she is being escorted by the Best Man, they enter together.
o Flower Girl and Ring Bearer enter.
* Wedding March Begins
The Bride and her father enter. Sometimes the Minister will announce, "All rise for the Bride."
Opening Remarks - "Welcome guests"
Congregation is Seated
Giving Away of the Bride
At this time the wedding party typically moves to the stage or platform and the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer are seated with their parents.
The Charge to Bride and Groom
The Wedding prayer and Blessing
Wedding Text
At this moment in the wedding ceremony the Bride and Groom face one another
Wedding Vows
Unity Candle
Exchanging of the Rings
The Pronouncement
The Kiss - Minister: ____, you may now kiss your Bride.
Presentation of the Couple - Minister: It is now my privilege to introduce…, Mr. .& Mrs.
Recessional
The wedding party exits the platform, typically in the following order:
o Bride and Groom
o Maid or Matron of Honor and Best Man
o Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
o Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
o The Ushers return for the honored guests who are escorted out in reverse order of their entrance.
o Ushers may then dismiss the remaining
