Planning a wedding can be very stressful on a couple. Help make your wedding day run smoothly by following these step-by-step wedding ceremony outlines for both traditional and non-denominational wedding ceremonies.
Traditional Wedding Ceremony Outline
You can expect a traditional wedding ceremony to follow the same eleven steps.
The Processional: First, members of your immediate family are escorted to their seat. Then, your wedding party heads down the aisle in pairs of two and line up on either side of the altar. The order begins with the bride’s mother and follows with the groom, best man, paired-up wedding party, flower girl, and ring bearer. Traditionally, the father of the bride then walks the bride down the aisle and “gives her away” to the groom.
Words of Welcome: Officiant says words of welcome to the guests.
Introduction: The officiant gives an introduction, shares thoughts on the sanctity of marriage, and talks about how the happy couple met and fell in love.
Readings: Guests can read prayers, your favorite poems, or even meaningful quotes, it is all up to you.
Unity Ceremony: This is when the couple does something that physically symbolizes their new union, such as binding their hands together with a significant fabric.
Officiant Addresses Couple: The officiant talks about the responsibilities of marriage and the sanctity of the vows you’re about to give.
Exchange Vows: This is where you and your partner get to recite your vows to each other.
Ring Exchange: Each significant other places the ring on the other's finger symbolizing their marriage.
Closing Remarks: This would be a proper time for a final prayer if your ceremony is a religious affair. The officiant can say words of encouragement to the couple, bless them in their union or read a requested prayer or poem aloud if it’s not a religious affair.
The Kiss: You are officially married! Now you may kiss!
The Recessional: The officiant will pronounce you married and introduce the married couple for the first time to the guests, encouraging guests to applaud and celebrate the newlyweds. Then the newlyweds lead the recessional down the aisle in reverse processional order as guests cheer.
Non-denominational Wedding Ceremony Outline
Containing its own unique differences, a non-denominational wedding ceremony can be customizable while also closely following the structure of a traditional wedding ceremony.
The Procession: The process is very similar to a traditional ceremony. The groom is followed by the best man, groomsmen and bridesmaids (in pairs), maid of honor, ring bearer and flower girl, and the bride with one or both parents.
Opening Remarks: Same as traditional words of welcome, but more casual and inclusive.
Readings: This can be a time where guests stand up and share a few words about you and your significant other.
Unifying Ritual: As the officiant narrates, couples can light a unity candle that acts as a symbol of their commitment and unity, perform something based on their passions, or recite something meaningful to their love.
Exchange of Vows: Vows are exchanged and couples may opt to say, “I do” or “Heck yeah!”
Exchange of Rings: Instead of rings, non-denominational ceremonies may include alternatives like wedding bracelets or even matching tattoos.
The Kiss: The happy couple can make their coupling official with a kiss, handshake, or high-five.
The Recessional: No matter what type of nuptials you choose, nearly all wedding ceremonies end with a celebratory exit followed by a reception attended by your closest family and friends.
Book Your Wedding Ceremony at Holy Trinity
Set the stage for your big day by choosing a venue with all the amenities you could ask for. The Holy Trinity Reception Center is here to help bring your wedding day vision to life through exceptional service and a gorgeous, spacious venue that can accommodate any type of wedding ceremony.
Learn more about our venue by calling The Holy Trinity Reception Center today at 407-331-3036.