What are the Key Elements in a Wedding Ceremony
Wedding programs need every bit of detail to be planned. You need to take care to make your big day extra special. The entire ceremony is divided in 4 parts and each part has its own elements. Here are the key elements in their general order though it is up to you to decide the right order for your wedding.
The opening
Setting of the tables and altar: The altar must be prepared for any kind of ritual, and same is true for wedding.
Escorting of VIPS: Generally the groom’s parents and bride’s mother are escorted to the aisle and are seated at special places. The VIP category also includes other people who are special to the couple.
Entrance of Celebrant and Groom: The Best Man may enter here, unless you have planned that he will accompany the Maid of Honor.
Processional: The general order goes like this- junior bridesmaids, bridesmaids, maid of honor, ring bearer, flower girl, and then the bride and escort.
Opening words and prayer: The opening words will begin the ceremony.
Stage setting
Addressing the gathering: The celebrant now speaks a few words about marriage.
Statements of Appreciation: Here the bride and groom express their love for each other. They talk about how happy they are being with each other.
Marriage
Vows: This is the most romantic and most memorable part of the wedding. Here both bride and groom promise that they will do anything for each other.
Rings Blessings: Some words are said here expressing the symbolism behind exchanging rings.
Exchanging Rings: The words that you select while exchanging rings are very important. You can also go for simple words like “With this ring I thee wed”
Marriage pronouncement: This is the legal and public proclamation that the bridal couple is now married.
The Kiss: This is symbolic and shows that the bride and groom will always love each other. This is generally the part that is enjoyed the most by the guests.
Closing
Benediction: These are words of good wishes as the couple now enters the world as husband and wife.
Recessional: As the ceremony ends, it is time to walk back the aisle. It generally happens in the reverse order of processional.
These were just the basic and most important elements of a wedding. Of course there is music, poetry and readings during different parts of the ceremony. When you plan your wedding, make sure you take care that these key elements are included.