Ceremony Itinerary

Every religion has their own established rituals, customs and traditions for wedding ceremonies.
Also, your clergyman or Officiant may also have specific rules and procedures to be followed
when they officiate a wedding ceremony. So, when planning your ceremony, be sure to consult
with your Officiant every step of the way!
Here is a general outline of the sequence of events for a traditional Wedding Ceremony:
The Processional Order
The following is a typical order to a wedding Processional. It can certainly be modified based on
your particular situation.
1. The groom, best man and Officiant enter by using a side door. They all stand facing the
guests.
2. An usher escorts the grandmother(s)of the bride to their seats.
3. An usher escorts the grandmother(s)of the groom to their seats.
4.
An usher escorts the mother of the groom to her seat.
5. An usher escorts the mother of the bride to her seat.
6. The ushers walk down the aisle (or escort the bridesmaids) and stand next the groom and
best man and then face the guests.
7. The bridesmaids walk down the aisle.
8. The maid of honor walks down the aisle.
9. The ring bearer walks down the aisle.
10. The flower girl walks down the aisle. (Many times the flower girl and ring bearer will walk
together)
11. The father of the bride escorts the bride down aisle.
The Welcome, Call to Worship, Introduction: The Officiant greets the guests and usually says a
few words about marriage.
Questions of Intent: The Officiant will ask the questions of intent to the bride and the groom.
Example: "Will you have this women to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of
matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health?"
Declaration of Consent: The declaration of consent is seen primarily in Protestant ceremonies.
The Officiant asks "Who gives this woman to be married today?" The Bride's father replies, "I do".
Some brides prefer not to include this segment in their ceremony - - while some brides like to
include it as part of the ritual and tradition of the wedding ceremony.
A more modern twist to this tradition - - the Officiant asks the question to the brides parents or
both parents. Then, they all respond together "We do".
Readings and Music: Readings and music are a wonderful way to personalize your wedding
ceremony. Before making any selections, you'll want to check with your Officiant first. Some faiths
and churches have specific rules and guidelines as to the type of readings and music that can be
played. For instance, some churches will only allow scripture and religious readings.
Wedding Vows: Most people are familiar with the Protestant wedding vows:
"Do you 'Steven' take 'Susan' to have and hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for
richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish from this day forward."

Exchange of the Rings: The groom places the ring on the bride's finger. Then, the bride places
the ring on the groom's finger.
Blessing of the Rings: The bride and groom will make statements to each other. This is done right
after the ring is put on the finger (above).
Example: "Take and wear this ring as a symbol of my love"
Pronouncement of the Marriage: "I now pronounce you husband and wife... "
Special Acts of Celebration: Lighting of unity candle, flower giving to parents, blessing of
medallion or gifts for step children.
This is another great way to personalize your wedding ceremony and to include children or
parents into the ceremony.
Benediction, Prayers and Blessing: Benediction and prayers led by the Officiant.
Presentation of the New Couple: The Officiant presents "Mr. and Mrs. _________________" for
the first time!
The Recessional Order
The following is a typical order to a wedding Recessional. It can certainly be modified based on
your particular situation.
1. Bride and Groom exit
2. Flower girl & Ring bearer exit
3. Maid of Honor & Best Man exit
4. Bridesmaids (each accompanied by an usher) exit
5. Bride's parents exit
6. Groom's parents exit
7. Bride's grandparents exit
8. Groom's grandparents exit
9. Wedding guests exit