Wedding Ceremony Progression and Etiquette 101

Typically wedding ceremony orders, traditions, and etiquettes vary from culture to culture. If you haven’t attended many weddings, you may not be familiar with the usual progression of events! We’re here to help you understand the traditional ceremony etiquette so that you can decide how you want your own ceremony to be set up. Traditionally, the ceremony order is as follows:

Processional

The wedding processional is the group of people who walk down the aisle in order to begin the wedding ceremony. The processional typically begins with immediate family, starting with the grandparents of the couple. Next the groom’s parents walk down the aisle, followed by the mother of the bride who should be escorted by an usher. The groom walks down the aisle next. He is followed by the wedding party. Typically, the best man and maid of honor are paired up – they are followed by the rest of the groomsmen and bridesmaids who are typically paired by height or couples. Next comes the flower girls and ring bearers. Lastly the bride is walked down the aisle by her father. Opening Remarks

Opening Remarks

After the processional comes the opening remarks. The officiant will say a few words of welcome to begin the wedding ceremony. This can be as traditional or as personal as you’d like depending on your religious requirements or preferences. Readings

Readings

Next, the readers (chosen by you) are invited up to share a few words. You’ll want to have choose your readings and readers a few months ahead of the wedding so that they are prepared to speak at the ceremony. This is a great way to incorporate people who are close to you who couldn’t fit into the wedding party.

Exchange of Vows

After the readings comes the exchanging of vows. The officiant will address the couple and say a few words about the important of marriage. From here you’ll exchange your vows! You can exchange the traditional ones, or vows that you’ve written yourself!

Ring Exchange

After the vows are read, you’ll exchange wedding bands. Typically, you’ll be handed the rings by the ring bearer or best man.

The Kiss

Next you’ll seal the deal with a kiss! This is a special moment so take it in. Pro tip: For optimal photos, ahead of the wedding, ask the officiant to step aside after they pronounce you married so that they aren’t in the background of your first kiss pictures.

The Recessional

This is the wedding party’s exit down the aisle after the ceremony. The recessional will be kicked off once the officiant introduces the couple for the first time as a married unit! The bride and groom will go back down the aisle and the wedding party will follow them in the same order they entered.

After the Ceremony

After the ceremony concludes your guests will typically head to a cocktail hour while you take pictures with your new spouse, your wedding party, and close family members. Once you’re done with photos you’ll rejoin the guests for dinner and dancing at the reception.

You’re free to change this lineup however you want, it’s your day! Some brides feel more comfortable walking down the aisle alone or with both parents. Some couples are adding a unity ceremony after the vows. However you want to celebrate your marriage is totally up to you, so don’t hesitate to personalize your ceremony!