A central part of planning your wedding is solidifying program details. Most nuptials follow a standard order of service for blessings, readings, music and vows. Many modern wedding ceremony services come to us from traditional versions influenced by religion and intended for heterosexual couples. Learning about the basic wedding ritual format is helpful, as you can retool it for your needs. Or you can craft an entirely new wedding ceremony by choosing the components you like the most.

Begin at the Beginning: The Processional

For your wedding to take place, participants need to enter the ceremonial space. This is usually accomplished with a processional, during which music plays to make a statement or set the mood. There’s a customary order in which the wedding party, the parents of the couple, the officiant and the couple themselves walk in, as documented in a June 2016 Brides article. However, you’ll need to come up with unique solutions for your same-sex wedding. As suggested by a piece from The Knot, some opt to walk down the middle aisle together or process down opposite aisles and meet in the ceremonial area.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Your officiant will usually welcome your invitees, as well as give a few introductory remarks. Depending on whether your ceremony incorporates any religious or ritualistic elements, he or she may also offer a blessing or prayer at this point in the service.

The Exchange of Vows and Rings

The vow exchange is the heart of your event. Usually, your officiant will address the both of you and give a short speech about the significance of the promises you’re about to make to each other. Depending on your religious affiliation or personal beliefs, you may adopt traditional wording and modify it to suit or completely pen your promises from scratch.

As they proclaim their oaths, most pairs also exchange wedding rings. Afterwards, the officiant usually pronounces them as legally wed. Next comes what’s likely to be a picture-perfect moment: the first kiss between you and your sweetie as a married couple.

Make It Meaningful With Unique Details  

Many couples opt to include readings and special songs prior to saying “I do.” A few include readings and music afterwards, and many incorporate them at points before and after the vows. Where you place them is a matter of personal preference, and you may decide to pair up a reading with a piece of music at key points in your ceremony. Some incorporate more elements after the vows, such as the lighting of a unity candle, jumping a broom or a handfasting ritual.

Wrapping Things Up

Wedding ceremonies generally end with a closing statement by the officiant, along with a prayer or blessing in some instances. During the recessional, you’ll exit together as newlyweds while being followed by your wedding party. Recessional music is usually joyful and triumphant, and it serves as a signal to guests that they may begin leaving the venue.

Adapting Traditions for Your Wedding

While the format for a customary Western ceremony has been presented here, keep in mind that you have the option of modifying customs from your heritage to create a distinctive ceremony. For instance, the United Kingdom news outlet The Independent reported in 2016 about an Indian couple who threw an extravagant Hindu wedding in Canada for their son and his fiancé. While they ran into some snags trying to plan the affair, namely locating a Hindu priest willing to marry the two men, their example proves that nearly anything is possible when it comes to crafting your nuptial celebration. Whatever you decide, you can make your wedding ceremony a gorgeous reflection of your love by choosing the components to guide your planning.