For those getting married in a church, it is usual that at some point the day before, for there to be a rehearsal. You and your main attendants will be taken through each step by the Minister.
Some churches are now advocating marriage courses for couples to attend prior to the wedding and sometimes discounts on the wedding fee are given. Speak to your Minister about what services they provide.
Step By Step Guide To The Ceremony
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The meeting and greeting of guests by your ushers or other attendants; this is vital if things are to go smoothly -
Remember your ushers may need to give out hymn books or service books as well as the Order of Service. Ensure this is all understood beforehand - best to check with your minister at the rehearsal
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You may need a seating plan for the wedding for the main wedding party but unless you are royalty, most people will sit in the pews or chairs directly behind the first few rows which are set aside for immediate family and the wedding party. Traditionally the Groom's family are seated on the right side as you go into the church with the Bride's on the left
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It is common now that if there is an imbalance of guests e.g. the bride has more guests, that friends are encouraged to sit anywhere to ensure that the church does not look too imbalanced
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It is the ushers who will give out the Orders of Service and accompany the wedding guests to their seats - particularly important if the guest is elderly or has a special place in the seating plan
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The arrival of the Groom and the Best Man; often the Groom and his Best Man arrive as early as possible to ensure that the ushers know what they are doing and to ensure that all the arrangements with the church are in place. Once this is done, they do not wander about but take their place at the front right pew and gather their thoughts!
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The arrival of the Bride accompanied by her father and attendants. The organist will play the entrance music to signal their arrival and the congregation must rise
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The Bride starts down the aisle with her Father, followed by the Chief Bridesmaid and then the other attendants
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The Bride stands on the left with her Father slightly behind and the Groom mirrors this on the right, with his Best Man just behind him. The Chief Bridesmaid will at this point take ownership of the Bride's bouquet
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The Minister will welcome everyone, ask the congregation to be seated and will say a few words (which will probably include rules on taking photographs and throwing confetti!)
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Note that once the Bride's Father has given away his daughter he will take his place beside his wife in the front left pew
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The service begins with a prayer and with the Minister asking if anyone knows of any lawful reason why the wedding cannot take place. Please note, the clergy take a very dim view of any practical jokers at this point. It is a solemn service so do not be tempted! The Minister will ask the Bride and Groom whether they promise to love and honour each other and will always guide them through the service. Then the couple exchange their vows, repeating after the Minister. The Minister will then ask for the rings from the Best Man (who can then sit down). The couple then exchange further promises "I give thee this ring" etc.
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The minister will then give a short sermon, giving advice to the couple and giving the congregation some words to reflect on the institution of marriage. For this the couple will be invited to sit, usually in two special chairs set aside for them at the front of the congregation
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There will be at least two hymns in the service and at least one, if not two, readings. The exact timings of when these occur need to be agreed with the Minister in advance
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The minister then leads the couple to the Vestry to sign the Register. If you want, it may be possible to do this in view of the congregation, you would need to discuss this with your minister
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The couple are followed by their Chief Bridesmaid and Best Man together, then the bridesmaids, then the Bride's Mother and Groom's Father, then by the Bride's Father and the Groom's Mother together. This pairing off should be confirmed as part of the rehearsal. Only two witnesses are needed and again this should be decided in advance; traditionally it is the Chief Bridesmaid and the Best Man
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It is at this time that either the piece of music you have selected is played, or a soloist performs or the choir sing
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After the signing some photographs might be taken and once this is done, the happy couple come out to their recessional music and the congregation stands. The church empties from the front pews, everyone joining in as the procession passes them as they head towards the door at the back of the church
