Basic Wedding Ceremony Etiquette

Most people have been to a lot of weddings, but it is always a good idea to get an etiquette refresher. The ceremony is the part of the wedding which is filled with the most tradition, and therefore ceremony etiquette is especially important. Before you plan or attend a wedding, be sure that you know all of the basic wedding ceremony etiquette.

Never Upstage the Bride. This is a key point of ceremony etiquette. It is the bride's day to shine in her wedding gown and pearl bridal jewelry, and no guest or member of the bridal party should do anything to draw attention away from the bride. This is the origin of the ban on wedding guests wearing white to a ceremony - the color is reserved for the bride alone. Very flashy, low cut, overly fancy, or extremely casual attire should also be avoided for the same reason. And it is no fair for the sister of the bride to dye her hair fuchsia the day before the wedding to get some attention.

Never Interrupt the Processional. If a wedding is scheduled to begin at 1pm, that does not mean that guests should arrive at the church at 1pm. They should plan to be there at least 15 minutes before the ceremony begins to allow time for the ushers to seat them at to get settled in. Once the mother of the bride is seated, that is the signal that the processional is starting. Any stragglers should wait outside the church doors (or stand in the back of the church if already inside) until the bride has walked down the aisle glowing in her gown and pearl bridal jewelry. Guests should never be in the aisle at the same time as a member of the wedding party.

Silence Cell Phones. This is a new piece of etiquette that needs to be mentioned. A marriage ceremony is a solemn proceeding, and should never be interrupted by ringing cell phones. Turn off all electronic devices or better yet leave them in your car. There is also a strict taboo against using an electronic device during a wedding ceremony, even if it is quiet. This means no texting, browsing the web on your smart phone, or checking email on your Blackberry.

Respect Religious Customs. You may not share the bride and groom's religion, but you must respect it at their wedding. This generally means following along with the ebb and flow of the ceremony in cases where it is expected that the congregation will sit or stand at certain times. It also means participating in certain customs and abstaining from others. A non-Catholic attending a Nuptial Mass, for instance, would sit or stand with the rest of the congregation, but would not do the sign of the cross with the Catholic guests. One should not take Communion if not part of the religion, but it is proper to approach the altar with arms crossed to receive a blessing, if desired (it is also perfectly acceptable to quietly remain in your seat). All guests of any faith can definitely join in the joyous shouting of "Mazel Tov!" at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony.

Refrain From Eating or Drinking. This is another point of etiquette which used to be self-evident, but now needs to be explicitly stated. If you are hungry, snack in the car on the way to the wedding. Don't do a Starbucks run on your way to the church. (I have actually seen entire families with paper cups of coffee in church, so this really needs to be said.) The only exception is slipping in a cough drop to quiet a cough that would be a distraction. By the way, one should never chew gum at a wedding, and that goes for the bride and groom too!

How to Plan the Perfect Wedding Ceremony

By Margaret Moore Margaret Moore
Level: Basic

Margaret Moore is the Senior Planner for Simple Elegance Event and Wedding Designs, located in Bloomington, Illinois. Margaret graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a ...

What is the real focus of this day? The Ceremony! The whole reason for the day is the fact that you have found the love of your life. The most important moment is when you say, "I DO." It is the moment when two lives join. Two families unite and a new generation is born, that is so awesome. There is so much focus put on the dress, the reception, and the flowers; let us not forget the most important part of the day. Let's talk Ceremony.

Your Wedding Ceremony should be full of meaning, reflecting the story of you and your fianc. So let's break it down into three doable pieces.

Music and Reading SelectionsCeremony itself includes the Opening Commentary, Declarations of Intent, Exchange of Wedding vows, Blessing of the rings, Exchange of rings.Reflections of you and your fianc.

First, here is a typical Order for a Ceremony. Pretty generic, how do we make it special.

Ushers seat the guests (Prelude music playing)Special music beginsMothers/parents/VIPs enter and light candelabrasParents of the Bride and Groom are seatedThe Minister and Groom enter and proceed to the frontThe Bridal party enters and proceeds to the frontThe Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl enter, proceed to front, sit downMusic concludes for bridal partyUshers unroll the aisle runnerThe Minister asks the audience to rise and welcome the BrideMusic begins for the Bride's entrance (Processional music)The Bride and her escort enter, and are met by the GroomBride's music concludes.Opening commentaryBride and Groom light "family candles" to represent their familiesBride and Groom present flowers to parents and/or VIPs"Declarations Of Intent" by Bride and GroomFirst reading (religious or romantic literature)Musical interlude (solo, etc.)Second readingSpecial music (musical interlude, or musical and vocal performance)Exchange of wedding vows (traditional or customized)Blessing of the ringsExchange of wedding rings (traditional or customized)Minister's prayer of blessing for the Bride and GroomBride and Groom light Unity Candle (music in background)Final commentaryBride and Groom kissIntroduction of the new couple by the MinisterRecessional music beginsBride and Groom exitBridal party exitsMinister's instructions to the audience.

Let's make this the ceremony that people talk about. A year after the wedding what do you want to hear from your guests? What will they say about the ceremony? I want them to walk away saying that was the most touching wedding I have ever been at. I felt so connected with the whole event.

1. The Music and Readings will influence every aspect of your ceremony.

The mood and ambiance you want to create begins with the music. Take the time to think about your guests. Was there a special song that your Grandparents waltzed to when they were young? What music touches your heart? When the room goes silent, the doors open what music can you hear as you put your arm in your father's arm and begin to walk to you new life?The music played while your Mothers light the Unity Candle will reflect two families. We had one Bride and Groom have an instrumental of "Someone to Watch Over Me" play, and as the Moms lit the candles a reader expressed the Bride and Groom's thoughts about the love and support their parents had given them, as they became adults. There was not a dry eye in the house! They were simple, sweet, and short thoughts that were very touching and truly set the loving tone for the rest of the day.The lighting of the Unity Candle by the Bride and Groom can be special. The same couple had an instrumental played and as they lit the candle, the parents had a reader express their love for their children. Again not a dry eye in the house! They then presented each Mom with a rose that had a pretty silver key chain with their an picture and a poem on the other side. What a nice keepsake for the Moms.Someone you care about should do the Readings. Readings can come from The Bible where you can find many scriptures that reflect the quality of love. You can use poetry or excerpts of a Novel. You will have to check with your Officiate to determine what is acceptable.

2. The Ceremony Itself

Talk with your Officiate about their opening comments. How much can you influence this? Ask if you can get an overview of what he is going to say. This can be touchy; some Officiates may be pretty set in their ways. Talk it over with them and let them know what you want. Some Officiates will include a cute loving story of how you met. You want it to be personal, not cheesy.Exchange of Vows, This is a personal choice. Do you want the traditional exchange or are you going to write your own. Again, you will have to consult with your Officiate to find out what is acceptable to him or her.

3. Your Ceremony should reflect you and your fiance. There should be personal touches wherever you look.

Personalize your runner by adding your Monogram in the center or on the ends.Programs can be made interesting to read. Rather than having, the same old program, make it special. You can highlight the basics that everyone includes but then add a paragraph on how you met, a funny moment in your relationship. We had one Bride that didn't even put anything about the ceremony. She wanted people to know about the people in the wedding. She then included a poem about growing up on the cover titled, "Suddenly." The inside cover was a letter from the Bride and Groom genuinely thanking everyone for coming. She and her groom then wrote about each person in their wedding party and why they asked them to be in the wedding. People actually enjoyed reading their program. It gave them something to smile about while they waited for the ceremony to begin.Your sign in book, make it unique. You can ask your photographer about a picture sign in book. Your guest can then write little notes to you. make sure you have an attendant letting people know they are to write in the book with pictures. You can also make one yourself if you need to save money. Just "Google" "Make your own photo guest book, "you will get all kinds of places to do it yourself. You will then bring this sign in book to the reception for those that missed signing it at the ceremony.I love this idea. It came from Thomas Witham Day of Dreams - Wedding Ceremonies in Chicago. As you enter the ceremony on your father's arm after a few steps, stop hug your father's arm a little tighter and look into your Dad's eyes and just give him a smile. You are his little girl and always will be. You have no idea how difficult this moment is for a parent. The treasure that he is about to give to the young man in front can never be measured. Take the moment, when you look back at the pictures or the video I guarantee you will need a tissue.Family traditions-Are there any old traditions for example we had a Scottish wedding where we tied heather along the aisle. Ask your family.

The most important part of the day is the Ceremony. Make your ceremony meaningful and unique. Remember to keep things in perspective and enjoy the moment.

Everything You Need to Know to Create Your Own Amazing Wedding Speech!

Find Your Wedding Ceremony Destination

Your marriage ceremony is the most extraordinary day in your life. This is the time when you are prepared to take the plunge and you have to look your best as you do it. As expected that implies that you have to be wearing the ideal dress and in the most romantic and stunning location that you are able to think of.

Attempting to select the wedding getaway is not constantly an easy thing for individuals to do. It can help to take into consideration the most obvious locations and imagine the pros and cons of all of them. That way you might select the one that you and the groom will enjoy the most.

The Beach

This is a great location for people who are laid back and wish to have a sunset as their back drop. The good thing about this is that it supplies a cool breeze and is very romantic. The draw back is that in some cases the wind might be excessive and it can rain on you.

The Park

This is another great place to have it at. You will be able to decide on something that is surrounded by gorgeous and sweet smelling flowers. This is incredibly romantic - but obviously you may need to contend with bugs and the bad weather that is difficult to predict.

The Church

This is the more time-honored location that individuals find in their destination wedding planner book. This can be good. Just ensure to locate one that has the exact setting that you find romantic and perfect for you.

Everything You Need to Know to Create Your Own Amazing Wedding Speech!

Wedding Ceremony

Congratulations on getting married!  A marriage is a wonderful union of two loving soles. And a wedding is a celebration of love. We can talk for hours on the topic but now it is time to do some planning!  The best way to plan your wedding ceremony and all other aspect of your wedding is to go to a website like, www.theknot.com and register. But for a brief introduction into wedding ceremony planning, I have proposed an outline for you.

Step One - Pick a Date
This is a must in wedding ceremony planning.  You can’t do anything without a date.

Step Two - Begin Imagining your wedding
Decide on the wedding style, wedding colors, and any family traditions you would like to follow.

Step Three -  Discuss the wedding budget
Figure out what you can afford on the entire wedding (including your honeymoon and all).  Then divide the money into different areas, such as: the wedding ceremony, the wedding reception, and the honeymoon.

Step Four - Begin Interviewing Wedding Coordinators
Find a wedding coordinator that meets your needs (and your budget!)  Compare prices and experiences to get the best deal.

Step Five - Finalize your guest list
Make a final list of everyone who you would like to invite to your wedding.  If you are wanting a specific cite, make sure all these people will fit.

Step Six - Choose a Wedding Ceremony Cite
When choosing your wedding ceremony cite, keep in mind that some places may require you to use their officiant.  Also keep in mind your guest list, is this cite big enough?

Step Seven - Start interviewing wedding officiants in your area (if you don’t already have one)
Some wedding ceremony cites do not allow you to choose your own officiant, so keep this in mind before you start interviewing.  During the interview, discuss what will be expected from you, some may require premarital counseling.

Step Eight - Make all necessary appointments
Appointments that need to be made include, but are not limited to:

Fitting appointments for Bridesmaids and Groomsmen.Appointment with wedding florists to discuss the flowers at your ceremony.Appointment to discuss your wedding ceremony music.  Appointment to go over wedding stationeries (invitations, envelopes, & thank you letters).

Step Nine - Interview a Wedding Photographer
The best way to find a wedding photographer is by word of mouth.   Ask to see sample wedding ceremony pictures, prices, and if they offer any packages.

Step Ten - 6 months to go!
EVERYTHING should be reserved and planned out at this point.  All contracts should be signed and deposits paid, this way everything is set and stone.

Step Eleven - Send out Save-the-Dates
Once everything is finalized with 4 - 6 months to go, send out save-the-dates to your guests.

Step Twelve - Final Decision Making
All your final decisions should be made.  These decisions include the tuxedos, bridesmaids dresses, ceremony music, ceremony flowers, etc.

Step Thirteen - Wrapping up the Loose Ends of the Wedding Ceremony
Make sure you have everything covered.  You should have your transportation planned to and from the ceremony, you should double check all important documents, you should have made the wedding beauty appointments, finalized all measurements, and your invitations should be picked up.

 Step Fourteen - Send the Invitations!
With three months to go, you should be sending out the invitations.  Plan a bridal party for the Maid of Honor, bridesmaids, and your mom to come over and help fill out all the wedding invitations.

Step Fifteen - Organize Everything!
Write all appointments on a calendar, make lists of all important things, know your vows, write and design your wedding program, and get a wedding ceremony guest book.   To insure things will run smoothly on the big day, finalize and double check everything!

Please note that this article, which now looks more like a checklist, is exclusive to wedding ceremonies and that’s why there’s no mention about the wedding reception or wedding speech that you need to take care of as well. But then again, there’s no shortage of tips, ideas, guidance and samples of wedding speeches in this site - all you need to do is simply navigate to the page you want.

Everything You Need to Know to Create Your Own Amazing Wedding Speech!

Wedding Ceremony Speeches

Wedding ceremony speeches is same as what is commonly known as wedding reception speeches (or simply wedding speeches) and can be equally tough to write, but only if you have no clue as to what you should and should not include. If you have been tasked to write and deliver a speech at someone’s wedding, this article provides you with simple guidelines. Keep reading if you are preparing for your best man speech or any other wedding speeches for that matter.

Do write your own speech. Wedding ceremony speeches given at any wedding reception are special. You have been tasked to write one because you play an important role in the unfolding of the love story of the couple getting married. Thus, it is imperative that you acknowledge this honor bestowed upon you by, first and foremost, avoiding the temptation to use ready-made wedding speeches. These days, you can find a number of wedding templates that you can conveniently purchase online – you can even get some for free. While these wedding templates can make your life easier, they are actually a cause for obvious blunders during your moment. This is because they are not tailor-made to suit the wedding you are going to attend. Every love story is unique, and every wedding deserves honesty from the speeches the couple and the guests are going to hear.

Do set aside adequate time for writing your speech. Wedding ceremony speeches require a certain amount of time in order to come out good. Obviously, if you put off writing your speech at the last moment, it would turn out incoherent, dull or overly excited, and downright poorly written. As soon as you accept the responsibility to say a few words at someone’s wedding, get down to writing your speech without further delay so you can organize your thoughts well.

Do research on the couple’s history. Wedding speeches are a great means to recount wonderful stories about the couple, such as the first time they laid eyes on each other, so do your homework and get your facts right. This is important because even if you are a close friend of the bride or the groom (or both), you may end up mixing up details.

Don’t share socially unacceptable anecdotes. As far as wedding ceremony speeches are concerned, the socially unacceptable anecdotes you have to leave out no matter what are those that include past relationships, huge fights, and embarrassing truths. A wedding is a cause for celebration, not regret, remorse, or humiliation. Thus, refrain from mentioning ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends and other dirty little secrets of the couple. If you do your homework, you can find out which topics are no-no’s, such as that time when the groom had a summer fling with someone else, or when the bride was engaged to another man, or when the couple found out they couldn’t conceive, etc.

Don’t ignore one-half of the couple. Wedding ceremony speeches during the reception are usually assigned equally to members of the entourage. If you belong to the groom’s side, do not leave out the bride when you make your toast. Praise both the groom and the bride, and don’t forget to congratulate both of them and wish them the best of luck on their union at the end of your speech.

Everything You Need to Know to Create Your Own Amazing Wedding Speech!