Texoma Bride Guide | Issue 007 | Summer/Fall 2020

CEREMONY
CEREMONY ORDER
The basic order of events can be applied to almost any ceremony, but you may want to add
or take away any elements that don’t fit your wedding vision. We recommend including your
officiant in the planning of your ceremony, as they will know more about what is practical.
Prelude: It is customary to have music play as your guests begin to arrive for the ceremony.
Processional: This is a fancy word for special guests and the wedding party entering the
church to take their place. This usually concludes with the entrance of the bride.
Greeting: The wedding officiant will usually say a few words to welcome your guests, remind
them to turn off their cell phones, and thank them for coming.
Address or Homily: This is the time for your officiant to share personal details about you and
your fiancé, or for a sermon if you’re having a church wedding.
Declaration of Intent: This is the only legally required aspect of the ceremony. The officiant
will ask you to take your fiancé as your legally wedded partner, and you will answer with “I
do”, or “I will”, or something to that effect.
Unity Ritual: If you want to include a special ceremony signify your bond, this is a good time
to do so. You could also do this after exchanging rings, if that would suit your vision.
Exchanging of the Vows: This is where you recite your personal vows, or repeat after the
officiant using traditional wording.
Exchanging of the Rings: These vows are different than the above vows, but are usually very
short and done “repeat-after-me” style.
Closing Remarks and Declaration: The officiant may offer a blessing, a benediction, or piece
of advice before declaring that you’re married and announcing the kiss.
Recessional: The opposite of the processional, this is a fancy word for everybody leaves the
church, and heads to the party!
Arielle Humphries Photography
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