Feeling Nervous? I've Got You.
- ammest786
- Jun 28, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 23
What Happens During a Wedding Ceremony?
Most couples I speak to feel quite nervous about their big day.
What will the ceremony look like? Who do I need? Do I need a planner or a stylist? A DJ or a band? There are so many questions!
It’s your big day, and you can make it look and feel however you want. The options are limitless. Although that is wonderful, it can also make planning the ceremony feel a little daunting.
I’m hoping this blog will help empower you lovers to turn the confusion into calm, stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling excited.
So, my darlings, I’m going to focus on the ceremony itself, how it is structured and how you can make it a unique and personal life moment.
I’ll have your back on the day with anything and everything, from tying Windsor knots and fixing droopy dress hems to providing emergency rings if needed. I’ll be equipped with an arsenal of tools and tricks to help make your ceremony a seamless experience.
All you will have to do is look fabulous, say your vows and have an amazing day.
The Basic Structure of a Wedding Ceremony
Most civil wedding ceremonies follow a similar order of service, with some cultural differences, but they are also highly flexible.
Following a basic structure, you can pick and choose the elements you would like to include. There are a few legal requirements that must be met, but everything else can be shaped around the two of you.
Here are the basic elements of a wedding ceremony.
The Processional
This is the part at the beginning when the wedding party usually makes its way down the aisle.
You can mix this up in any way you like. More introverted lovebirds might choose to get rid of it altogether and simply slide in from the side.
Perhaps you would like to walk each other down the aisle, arrive together or have your bridesmaids boogie you on down. The choice is yours.
Music Suggestions for the Processional
Canon in D – Pachelbel
Bridal Chorus, piano version – Jonathan Cain
Never Stop – SafetySuit
Air on the G String – Bach
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Some Words of Welcome
This is where I welcome everyone, introduce myself and help everyone settle into the moment.
The Giving Away
Not everyone wishes to be “given away”, and some couples may choose to leave this part out.
However, many people still enjoy the tradition or choose to adapt it into something that feels more comfortable and meaningful to them.
Introductions and Your Story
This section can be as long or as short as you wish.
It is the part where we talk about the two of you, your relationship and the story that has brought you to this moment.
Readings
Readings are a lovely way to include family members or friends in your ceremony.
Anyone taking part would be welcomed forward to speak at this point.
Poem and Reading Suggestions
Love Sonnet 17 – Pablo Neruda
The Art of Marriage – Wilferd A. Peterson
Always – Lang Leav
How Do I Love Thee? – Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Untitled – Christina Rossetti
The Monitum
The Monitum is a legal statement made by the celebrant. It must be included and meet the legal requirements for an Australian marriage ceremony.
The Asking
This is the part where the couple gets to say, “I do.”
It is not a legal requirement, but many couples still want the opportunity to say those familiar words to each other, so it can certainly be included.
The Legal Vows and Additional Vows
The legal wording of the vows must meet the required legal standard.
You can then add your own personal vows and make your promises as unique as your relationship.
Your additional vows can be romantic, meaningful, funny or a mixture of everything that feels like the two of you.
Optional Rituals
There are many beautiful rituals that can be included in your ceremony, or we can keep things short and sweet.
Some couples choose candle or tree-planting rituals. Others may include more traditional or cultural elements, such as jumping the broom or an El Lazo ceremony using a floral rope.
Couples who would like to include or acknowledge their children may choose a ritual that symbolises the joining of their family, such as a water or sand ceremony.
The Ring Exchange
Not everyone chooses to exchange rings.
You might prefer another symbol of commitment or include a different ritual, such as the exchange of a floral rope.
The Pronouncement
You can choose how you would like to be announced as a married couple.
This might be:
Husband and wife
Wife and wife
Husband and husband
Partners in life
Spouses for life
Another title that feels right for you
Then comes the big kiss. Or maybe not.
There is no pressure to perform public displays of affection if that is not your thing.
Signing the Marriage Documents
We need to complete and sign the marriage documents to make everything official.
The Final Words
At the end of the ceremony, there may be:
A summing up or blessing
Congratulations
The recessional
The Recessional
This is the part where you ride off into the sunset together, hand in hand and ready for your happy ever after.
You can breathe. You did it.
Congratulations!
Music Suggestions for the Recessional
Marry You – Bruno Mars
Best Day of My Life – American Authors
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder
Happy – Pharrell Williams
You’re My Best Friend – Queen
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