Planning your wedding ceremony is an exciting journey, filled with decisions that will shape the ambiance and memories of your special day. To help you navigate this process, here are 10 practical decisions you’ll want to consider:
1. Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
Decision: Will you include a flower girl and ring bearer, and if so, what charming items will they carry down the aisle?
Details: Think beyond petals and consider unique alternatives like elegant signs, fairy-tale books, or personalized items that add a personal touch. You can even opt for a non traditional Flower Grandma if she’s capable or a Beer Bearer if that’s more of your style. Think outside the box here to create a unique ceremony experience.
2. Processional for Parents and Grandparents
Decision: Will your parents and/or grandparents have a designated procession, and if so, who will escort them?
Details: Consider honoring loved ones with a special escort or a sentimental gesture. This adds a heartwarming touch to the ceremony.
3. Specific Sides for Guests
Decision: Will you assign specific sides for guests, or embrace a more open seating arrangement?
Details: Think about the dynamics of your families and decide if you want a traditional bride’s side/groom’s side setup or a more inclusive approach. Another trend for this is to have the sides swapped so that the brides guests are looking at the bride and the grooms guest are looking at the groom.
4. Ceremony Music
Decision: What songs will accompany your journey down the aisle and other key moments in the ceremony?
Details: Choose music that resonates with your love story. This could include a unique processional song, meaningful interludes, and a joyous recessional tune. Also think about how you want this to be played, just an audio track over speakers or a string quartet?
5. Bridal Party Order
Decision: How will your bridal party be ordered during the ceremony?
Details: Whether it’s by height, relationship, or a mix of both, plan a lineup that feels harmonious and visually pleasing for your processional and recessional. You can use your Maid of Honor and Best Man’s heights to determine this. The decision could also be made to flip the wedding party as well so that your bridesmaids are looking at you and the groomsmen are looking at him.
6. Groom’s Entrance
Decision: Will the groom walk in or make a grand entrance from the back?
Details: Consider the symbolism and logistics of the groom’s entrance. It can be a poignant moment or a surprise element, depending on your preferences. Make sure to communicate this with your photography team in advance of the wedding day.
7. Bridal Entrance
Decision: Who will walk you down the aisle?
Details: Whether it’s a parent, both parents, a close relative, or a cherished friend, choose someone who holds a special place in your heart for this significant role. You could even walk down by yourself and be met at the front by your dad. There are several possibilities here.
8. Readings and Unity Ceremonies
Decision: Will there be readings or unity ceremonies incorporated into your ceremony?
Details: Select readings that resonate with your relationship, and explore unique unity ceremony ideas that symbolize your union. Keep in mind that each extra activity will add approximately 2-5 minutes to your overall ceremony time. If you are wanting to keep it short, you might want to cut some of these more traditional options from the ceremony.
9. Wedding Programs
Decision: Do you want wedding programs for your guests?
Details: Wedding programs are a lovely way to guide guests through the ceremony, provide background on rituals, and introduce the wedding party. A wedding program doesn’t have to be boring, You can include word searches, or various puzzles for the kids to enjoy during the ceremony. Or you could make it make personal and give your guests interesting facts about yall’s relationship. On the other hand, you can save some cost by cutting programs from the ceremony entirely.
10. Ushers
Decision: Who will usher people to their seats?
Details: Decide whether friends, family, or hired ushers will guide guests to their seats, ensuring a smooth and organized start to your ceremony.
Remember, these decisions contribute to the personalized and memorable experience of your wedding ceremony. As you make these decisions, keep in mind that your ceremony is a reflection of your unique love story, and each choice contributes to the magical tapestry of your wedding day. Need some inspiration? Check out the portfolio for more details.