You know exactly how you FEEL about your fiance, but when it comes to the actual words you are supposed to say at your ceremony, you’re drawing a blank on where to begin. In what order are you supposed to acknowledge all of this unconditional love? And what is a unity ceremony?!
We are here to help you write the perfect ceremony script that makes sense for YOUR wedding!
Let’s start with some questions
- Who is your officiant? A clergy member, family member, or a friend? If you are still searching for an officiant that will fit your style, religious values, personality, and price point, Hitch Studio offers officiating services! Read more about Hitch’s ceremony officiating packages here!
- How do you want your guests to feel at your ceremony? Do you want it to be serious? Do you want a few stories or anecdotes? Do you want them to be cracking up with laughter most of the time? Do you want to evoke some tears?
- Are you and your fiance more traditional or do you want unique aspects?
- Are you wanting a religious, or more secular (nonreligious) ceremony?
Now that you have your foundation laid out, let’s talk about the actual order of events, step by step, together:
The Order of Events
Processional
- This is where grandparents, parents, wedding party, and the bride walk in. Do you need help on the order of everyone who walks in first to last? Here is a list that could get you started!
-
- 1. Grandparents on the Groom’s dad’s side, then mom’s side
- 2. Grandparents on the Bride’s dad’s side, then mom’s side
- 3. Groom’s parents + stepparents
- 4. Bride’s mom + stepparents
- 5. Wedding party (with your Maid of Honor + Best Man walking in last!
- 6. Ring Bearers
- 7. Flower Girls
- 8. Bride + her dad or escort
Welcome
- “Good afternoon, friends and family of Alex + Cameron. We are all ready to witness the beautiful union of these two people and to celebrate the bond, love, respect, and admiration you share for each other.
- We are gathered here on this beautiful day to witness the union of Alex + Cameron. Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, commitment, friendship, and God’s blessing of two people who are in it forever.
Opening Prayer or Officiant’s Address
- Marriage is a bold step, taken together, into the future. Your journey together has already been one of growth, understanding, and unwavering love. In loyalty and devotion, Alex + Cameron will come together now to declare their love and to be united in marriage.
- Heavenly Father, we gather to celebrate your gift of love, and its presence among us. We rejoice that these two people have chosen to commit themselves to a life of loving faithfulness to one another. We praise you, Lord, for the ways you have touched our lives with loving relationships such as Alex + Cameron’s, and we give thanks for __________… In your loving name, we pray, Amen.
Readings or Poems
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
- Perhaps a poem by author, Wilfred A. Peterson, who has tried to capture the essence of commitment in “The Art of Marriage”
Homily or Message
- This is where your officiant would give a brief sermon about marriage and the significance of today.
- You could also replace the sermon with a loving message or story about the couple or how they met. This could be messages or advice from parents, friends, or the couple’s history about each other.
Exchange of Vows
This part is so exciting because you have so many options of how you can do this section of the ceremony. So many options, all of which are equally special.
- If you want things to be more intimate, you can share personal vows to each other (pre-written in a little book, or straight from the heart).
- You can also have your officiant write these for you, and tweak them until they capture your love perfectly.
- Another option is having your officiant surprise you with the vows on your wedding day, and you would just repeat them after your officiant!
Exchange of Rings
At this point in the ceremony, is when your best man (or very trustworthy ring bearer), would hand the officiant the wedding bands. The groom goes first, taking the bride’s ring, and repeating after the officiant. The bride’s turn is next!
- Here is example text you could use for this part!
- With this ring,
- I thee wed.
- Take it as a sign
- of my everlasting
- and unconditional love
- with all that I am
- and all that I have
- now from this day forward
- as your husband/wife/partner.
Unity Ceremony
If you are having trouble with ideas for a unity ceremony, click here for a list of fun ones we have seen performed in the past!
This part is totally optional, too. Not everyone includes a unity ceremony! If you choose to skip this, jump to the next step!
Benediction or Pronouncement
- As Matthew Chapter 19 verse 6 says: So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate. You have declared your deep love and affection for each other and formed your own union. Therefore, with the Lord’s joyful blessing, it is my honor to officially acknowledge this union as husband and wife.
- Eternal God, help Alex + Cameron to fulfill the promises they have made here today and to reflect your steadfast love in their commitment to each other. Give them kindness and patience, affection and understanding, happiness, and contentment. May their family and friends continue to support them in difficult days, so that their love for each other may continue to grow as long as they both shall live.
Introduction of the Couple
- Ladies and gentlemen, it is my greatest privilege to present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Smith! You may share your first married kiss.
Recessional
- This is where you and the wedding party walk back down the aisle! I encourage you to pick a fun and upbeat song for this, because YOU DID IT!!!
Announcements
- After you have recessed back down the aisle is a good time for your officiant to add any announcements you may have (location of the reception, wait for the ushers to dismiss you, please grab bubbles and line up outside, etc.).
Before You Begin Writing…
We want to share some advice with you.
- Just because this is the traditional order of events, doesn’t mean it’s the only way. Your ceremony is the most important part of the day, so make it as special as everything else you’ve put your dreams into. We want you both to be comfortable and happy, and your ceremony to be personal and authentic.
- It’s important to be understanding to each other’s wishes while figuring out your ceremony script. Be mindful of your partner when deciding on things like vows, unity ceremonies, and processional songs.
- Make sure to talk through this entire script with your officiant to make sure you are all on the same page.
- Seek out help from family, friends, and other wedding professionals in the industry. You have a support team here for guidance!
- Don’t forget to have your two witnesses and officiant sign your marriage license!
If you are stuck, or need an officiant, contact our certified (and ordained) wedding planners at Hitch Studio!
We are here to help in so many ways.
605-592-9072 | info@hitchstudio.com | hitchstudio.com