Weddings are the best ceremonies that most people look forward to attending, and as such, it is essential that you, as the officiant, get things in order to provide the couple with the best day of their lives. Therefore, as the officiant, it is important that you get things in order and prepare the whole outline.
When it comes to non-religious wedding ceremonies, the outline is somehow related to traditional weddings. Suppose you have been hired to officiate a wedding, and you have no clue on how to prepare the wedding order of service. In that case, marryusgary.com provides you with the best information that will enable you to carry out the best wedding ceremony ever. Here is a breakdown of the wedding ceremony order of events.
- Pre -Ceremony Announcements and Processional
The officiant introduces themselves and attend to any house keeping. They make sure all the seats are filled, phones are on silent and that everyone can hear them.
With the groom standing at the arbor, the guests are asked to stand and the processional begins. Often music will play as the page boys and flower gitrls arrive, followed by the bridesmaid and then finally the bride, often accompanied by an attendant.
2. Addressing the congregation.
This is where you, as the officiant, address the guests by welcoming them to the wedding of this particular couple. Thank them for being there and briefly introducing the couple on who they are and what the ceremony means for them. Ensure the opening is lively and humorous to set people in the wedding mood. Avoid talking too much since it can get boring. Give a brief talk concerning where the washrooms are and where the guests can get water from.
3. Readings.
In this part, considering it’s a non-religious ceremony, you have to communicate with the bride and groom about what they want to be ready for their wedding at this point. Some people prefer that prayers are read, like the standard short prayers, while others prefer reading poems. Whatever they choose, ensure that the reading is beautiful and meaningful according to the ceremony. You can choose one of the guests to read the prayer or poem beforehand. Different poems can be read to make the ceremony more joyous. If the bride and groom decide on a prayer, create a concise prayer that will bless and summarize the event.
4. Candle lighting.
In most non-religious ceremonies, most couples prefer to light a unity candle as a symbol of their union. Therefore, candles should be purchased in advance. As the candles are lit, you, as the officiant, should narrate the symbol of the candles to the couple’s union. The best man and maid of honour should also light the candle.
Many times, the parents of both sides, together with the bride maids and groomsmen, also light the candle, but it is not necessary that they all do. It all depends on what you want for your wedding.
5. Unifying ritual.
In non-religious ceremonies, couples can choose whichever unifying ritual they want to do. This is why discussing with the team before the wedding day is essential. They can choose the jumping the broom ritual, pouring sand, or hand wrapping with a white piece of cloth. Any of the above can do. The unifying tradition is aimed at officially unifying the couple, which makes them one symbolically.
6. Exchange of vows.
The exchange of vows can take whichever route you wish. You can choose the simple traditional vows of ??do you take this person to be your lawfully wedded wife or husband, for better or for worse, for richness or poverty, in sickness and in health, till death part’? The couple can also write their vows before the wedding and rehearse them at the wedding, or you can write the vows and guide them in reciting the vows after you. Some couples prefer to personalize them by speaking from their hearts.
7. Exchange of rings.
This is also one of the best parts most people sometimes ruin by falling the ring in the water. The rings should be brought to the front by the ring bearer, accompanied by someone, to avoid the calls from falling off. The couple can choose whether they want to say vows during the exchange of rings, but you, as the officiant should make the exchange of rings order smooth and enjoyable for everyone who will be present once the rings have been exchanged. You must pronounce them as husband and wife.
8. Kiss exchange.
This is the part that everyone is always waiting for. In this part, most couples practice before the actual day, but it is not necessary. Soft music should be played during the kiss exchange as the guests ululate.
9. Recessional.
This is the final part, as the official wedding is over, and the guests proceed to the reception. During the recession, the newlywed should face the crowd, and then they can exit together with the groom’s men and bridesmaid behind them. The crowd can celebrate the newlyweds by cheering and ululating, or the DJ can play music as the newlywed exit while dancing. After the freshly married have moved out of the wedding room, pictures can be taken outside as the officiant directs the guests on where to head next.
Conclusion.
Wedding ceremonies are meant to be eventful and memorable. You, as the officiant, it is your job to make the wedding ceremony as smooth as possible for the couple.