Wedding Ceremony Program

Planning for a wedding should include setting up a schedule in advance so you can print it out and give it to all the major people involved.

For a church wedding

The wedding ceremony program for a church wedding begins as soon as all of the bridal party has arrived. Below is a run down of what you should consider on the day.

    • Arrive at the church and stay in your vehicle until all guests are inside the church.
    • Allow 5 minutes for all the guests to be ushered and seated inside.
    • Allow 10 minutes to have pre-wedding photographs take with your bridesmaids.
    • Allow 5 minutes for you and your bridesmaids to walk down the aisle.
    • Allow 5-10 minutes for the pastor to welcome everyone.
    • Allow 15 minutes for your favorite people to read a passage to the guests before you begin the ceremony. You may choose to be seated on the podium during this period.
    • Take your vowels. This is a predetermined time you have arranged with your pastor. If you are reading poems out to each other allow about 10 minutes altogether.
    • Allow 10 minutes after the ceremony to have people take photographs of you and your partner at the alter.
    • Allow 5 minutes to walk out of the church before you let your guests join you outside.
    • Allow up to 30 minutes for photographs as many of your guests would like to make their own.
    • Leave together in your vehicle and allow a few minutes for people to take photographs of you by the vehicle and getting inside.

Print a little booklet with the wedding ceremony program and have it handed out to your guests so that they also have some idea of the time allowances and the ceremony.

For a garden wedding

Garden weddings are special and quite beautiful because beautiful flowers usually surround everyone. It’s quite charming. The wedding ceremony program for a garden wedding is a little more relaxed and if you are also planning your reception close by then you can incorporate the two.

A great thing to do is have your guests arrive 30 minutes early and have them share a champagne drink before the ceremony. Have the guests seated before you are ready to begin. Allow about 5 minutes for this.

If you do not have bridesmaids then you need at least a flower girl for the ceremony. Have her walk in before you. Allow about 5 minutes for this depending on her age and ability. If it is possible for you to walk from indoors into the garden then this is the best option as your guests and partner can watch you approaching the podium.

After the ceremony you may wish to choose to have your parents or children say a few words in celebration of your wedding. This ends the ceremony nicely and gives guests the opportunity to prepare to take photographs. You may wish to mingle with your guests straight after the ceremony and have a drink or change into more comfortable attire before you join the reception.

For an informal wedding

Even though you may have a less formal wedding you will still need some structure and will need some sort of wedding ceremony program. If your wedding consists of a registry office then you need to allow some time to take some photos with your guests and witnesses before the ceremony and afterwards.

If you are having your wedding at the place of reception and indoors then invite your guests for drinks before you join them for the ceremony. Have them seated at their tables and when you have finished your ceremony allow some time for a toast.

Get everyone to stand up with a glass of bubbly and cheer you on as you take have your kiss. It also gives your guests the opportunity to take photographs as you kiss and provides for a great atmosphere.

You may then wish to proceed straight to the wedding table and have your speeches from the groom and the best man and anyone else scheduled to make a speech. Proceed with the reception as per normal from that point.

See Also:

Informal Wedding Dresses