Tuesday, July 26, 2011

How to write a wedding ceremony

write a wedding ceremony


It's interesting:
"Tom looks great on his wedding day doesn't he? I won't say it's funny to see ... Congratulations to Tom and Susan on their wedding. And since it's election week ..."

Organizing your own wedding ceremony gives you the ability to incorporate your favorite elements into your special day. Along with creating your wedding vows, designing the entire ceremony ensures a day that all the guests will remember.

Keep in mind that you can plan the wedding in any manner you choose but there are some guidelines to help you formulate a ceremony that flows smoothly from one event into the next.

Instructions

    • 1

      Consult the wedding officiator, especially if the ceremony will take place in a church. Some denominations require a set order of events so it's imperative to know how much leeway you have in writing the ceremony.

    • 2

      Determine the desired length of your ceremony and arrange the elements to suit that time frame. A 30-minute ceremony is average but you're free to make yours shorter or longer.

      Be aware that ceremonies that last over an hour may result in some guests becoming restless. In addition, small children have a hard time sitting quietly, so plan the length of your ceremony accordingly.

    • 3

      Decide where you want the guests to sit, who will usher them in and whether you will seat the parents' of the bride and groom as a part of the ceremony, itself. Traditionally, the bride's family sits on the left and the groom's family and friends on the right but you may change this if you wish. It is important, however, to reserve the best seating for family.

    • 4

      Plan the processional to highlight the bride's entrance. While a bride normally enters on the arm of an older male, often her father, who then "gives her away," this traditional rule is regularly broken. A female may accompany the bride or she may enter alone. If you prefer, the bride and groom may even enter together.

    • 5

      Hire an accompanist to play soft music during times you feel it will highlight the events. Typical musical interludes occur during the lighting of candles, after the officiator's announcement and during the presentation of the married couple to the audience. If you don't have a specific song you want to share, you can eliminate a musical number from the ceremony.

    • 6

      Arrange the elements of the wedding ceremony to culminate with the bride and groom's vows. Although some couples choose to have a final song, candle lighting or prayer after the vows, these events are anti-climatic for the guests who are ready to congratulate the newlyweds.

    • 7

      Write the ceremony to center around the vows. While all the additional elements add style and a special touch to your day, the vows are the part of the ceremony that everyone in attendance wants to hear.

      Consider both the bride and the groom's speaking abilities. Complex vows that are hard to remember can make this portion of the ceremony awkward. Give the officiator a copy of your vows so he can prompt you if you forget.

    • 8

      Add creative elements when writing the wedding ceremony that you feel will heighten the pleasure of everyone present. Be creative. For instance, in an outdoor wedding, releasing helium balloons or doves adds drama. Indoors, having a couple of family members or friends do readings will lend a personal touch.

Tips &- Warnings

  • Eliminate elements that take up too much time and don't add substantially to the ceremony. Long musical arrangements that interrupt the ceremony will make the guests fidget as will waiting for young children to light dozens of candles. Keep the ceremony moving to keep everyone's attention.

  • Avoid writing tedious speeches for others to deliver. This includes the wedding vows. Grooms are notorious for forgetting memorized vows so keep it simple and meaningful.


Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding ceremony, bride groom, ceremony that, ceremony will, feel will, guests will