It’s not enough to have the budget for a wedding ceremony. A successful wedding ceremony is more an issue of content and execution than of budget. Planning a wedding ceremony needs a great deal of research, and breaking down larger issues into smaller components. Arranging the ceremony whether civil service or religious can be a fulfilling experience.

Elements of a Wedding Ceremony:

• Processional

It is considered as one of the grandest part of any wedding ceremony when the bridal party makes its entrance. The air is full of anticipation, and the groom anxiously awaits his first glimpse of his bride in her wedding dress.

• Music, literature, and poetry or wedding readings from the Bible
• Attendants or witnesses to sign the wedding certificate or marriage license
• Wedding Vows
• Exchange of wedding rings or gifts
• A blessing, benediction, community commitment to support the marriage
• A first kiss as a married couple
• Recessional

The bride and groom must meet one or more time with the person performing the ceremony, or the officiant, to decide what they want to include in the ceremony and the order of the activities. The officiant may give the couple a sample copy of the vows that he/she prefers to use. The couple may be able to change wording or add elements to personalize the service.

It is important for you to share the details of the ceremony with all the professionals who will take part in the wedding. The following should be planned accordingly:

• Kind of ceremony. Is it traditional/formal or simple/casual?
• Location. Will it be held on the church or in a more intimate place like the beach, garden or park?
• Wedding vows. Is it religious traditional, non-traditional, traditional or personalized?
• Music. Is music in CD format or is there a live band playing? Is music originally composed for the wedding?

A rehearsal of the wedding ceremony is also suggested. For some reason the rehearsal dinner has flourished while the actual rehearsal often falls away. It’s important to take your time at the rehearsal, and have everyone participating run through the routine at least twice. The goal here is to get everyone familiar with the schedule and comfortable.

Keep in mind that planning your ceremony should be a bonding element between bride and groom. Try not to allow disagreements about details and turn the process into a delightful aspect of your wedding.