The wedding ceremony is the main event, the reason why they gather and a perfectly choreographed performance. It doesn’t just happen in the moment. The ceremony is planned and practiced. The wedding fashion, accessories, flowers, music, words and rituals are all planned with great detail. Wedding professionals are sharing tips for planning the perfect wedding ceremony.
Practice the Wedding Ceremony
Practice makes perfect, and practice is recommended. Wedding professionals recommend getting all the nerves out of the way and getting comfortable going through the motions. Use props, such as a mock train and ribbon bouquet. Practice turning with the train and handing off the bouquet to the maid of honor. Ceremonial elements, such as jumping the broom and pouring sand for a sand ceremony, should have a practice run too. Create opportunities to work with the officiant. Practicing the ceremony avoids embarrassing mistakes. The rehearsal dinner is probably the last opportunity to get together with the wedding party and have a final practice wedding ceremony. Your wedding planner or coordinator should be present to help with the orientation process. It is a good idea to have the organist or musician present for the rehearsal so the wedding party can practice walking with the music. The wedding party should understand their order, position and pace.
At the Altar
Hopefully, you work out the details, such as who will lift and fold the veil back and who will hold the rings prior to arriving at the altar. The processional usually forms at the rear of the ceremony site. The parents of the groom take their seat in the front, followed by the entrance of the groom, best man and officiant. The groom and best man usually stand on the right side of the aisle, facing the guests. The best man stands to the groom’s left, slightly behind him. The bride's wedding party forms on the opposite side, mirroring the formation of the groom's side. The processional forms with the groomsmen, junior groomsmen, junior bridesmaids, bridesmaids, maid of honor, flower girl, ring bearer, bride and her father, train bearers, and pages.
Wedding Vows
Your wedding vows are the promises you make to each other. This is the reason for it all. You will stand before family and friends to make those promises. Decide whether you want the repeat after me or if you want to write your own meaningful vows. If you are planning your own, make a list of words that are relevant to your promises. Your list might include respect, cherish and love. Decide whether you want to work together or write your vows separately. Saving the words for the altar can create an emotional moment. Working together can be just as powerful, but allows you to share similar vows. Regardless of whether you do it together or separately, you should sit down and discuss important expectations for the relationship that you might want to include in your wedding vows. Since the vows are so important for your wedding ceremony and your marriage, practice them.
Kissing the Bride
The ceremonial kiss that seals the deal requires practice too. Have conversation about the type of kiss you feel comfortable sharing publicly. If you are worried about it being too short, too long, too passionate or not enough, you are not alone. The wedding ceremony kiss is something most couples think about. This is the moment you will share a first kiss as a married couple, and is a sign of your love and affection. The key to the perfect kiss is communication and practice. Try different types of kisses and practice them all. Make sure you both know what to expect when the moment happens.
Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine
Plan and practice your wedding day at Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine. Create your magical moments in a wedding venue designed just for you. Meet with designers and planners to share your vision and bring it to life in a luxurious ballroom. All of the furnishings, designs and services are included to create your magical moments. Plan your fairy tale with the finest at Crystal Ballroom.
