Tips on How to Plan Your Wedding Ceremony

The dress, flowers and even food are all wonderful additions to your wedding day but when it comes down to it – the wedding ceremony is when two people become legally married and literally become one. It’s surprising how many couples leave finalizing their plans for this very important moment right until the last minute.

Whether religious or secular, the wedding ceremony is one of the most important parts of your wedding day and should be personalized for the couple. The ceremony planning process should start early on so they know what to ask for when meeting with their wedding planner or day-of coordinator.

The standard format of the ceremony typically includes the processional, readings, vows, exchange of rings, pronouncement, first kiss and recessional. Prior generations have been following the same tradition for decades, but modern couples are choosing to change up the readings and incorporate creativity into their ceremony. You too, can make it completely unique and create an experience that will make it unforgettable for your guests.

Table Of Contents

Top Tips Planning the Ceremony
Examples for Ceremony Scripts
Examples for Themed Ceremony Scripts

Top Tips Planning the Ceremony

Wedding ceremonies can be a great way for two people who love each other to express their commitment to each other. There’s nothing like saying your vows in front of family and friends, but it’s easy for the pressure to get overwhelming. Here’s how to keep things fun and enjoyable.

1. Start As Soon As Possible

Having a wedding ceremony is one of the most important parts of planning your big day, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Start doing research early on in the planning process so that by the time your wedding day rolls around, all of those creative ideas are ready for execution and can reflect exactly who this couple will become through their union – unique yet timeless just like all weddings should be.

2. Collaborate With Your Wedding Officiant

The officiant is the most important person at your wedding ceremony because they hold the ability to officially marry the couple. If your officiant is a religious leader or has experience in weddings, they likely have a vow outline that you can add to with little effort on your part. Otherwise, you’ll need to be very specific as to what you’d like included in the ceremony to make it your own.

man in black jacket standing beside woman in white and pink floral dress

3. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Write Your Vows

Make sure you dedicate plenty of time to not only writing your vows, but practicing your delivery as well. This is a lifetime promise that will be made before friends and family, so make sure it’s meaningful and personal. Choose your words carefully as well and keep practicing until the words feel like your own.

4. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Short and Sweet)

Unless there is a religious ceremony or component, the length of the wedding ceremony should be no more than 30 minutes. Any longer and your guests are going to feel like the ceremony is dragging on. One suggestion is to make the ceremony interactive and include more than just the couple.

5. Print Wedding Programs For Your Guests

A personalized wedding program is a great way to make sure your guests are involved in every detail of the service. The programs often include information about what time guests should arrive, where they should sit and what will happen during each part of the ceremony – all in an engaging way. Many people have a hard time understanding the meaning behind the wedding rituals, readings or even why they chose certain guests in their wedding. Printed programs are a great way to further explain these more meaningful elements that may have gone unnoticed during the day – like why you included certain prayers or incantations before the ceremony begins, for example.

6. Have a Second Look Over

The wedding script is probably the most important speech you’ll ever deliver, so it’s important to make sure it sounds authentic and natural. Having someone else read through your words before the big day and provide a second set of eyes for feedback is a good idea.

Examples for Ceremony Scripts

Examples for Themed Ceremony Scripts

The wedding ceremony is the time for you and your partner to show your love and commitment to one another. The most important thing to consider is how you and your partner want to express this, whether it be religious or Disney themed, at the end of the day it’s completely up to you and your partner.