Service Componants

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There are many components to consider for your perfect wedding ceremony:

• The Procession

The first part of the ceremony is called The Procession. The Wedding Procession is the part where all the members of the wedding party make their entrance and take their places. The traditional Wedding Processional order is as follows:

:

• The Groom
• Best Man
• Groomsmen
• Bridesmaids
• Maid or Matron of Honor
• Flower Girls and/or Ring Bearers
• The Bride

The bride will typically stand to the left of the officiant when facing the front, while the groom will stand on the right. Remember, different traditions can be incorporated into modern weddings,  in any order or way that the couple wants

! 

• The Invocation - Opening Remarks, the Couple's Story

This is the part of the ceremony that includes the Opening Remarks, Words on Marriage, and if the couple wish’s to include “The Couple’s Story”. The invocation can be something traditional, like, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join Toni and Alex in wedded bliss or something different. You’ll also speak briefly on why you’re gathered to celebrate the couple and share some anecdotes on powerful themes of marriage, commitment, and partnership. 

• The Declaration of Intent

Once the guests are greeted and the couple introduced, you’ll ask the couple to publicly declare that they want to get married before they say their vows. This exchange is called the Declaration of Intent. Some states require it to be said, but even if it’s not, it’s familiar, and a lot of guests and couples will expect it. This is the “I Do” part of the ceremony! 

• The vows

The exchange of vows is one of the most important and moving parts of a ceremony. This is for the couple to express what their partner means to them, their shared values, and their hopes for the future. The Vows are completely optional.

• The Ring Exchange

Wedding rings are a powerful and long-standing symbol of commitment, which is why they continue to play a role in the most popular unity ritual - The Ring Exchange. The Ring Exchange is not legally required, so not all couples will include this in their ceremony. If the couple has a special reading or special ritual to include, this is a great place to include them.

• The Closing Remarks

The closing remarks offer just a few words of advice, or reflection. These final remarks will help wrap up the ceremony. 

• The Pronouncement and the First Kiss

“By the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries…” or “I now pronounce you…”

Introduction of the newly married couple, and ask the couple to share their first married kiss! There will be some final words and a final exit, as determined by the couple. This may also be direction for the after ceremony events or party.

• The Recession

The Bride and Groom will make their way first down the aisle together, followed by the wedding party (usually in the reverse order that they entered),  followed by the guests, and finally followed by the ceremony officiant.