Start learning about a proper wedding ceremony outline here. We suggest you get your credentials in Cibus Mission same day!
In this page we will give definitions, and the variations of the different Wedding Ceremony Outlines. If you'd like to learn more, just scroll down!
Definitions of Components that make up a Wedding Ceremony Outline
The wedding ceremony begins with the processional, featuring immediate family, the wedding party, and the couple making their way down the aisle. The officiant leads, followed by the groom (or first partner for queer/nonbinary couples), who can walk alone or with parents. The groom's wedding party and honor attendants (best man) follow, then the maid of honor, bridesmaids, flower girl, and ring bearer. Finally, the bride (or second partner) enters, escorted by a parent or alone. This traditional order can be customized to fit your preferences.
Groomsmen typically stand behind the groom, and bridesmaids behind the bride, but this can be reversed for a unique touch. Some couples choose to walk down the aisle together, symbolizing their journey together.
The highlight of the ceremony: the vows. Whether you write your own or use traditional vows, this is where you express your promises to each other. The declaration of intent follows, where you verbally acknowledge your choice to marry.
The officiant welcomes everyone and thanks guests for witnessing the union. This part, also known as the invocation, can include remarks about marriage and your love story.
After the vows, you exchange rings. The officiant hands each of you the other's ring. You may add personal words about the significance of the rings if you wish.
Wedding readings or poems come next. These can be from religious texts, poems, books, or movies that resonate with you. Family members or friends often recite these readings after being introduced by the officiant. If including a unity ceremony, like a sand ceremony or handfasting, it will occur after the readings.
The ceremony concludes with the recessional, typically in reverse order of the processional, with the couple leading and the officiant exiting last. The officiant may leave down the center aisle or to the side after giving closing remarks and instructions to guests.
Now that you know the definitions, let's customize the outline!
There are different norms for ceremonies and you can choose which you'd like to explore more in depth!
No two weddings are exactly the same, but the main points tend to be similar. That said, always consult with the couple to see what their vision is and explain the Wedding Ceremony Outline and see if they want to make any adjustments because there is no wrong way as long as the couple approves it!
Types of Wedding Ceremony Outlines:
- Non-denominational
- Christian
- Catholic
- Jewish
- Muslim
- Hindu
- Pagan - Handfasting
- Sikh - Anand Karaj
Wedding Ceremony Outline Styles
Signing the Ketubah and Bedeken Ceremony: Before the processional begins, the couple signs the ketubah, a marriage contract witnessed by two non-blood-related individuals. This is followed by the Bedeken, where the groom places the wedding veil on the bride, surrounded by friends and family. This tradition stems from the biblical story of Jacob, who was deceived into marrying his intended's sister due to a heavy veil.
- Processional: The processional kicks off with the rabbi and cantor leading the way, followed by the bride's grandparents and the groom's grandparents. Next, the groomsmen walk in pairs, followed by the best man and the groom, escorted by his parents. The bridesmaids (also walking in pairs), the maid of honor, and optionally the ring bearer and flower girl come next. Finally, the bride makes her entrance, escorted by her parents. In traditional Jewish weddings, the groom and his party stand on the left, while the bride and her party stand on the right.
- Under the Chuppah: The couple arrives under the chuppah, a canopy symbolizing love, home, and support from loved ones. Here, the bride circles the groom seven times, representing the building of a wall of love. Modern couples often adapt this tradition, with each partner circling the other three times, followed by a final circle together, symbolizing equality in their relationship.
- Betrothal Blessing: The rabbi blesses a cup of wine, and the couple drinks from it, signifying their union.
- Exchange of Rings: The couple exchanges rings as the rabbi reads from the ketubah, marking their commitment to each other.
- Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings): The rabbi or a cherished loved one recites the Sheva Brachot over a second cup of wine, which the couple then drinks from, highlighting the joy and blessings of their union.
- Breaking the Glass: The groom stomps on a glass wrapped in a cloth bag, symbolizing the fragility of human relationships. As the glass breaks, everyone joyfully shouts "mazel tov," meaning congratulations.
- Recessional: The ceremony concludes with the couple leading the recessional. They are followed by the bride's parents, the groom's parents, the bride's grandparents, the groom's grandparents, the ring bearer and flower girl, the maid of honor and best man, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and finally, the rabbi and cantor.
The Muslim wedding ceremony, known as the Nikah, is one of the shortest and most intimate wedding ceremonies, typically lasting only 30 to 40 minutes. It is usually performed in a mosque and officiated by an Imam, a religious leader.
- Gathering of Family: Unlike traditional processionals, family members gather around the bride and groom to begin the ceremony. The women usually sit with the bride, while the men surround the groom. Throughout the Nikah, the bride and groom do not see each other.
- Appointment of the Wali: The Imam appoints the bride’s father as her Wali, or guardian, who looks out for her best interests during the ceremony, particularly during the mahr.
- Mahr Presentation: The groom presents the mahr to the bride, which includes cash, gifts, and other offerings as a symbolic gesture of his commitment and responsibility.
- Ijab-e-Qubool Ritual: The Imam initiates the Ijab-e-Qubool by asking the bride "Qubool Hai?" three times, meaning "Do you give consent?" The bride must respond "Qubool Hai" three times in a clear and affirmative tone. The groom is then asked the same question in the same manner.
- Signing of the Nikah Nama: The bride and groom sign the Nikah Nama, an Islamic marriage contract that outlines their duties and responsibilities, witnessed by two individuals.
- Quranic Readings: The Imam recites passages from the Quran, which serve as the couple’s wedding vows, reinforcing the spiritual and binding nature of their union.
- Blessings (Duroods): The ceremony concludes with guests showering the couple with duroods, or blessings, wishing them a happy and prosperous life together.
Prelude
Procession
Greeting and Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
- The First Reading
- Responsorial Psalm
- Second Reading
- Gospel Acclamation
- Homily
During the Liturgy of the Word, the Priest and/or often a family member or friend of the couple will read passages from the Bible (one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament). The Responsorial Psalms are sung by the Cantor in reaction to the passage read, and the congregation typically joins in on the refrain. During the homily, the Priest meditates on the readings and reflects on their meaning in the realm of marriage.
The Rite of Marriage
- Exchange of Vows
- Blessing and Exchange of Rings
- Prayers of the Faithful
During the Rite of Marriage, the congregation stands and remains standing. The wedding vows act as the couple's proclamation of their consent and intent to marry. Traditionally, the vow and ring exchange portion of the ceremony follows standard verbiage involving questions from the Priest and affirmations by the couple. The Prayers of the Faithful are typically read by a family member or friend of the couple and after each prayer, the congregation responds together in affirmation (e.g., "Let us pray to the Lord" or "Lord, hear our prayer"). Your Priest might help you choose these prayers or guide you as you write your own.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
- Presentation of the Gifts
- Eucharistic Prayer
- The Lord's Prayer
- Nuptial Blessing
- Sign of Peace
- Communion
During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, friends or family of the couple will offer wine and bread in front of the Priest at the altar while a hymn is sung. The Priest will then pray over the bread and wine as part of the Eucharistic Prayer, which is followed by the Lord's Prayer. After the congregation recites the Lord's Prayer together, the Priest shares the nuptial blessing as the couple kneels in front of the altar. The wedding party and guests then shake hands with those nearby and say, "Peace be with you," to offer a sign of peace. Finally, as part of communion, the congregation will sing a hymn while the Priest breaks the bread and communion is shared with the couple and then the Catholic guests in the congregation.
Final Blessing
- The Priest recites a final prayer while guests stand.
Recessional
Prelude
Processional
Welcome and Opening Prayer
Scripture Readings
- Old Testament Reading
- New Testament Reading
Sermon or Homily
- The pastor or officiant provides a message on the significance of marriage, often reflecting on the scripture readings and offering guidance for the couple.
Exchange of Vows
- The couple makes their promises to each other, often using traditional or personally written vows.
Exchange of Rings
- The couple exchanges rings as symbols of their commitment and love.
Unity Ceremony (Optional)
- This can include lighting a unity candle, pouring unity sand, or another symbolic act to represent the joining of two lives.
Prayers of Blessing
- The officiant offers prayers for the couple’s marriage, asking for God’s blessing and guidance.
Pronouncement of Marriage
- The officiant declares the couple married.
The Kiss
- The couple seals their marriage with a kiss.
Communion (Optional)
- If included, the couple and sometimes the congregation partake in communion to remember Christ's sacrifice and celebrate their union under God.
Benediction and Final Blessing
- The officiant offers a final prayer and blessing for the couple and the congregation.
Recessional
Preparation and Setting the Sacred Space
- The officiant or a designated person casts a circle to create a sacred space for the ceremony, often using elements representing earth, air, fire, and water.
Processional
- The couple enters the sacred space, often accompanied by music or chanting.
Welcome and Invocation
- The officiant welcomes the guests and invokes the presence of the deities or spirits, asking for their blessings on the couple and the ceremony.
Statement of Intent
- The officiant asks the couple to declare their intentions to marry and their commitment to each other.
The Tying of the Hands (Handfasting)
- The couple's hands are bound together with a cord or ribbon, symbolizing their union. The officiant may tie multiple knots, each representing a different vow or promise.
Exchange of Vows
- The couple speaks their vows to each other, often personally written and reflecting their commitment and love.
Exchange of Rings or Tokens
- The couple exchanges rings or other symbolic items as a representation of their bond.
Blessing of the Elements
- The officiant calls upon the elements (earth, air, fire, and water) to bless the couple and their union. Each element may be represented by a physical object or symbol, such as a bowl of water or a candle.
Unity Ceremony (Optional)
- The couple may partake in a unity ceremony, such as lighting a unity candle, sharing a drink from a chalice, or planting a tree, to symbolize their joining together.
Reading or Song
- A friend or family member may read a poem, recite a blessing, or perform a song that has special meaning to the couple.
Pronouncement of Marriage
- The officiant declares the couple married, often using wording that reflects the couple's spiritual beliefs and the symbolism of the handfasting.
The Kiss
- The couple seals their union with a kiss.
Closing and Releasing the Circle
- The officiant closes the ceremony by thanking the deities or spirits and releasing the circle, ending the sacred space.
Recessional
- The couple exits the sacred space, often followed by the guests, to celebrate their union.
Ganesh Puja
- The ceremony begins with a prayer to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, to bless the occasion and the couple.
Var Puja (Welcoming the Groom)
- The groom arrives at the venue, often accompanied by a lively procession (baraat). The bride's family welcomes him with aarti (a ritual of worship) and tilak (a mark on the forehead).
Kanyadaan and Hasta Melap (Giving Away of the Bride)
- The bride's parents give her away to the groom, symbolizing the handing over of responsibility. The bride and groom's hands are joined together, often with a sacred thread.
Jaimala or Varmala (Exchange of Garlands)
- The bride and groom exchange floral garlands, symbolizing their acceptance of each other.
Vivah Havan (Sacred Fire Ceremony)
- A sacred fire (Agni) is lit, and the officiant (Pandit) recites Vedic mantras. The fire serves as a witness to the marriage.
Pani Grahan (Holding Hands)
- The groom takes the bride's hand, promising to protect and cherish her.
Shilarohan (Stepping on the Stone)
- The bride steps on a stone, symbolizing her strength and resolve in the marriage.
Saptapadi (Seven Steps)
- The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire, each step representing a vow they make to each other. This is often considered the most important part of the ceremony.
Sindoor and Mangalsutra (Marking the Bride)
- The groom applies sindoor (vermilion powder) to the bride's hair parting and ties the mangalsutra (a sacred necklace) around her neck, symbolizing their marital bond.
Akhand Saubhagyavati (Blessings)
- Married women from the family bless the bride for a long and happy married life.
Aashirvad (Blessing the Couple)
- The couple receives blessings from the officiant, parents, and elders of both families.
Vidai (Farewell)
- The bride bids farewell to her family and leaves with the groom, signifying her new role and life with her husband.
Milni (Meeting of the Families)
- The ceremony begins with the Milni, where the families of the bride and groom meet and exchange gifts and garlands, symbolizing the union of the two families.
Ardas (Prayer)
- A prayer is recited to seek blessings from Waheguru (God) for the wedding ceremony.
Kirtan (Singing of Hymns)
- Hymns (Shabads) from the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy scripture) are sung to create a spiritual atmosphere and bless the couple.
Palla Ceremony
- The bride's father places the end of the groom's scarf (palla) in the bride's hand, symbolizing the bride being given away to the groom.
Laavan (Four Marriage Hymns)
- The core of the Sikh wedding ceremony consists of four Laavan (marriage hymns) which are recited and sung. After each Laav, the couple circumambulates the Guru Granth Sahib in a clockwise direction, symbolizing their journey through life together. The four Laavan represent:
- The commitment to righteousness and renunciation of worldly desires.
- The commitment to knowledge and the development of inner spirituality.
- The commitment to a sense of duty and responsibility to the family and society.
- The commitment to achieve union with the Divine.
Ardas (Final Prayer)
- After completing the Laavan, another Ardas is recited to bless the newlyweds and seek divine guidance for their married life.
Hukamnama (Divine Command)
- A random verse (Hukamnama) is read from the Guru Granth Sahib, providing spiritual guidance and blessings for the couple.
Anand Sahib and Distribution of Karah Prasad
- The Anand Sahib (Song of Bliss) is recited, followed by the distribution of Karah Prasad (a sacred sweet) to all attendees, symbolizing sharing in the happiness and blessings of the occasion.
Reception and Langar
- After the religious ceremony, a reception and community meal (Langar) are held, where all guests are invited to partake in a meal prepared and served by the Sikh community.
