Wedding Ceremony Guidelines

Typical ceremonies last one hour, including guest arrival, ceremony, and postlude. This guide applies to most ceremonies, but I am happy to work with you to accomplish specific goals. Suggested music is listed and can be heard on the website music sampler page.

Prelude
Guest arrivals start approximately thirty minutes prior to the ceremony start time.
Classical, romanatic ballades, and easy listening.

Honoured Seating
Grandparents, parents, or honoured guests are escorted down the aisle and seated in the front rows.
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, J.S. Bach / Pavane, Wachs

Lighting of the Candles
Mothers will often light the candles placed on both sides of the Unity Candle (if applicable)

Entrance of Bridal Party
Minister, Groom and Groomsmen take their places. Attendants, flowergirl, and ringbearer walk aisle.
Canon in D, J. Pachelbel

Bridal Processional
Bride walks down the aisle.
Bridal Chorus, Wagner / Trumpet Voluntary, J. Clarke / Canon in D, Pachelbel

Unity Candle
Bride and Groom light the unity candle.
Soft background music, a love song, or religious selection: The Lord’s Prayer / Ave Maria.

Rose Ceremony
Bride and Groom share special moment with parents by the giving of roses.
Same music suggestions as above.

Recessional
Bride and Groom are introduced. Recessional begins, followed by the bridal party and parents.
Wedding March, Mendelssohn / Ode to Joy, Beethoven / Spring’s Allegretto, Vivaldi

Postlude
Guests exit the ceremony location and proceed to the cocktail hour or reception. Upbeat selections.