At this point, the marriage is often sealed with a kiss.
Proclamation: The officiant will then proclaim the happy couple as being married.
Normally the happy couple will exchange rings as a symbol of their love and trust for one another.
Exchange of rings: The exchange of rings is optional.
Exchange of Vows: The happy couple will exchange their vows, whether that be the traditional wedding vows or ones that they have written themselves.
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Legal declarations: The couple must legally declare that they are free lawfully to marry and give their consent for the marriage.
Take a look below for suggested readings for both civil and religious wedding ceremonies. It is normal to include reference to the title of the reading in your wedding order of service.
Readings: For a civil ceremony readings are optional, whilst for a church wedding, it is usually obligatory to have one reading, which then forms the basis of the sermon.
Address to the couple: The officiant will usually emphasise the importance of marriage and the vows that the couple are about to take.
Words of welcome: Once everyone is seated, the officiant will welcome all those attending the ceremony and thank them for being witness to the marriage soon to take place.
All will walk down the aisle, (usually to music), ready to take their seats or their place in front of the officiant.
The Procession: The entrance of the bridal party, and finally the bride, marks the start of the wedding ceremony.
Before you start planning the personal details of your ceremony, including readings and music, here is a basic outline of a wedding ceremony to give you an idea of how things will proceed on the day. Whilst all weddings are unique, they do generally follow a typical order of events, whether that be a civil or religious wedding ceremony.