When it comes to weddings, there are many different customs and traditions that are followed depending on the couple’s cultural or religious background. In the Christian faith, there is a traditional order that is commonly followed during the wedding ceremony. This order outlines who walks down the aisle, in what order, and when. In this blog post, we will explore the traditional order of a Christian wedding, step by step, so you know what to expect on your big day!
Pre-ceremony
Before the ceremony begins, there are a few things that typically happen. The first is the seating of the guests. Generally, the bride’s family and friends sit on the left side of the aisle, and the groom’s family and friends sit on the right. The next thing that happens is the procession of the wedding party, which we will outline in the next section. Finally, it is common for there to be some pre-ceremony music played while guests are being seated.
Procession of the wedding party
The procession of the wedding party is the formal entrance of the bridal party into the ceremony space. The order of procession is as follows:
1. The officiant: The officiant is the person who will be leading the ceremony, whether that be a pastor, priest, or other religious figure. They typically enter first and are followed by the parents-of-the-groom.
2. The mother-of-the-bride: The bride’s mother is typically the first to be seated, but in some cases, both of the bride’s parents may walk her down the aisle.
3. The groom: The groom then enters and stands at the altar, waiting for the bride to arrive.
4. The best man and maid of honor: The best man and maid of honor walk down the aisle together, followed by the groomsmen and bridesmaids walking in pairs.
5. The ring bearer: The ring bearer is typically a young boy who carries the rings down the aisle on a pillow.
6. The flower girl: The flower girl is typically a young girl who walks down the aisle either scattering petals or carrying a small bouquet.
7. The bride and father-of-the-bride: Finally, the bride and her father walk down the aisle together. Once they reach the altar, the father-of-the-bride gives the bride away to the groom.
The ceremony
Once all members of the wedding party have entered the ceremony space, the ceremony can begin. The ceremony typically begins with a welcome and opening prayer, followed by any readings or songs that the couple has chosen. The next part of the ceremony is the exchange of vows and rings. This is where the couple publicly declares their love for one another and makes promises of loyalty and faithfulness. Following the exchange of vows, the couple typically signs the marriage license, which is an important legal document. Finally, the ceremony concludes with a blessing or benediction and the couple is officially pronounced as married.
Recessional
Once the ceremony has concluded, the recessional begins. This is the formal exit of the bridal party from the ceremony space. The recessional order is typically the reverse of the processional order, with the bride and groom walking down the aisle first, followed by the bridal party. Often, there will be music played during the recessional, and guests will stand and cheer as the couple makes their way back up the aisle.
Conclusion
The traditional order of a Christian wedding has been followed for many years and represents a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate the union of two people in love. By knowing the order of procession, ceremony, and recession, you can make sure that everything runs smoothly on your special day. Whether you choose to follow this traditional order or make modifications to fit your unique wedding style, we hope that this blog post has provided you with a helpful guide to planning your Christian wedding.
FAQ
Who walks down the aisle and in what order?
The processional is an essential part of the wedding ceremony, symbolizing the start of the bride and groom’s journey together as a married couple. However, determining who walks down the aisle and in what order can be confusing, especially for those who are not familiar with wedding etiquette.
Traditionally, the processional is structured as follows:
1. Mother of the bride: The mother of the bride is the first, typically escorted by a male family member, such as a brother or uncle. The mother of the bride is followed by the mother of the groom, who may be escorted by the father of the groom or another male family member.
2. Grandparents: After the mothers, the grandparents of the bride are usually escorted down the aisle, followed by the grandparents of the groom.
3. Groom and officiant: The next to enter are the groom and officiant. The officiant stands at the altar while the groom stands either to the right or left of them.
4. Wedding party: The wedding party, consisting of bridesmaids and groomsmen, enters next. Each bridesmaid is escorted by a groomsman, entering in pairs.
5. Maid of honor and best man: The maid of honor and best man enter together, traditionally walking arm-in-arm.
6. Ring bearer and flower girl: If there is a ring bearer or flower girl, they enter next, typically walking together.
7. Bride and father: Finally, the most anticipated moment of the processional, the bride enters, escorted by her father. The bride and her father walk down the aisle together, with the bride typically standing to the left of her father.
It is important to note that this is a traditional processional and can be tailored to fit the specific needs and preferences of the couple. For example, the bride may choose to walk down the aisle alone or with another family member or friend. Additionally, some couples choose to include both sets of parents, or opt to walk down the aisle together.
The processional is a significant part of the wedding ceremony that reflects the couple’s culture and traditions. Understanding who walks down the aisle in what order can help ensure a seamless and memorable wedding ceremony.
