Order of Service

What is Order of Service?

This is merely my suggestion for Order of Service

I can work with you to tailor the manner of your exclusive Order of Service

Music that is playing as your guests arrive. Generally, this can be through live music or electronic (CD, iPod) music. If you’re using a DJ, they will be able to help you in providing and choosing the right music just for you.

Entrance of the Wedding Party. Again, there are many ways of using music during the entrance of the Bride and Bridal Party. Whether using live or recorded music, you’ll want to decide just what’s right for you.

The Official Welcome. I will welcome your guests to the ceremony and share some thoughts about the marriage.

Affirming and Supporting the Marriage. Whether it’s the parent(s) or the guests, this is an opportunity for those closest to you to pledge their support for the Bride and Groom as they enter into their marriage. Traditionally, the father (and mother) have been asked “You gives this woman to be married to this man?” However today, there are many variations of such a question, including asking your quests to share together in the answer “We do”. It’s all up to you.

Adding that special touch. Perhaps a special reading or a song will best describe your love towards each other, and so I invite you to consider a romantic or scriptural reading, or having a special song sung. Although I cannot sing, I would love to share your choice of a special reading. I’ll leave the singing to the gifted, perhaps a relative or friend would be the right choice. You may choose to have a second reading or song a little later in the ceremony, or during the signing of the license.

Words of encouragement and challenge as you begin your marriage together. These words of encouragement can be shared by me or by a special friend or family member. Although brief (just a couple of minutes) they can provide a special personal touch just for the bride and groom in making this ceremony uniquely theirs.

Making Promises to last a lifetime. Making your vows to one another is always the highlight of the ceremony as in essence you’re stating publicly your commitment and love for each other in front of your guests. Vows can be tradition, contemporary or be your very own. I will help you through this process if needed no matter which way you choose. I do not suggest trying to memorize your vows, after all your mind will be on many things this day. I will help if you would like to read them yourself or if you’d like to recite them back to each other. Don’t worry, I’m there to help.

Symbolizing your vows through your rings. Traditionally couples have exchanged rings as symbols or tokens of their vows to each other and so I would be happy to help share with you in a meaningful way the uniqueness of the rings. There are many readings that may be used in the ceremony highlighting this special time.
It is not necessary to exchange rings and some couples choose to exchange only one ring.

Making it Legal. We’ll have a few moments where the Bride and Groom, the maid (Matron) of honor and the best man, and I gather together to formalize your ceremony through the signing of your marriage license. This is great time to have special music being sung or played.

Special touches to remember. Perhaps you’d love to share in the lighting of the Unity Candle as a couple, share on the Sand Ceremony or Wine and Love Letter Ceremony, or perhaps some special cultural and/or traditional symbol to help make this ceremony even more special. Often prior to, or following the Signing of the License, many couples engage into a unique ceremony within the ceremony.

Letting your quests know what’s happening next. It’s here I can let your guests know your plans in regards to the taking of our wedding photos, the reception time, receiving lines, possible cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres being served or just about anything else you feel you’d need to have shared as we conclude your ceremony.

Presenting you for the first time. With your wishes, it will be my privilege to present you to your guests as the new husband and wife.

Finally. Your formal ceremony has come to an end and it’s time for the bride and groom to exit, usually along with their wedding party. May I suggest a favourite song as you walk down the aisle.

The Exit. Music is often played in the background as guests follow the wedding party from the ceremony.