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Top 10 Things Every Bride Needs to Know About Her Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is where all the magic truly takes place! The walk up the aisle… the vows…the rose petals being strewn! Every bride dreams of her perfect wedding day – some for weeks, others for month, and many for years! So, when it comes time to plan your ceremony, it’s important to make it truly personal.

10. Speak to your Officiator

Whether you plan to have a religious ceremony or a non-denominational celebration, it’s important to book an officiator well in advance. You should meet with the person who will be marrying you at least once, if for nothing more than to see a familiar face on your wedding day! You might also discuss your agenda, any changes you want done to their traditional reading, and other special requests.

9. Plan Your Vows

Some couples vow to write their own vows. Others are more comfortable following a traditional vow. Some choose to use traditional vows with a few modernizations. Talk to your spouse-to-be, and come up with a plan that works for both of you. Practice your vows in advance so you don’t feel too overwhelmed on your wedding day!

8. Choose your Location

If you and your intended are of different religious backgrounds, you might need to get creative when it’s time to choose your ceremony location. Consider having two ceremonies, or wedding in a non-specific venue, such as a garden, a beach, or a hotel. Find a location that is special to you, beautiful, and within your budget.

7. Choose your readings, music, poetry, or literature

Your ceremony is what you make it! It’s up to you what you want included – so do some research, talk about it with your loved ones, and come up with a plan that works for you. You can incorporate loved ones by having special readings done, or sentimental songs sung. Choose music for your walk up the aisle, as well as for your walk down – and a few song selections to set the tone while guests get seated.

6. Select Your Attendants

Above all else, you’ll each need a witness to sign the wedding registry with you, which is where the Maid of Honor and the Best Man come in to play. You’ll also need to choose who will be walking you down the aisle, and who will be your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Other roles to fill may include a ring bearer, a flower girl, junior bridesmaids, and ushers.

5. Ring Arrangements

It’s important that you and your fiancé order your wedding rings well in advance. Make sure they arrive in time for you to double check sizes and inscriptions. Most couples give “faux rings” to the ring bearer and leave the real previous metals in the more responsible hands (hopefully!) of the Best Man.

4. Choose a Ceremony that’s Perfect For You

Weddings come with a lot of pressure! His Mom wants a Jewish ceremony; your mom wants to officiate the wedding herself! What to do? For one, remember that is your special day so it should be a reflection of the beliefs of you and your husband. That being said, it’s also important to reflect the cultural heritages of both families. If you plan to wed in a Catholic church but one family is Jewish, you might add a special reading from the Torah or walk down the aisle to a traditional Hebrew song.

4. Games

Bridal showers often include games. If your Maid of Honor or a dear friend is planning your Bridal Shower for you, and you’re afraid you’ll be the center of attention during some mortifying games, let her know your concerns. Work together to come up with some fun activities that will make the day special. Some ideas: decorate cookies that are shaped like wedding items, or take turns giving the bride-to-be special advice about being married.

3. Be Prepared

On your wedding day, be prepared! Bring a “Bridal Survival Package” to your site, including extra bobby pins, clear nail polish, a granola bar, Tylenol, and other day-of necessities. Try to make sure things start on time, and have an attendant be responsible for your “Survival Package” so if you suddenly need something, it’s easily accessible! Before the day of your wedding, call all vendors to make sure your expectations about timing and deliverables are clear.

2. Time of Day

The time of day that you hold your wedding ceremony can vary quite a bit! Some brides opt for an early 11am ceremony, while other couples prefer to have the day to get ready and then say their vows later. Even midnight vows are not unheard of! Traditionally, couples left enough time between the ceremony and the reception for photos, but these days many couples choose to ignore the old superstition about the groom seeing the bride before the wedding, and do their pictures in advance as it’s more efficient. Choose whatever is right for you!

1. Enjoy your Ceremony!

When your make up is done, your hair is up, and your dress is on, remember to pause and take a deep breath! You’ll want to remember this moment forever. As you walk down the aisle, you won’t be thinking about if the flowers are right or if the bridesmaid dresses are the right shade of green. You’ll be thinking about how happy you are to be marrying the man of your dreams! Congratulations!