Post by Joe McParland on May 29, 2007 15:14:18 GMT -5
For couples interested in larger, more traditional marriage celebrations - complete with a full bridal party - the following will help explain the traditional processional, the recessional and the bridal party arrangement at the front. There are many other formations today for the entrance, such as the the groom, best man and groomsmen all up at the front to begin the ceremony, with the bridesmnaids, maid of honour and bride processing down the aisle. There is no right way or wrong way - only what feels best for you.
Traditional Wedding Processional Order
When the mother of the bride stands - and the rest of the crowd follows her cue - the wedding procession starts and the procession begins.
By this time, everyone should be in position, thus:
1. The officiant is standing in front of the seated guests, facing the back of the room (or the rows of chairs) where the procession will enter.
2. The bridegroom is standing to the officiant's left, a little forward of where he and the bride will be standing.
3. The best man is standing to the bridegroom's left, a little behind him.
And now the procession begins:
1. The ushers enter first, walking in pairs. (optional) The groomsmen often join the officiant, groom and best man up front to begin.
2. The bridesmaids follow, walking in single file.
3. Next, the maid of honor enters, waiting until a distinct space has opened up after the last bridesmaid.
4. After that, the ring-bearer enters, carrying a cushion with the ring sewn to it. It is best to use a fake ring rather than the real one, to prevent embarrassment if it's dropped. The actual ring should be carried by the best man and by the maid of honor, if it is a double ring ceremony.
5. Now the flower girl enters, closely following the ring-bearer. You might have these children walk in side by side if they are particularly young or nervous.
6. At this point, the musicians (recorded music) begins playing the wedding march at full volume. And then the bride starts down the aisle, her father on her left.
7. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids have arrived or are about to arrive at the front where the ceremony will take place. They may have filed into the front row, in which case the mother of the bride and the bridegroom's family will occupy the second row on both sides. If you want them seated in the front row, the bridesmaids should be on the left and the groomsmen on the right. If the bridal attendants and groomsmen are going to stand with the wedding couple during the ceremony, they can arrange themselves in one of two ways:
(A) As they arrive, the groomsmen form a semicircle, leaving enough room between them so the bridesmaids can position themselves next to the groomsman they'll be paired with for the recessional. Or...
(B) The bridesmaids line up on the left-hand side and the groomsmen on the right. If you choose this arrangement, the first bridesmaid to arrive at the altar should move to the farthest left, with others lining up to her right. The object here is to leave room for the maid of honor to stand next to the bride during the ceremony.
8. The bride and her father arrive at the front of the seating section. Now the bride takes the bridegroom's left arm.
After a moment or two, the officiant should begin the ceremony. The usual practice is for both parents to then take seats in the front pew, although some authorities hold that the father should remain at the front. At this point, you should relax, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in the experience. After all, it is something you will probably remember, in detail, for the rest of your life.
The Processional Formation
Bridal Party Formation At the Front
The Recessional Formation
Bridal Party Formation At the Front
The Recessional Formation
[diagrams courtesy of The Marriage Minister www.marriage-minister.com/]