Obviously many couples are unfamiliar with the wedding service and so are uncertain as to the wording of an order of service.

I would always recommend talking with the person carrying out the service/ceremony for the best advice and how they would like the information to be presented. It is also advised that any order of service has the approval of the person conducting the ceremony before going to print.

These I find normally fall into 3 styles.

The first would be a formal booklet which would go into great detail to lead your guests through the ceremony.

As a general guide this will include

A title page

Great Witley Church,

Witley Court,

Great Witley

The marriage of

Sarah Louise

To

Luke Evans

Saturday 21st July 2012

12.30pm

Followed by

The Entrance of the Bride

Welcome and Introduction

Hymn

(with words)

The Readings

(with words)

The Address

Hymn

(with words)

The Marriage

The Signing of the Register,

The Blessing

Procession of the Bride and Groom

Music: Wedding March by Mendelssohn

Couples may wish to go a little further and add a credit page at the start. With maybe a thank-you message at the end to parents and guests.

The service is conducted by          name

Organist                                            name

Parents of the bride                        names

Parents of the groom                     names

Best Man                                           name

Head Bridesmaid                            name

Bridesmaids                                     names

Ushers                                               names

The second would be a less formal approach following the above but leaving out the words and maybe just having hymn numbers for guests to find in hymn books.

The third option would be to have a single card with just headings on to allow your guests to follow the ceremony. This would  more suit a ceremony not held in a church.

The Marriage of Sharon & Neil

Monday 15th August 2011

The arrival of the Bride

Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel

Declaratory vows

Poem written and read by Linda Flynn

Ceremony

Reading by Jack Boyce
He Never Leaves the Seat Up by Pam Ayres

The signing of the register

Reading by Tom Greggs
The Blessing of the Apaches

Exit

Hopefully, this will be a help to couples who may be struggling with their order of service. Remember talk with the person conducting the ceremony and add your own touches as you want,

and we are always here to help.