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.
