What is the Traditional Wedding Ceremony Order?

What is the Traditional Wedding Ceremony Processional Order?

Brought to you by B.E Driven’s Zero to Wedding Coordinator in One Day Course, this is your short and simple guide to a traditional wedding processional.

This is written for both planners/coordinators and couples.

But we need to note a few things before we begin :

1. This is a traditional processional for a hetero couple. Since LGBTQ+ weddings were only legalized federally in 2015, there is no technical ‘traditional’ processional. Many of these will not apply. A blog post is in the queue for the future touching on different ideas for LGBTQ+ wedding processionals.

2. We post this blog post knowing many Americans desire traditional weddings, but we always celebrate the nontraditional and often say, “Do what feels like you and what you would like to do on your day.”

Ready to dive in?

Let’s look at the infographic below :

Traditional Wedding Processional Order

Which side does the bride stand on for the ceremony?

The left.

However, I have had several brides who have a specific side they like better in photos, so they switch to the right side.

Questions you need to ask and assumptions you should not make as a wedding planner/coordinator :

1. That the couple wants a traditional processional. Many are opting for at least a few nontraditional details.

2. That the grandparents and parents are all attending the wedding. Some may be deceased. Some may have a problem with the marriage so they are not attending. To avoid awkward conversations, instead of asking, “And what is your dad’s name for when he walks you down the aisle?” ask, “And who will be walking you down the aisle?” Etc.

3. Do not assume the parents and grandparents are still married. Again, ask, “Will any parents be walking down the aisle? Who will be escorting them?”

A Helpful Hint for Wedding Ceremonies

Create a seating chart for the reserved rows. This way, the coordinator can assure everyone has a seat and knows where to sit with no extra drama.

Six Ceremony Details You Need to Nail Down

1. Will there be a unity candle? If so, who will be lighting the candles initially and when? Where will the lighters be placed?

2. Will there be a reading? Who will be reading? Who is in charge of the mic and where will the mic be until that moment?

3. Where will the ring-bearer and flower girl go after walking down the aisle? Sometimes they are too young to stand during the ceremony, so you will need to have a clear plan where they head.

4. Will candles need to be lit prior to the ceremony?

5. Will you be doing a first look before the ceremony? This is imperative to note if they opt out of a first look.

6. Who will be in charge of the rings?

So that’s it! A traditional ceremony processional. Are you a brand new wedding coordinator/planner reading this? Check out our Zero to Wedding Coordinator in One Day Course: The only wedding coordination course you will ever need.

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