Church Wedding Ceremony
A church wedding ceremony is probably the most traditional and romantic way to get hitched. Getting married in a church, for some people, makes the whole business feel more permanent especially if it is a particularly grand or glorious church wedding service with every pew brimming with damp-eyed friends and relatives!
ORDER OF CEREMONY
Before the big day the vicar will probably request a series of meetings and probably advise a rehearsal. It is also advisable to pay all charges and service fees beforehand - it will be one less thing to think about on the day.
Bell-ringers can broadcast the happy day, although some churches do not allow bell-ringing during certain church festivals such as Lent and Advent.
Be warned if there is more than one wedding on a particular day the minister may rule against private flowers at the ceremony.
On the day family and friends arrive well before the bride. Guests are given an order of service as they enter the church. The groom’s party sit on the right side of the church and the bride’s on the left.
The bride walks down the aisle on her father’s arm. She may also choose a close relative instead, if she is estranged from her father, or if her father has passed away.
Traditional wedding music is normally played at this point, on the church organ.
The bride and groom meet at the chancel step.
The minister asks for the presentation of the bride by her father or close relative. (The bride may even choose to walk down the aisle on her own and leave the giving away part out of the service altogether).
The minister will start off the wedding with prayers of welcome and an introduction to the state of marriage. He will also ask if there is any just reason why the marriage cannot take place.
The bride and groom make their declarations and promises before God.
They follow with the traditional wedding vows, with possible variations.
The bride and groom exchange rings.
The minister proclaims that the bride and groom are now husband and wife and tells the groom he may kiss the bride.
During the service there are normally readings, hymns and further musical pieces.
Photographs and videos may be allowed in the church so long as flash is not used.
The newly-weds retire to the vestry with close members of the family and bridal party to sign the register.
The bride and groom walk arm in arm down the aisle and leave the church.
The next session of photographs or videos are taken outside.
Confetti is thrown, although many churches do strongly object because of the mess, so an alternative to the traditional type could be fresh or dried rose petals or flower heads.
The bridal party, led by the bride and groom, leave for the reception.
READINGS
Because of the type of service there is not the scope or need for too many readings.
Choose popular scriptures, religious poems or even the words of a favourite hymn.
Ask a close relative or friend to do the readings, but don’t force anyone to undertake this important task if they are not equipped to deal with it.
Choose someone with a clear voice who won’t suffer from nerves on the day.
Encourage them to practise your chosen readings before the big day.
MUSIC
One of the best reasons to get married in church is because of the size of the organ or choir and the spine-tingling acoustics.
The resident organist performs the most usual type of wedding music, but do make sure he or she is accomplished – badly played organ music could ruin your grand entrance.
It is always a good idea to hear the organist play before you book their services.
You may prefer to hire a different type of musician such as a harpist or even book your own organist. If the minister agrees to book the organist do check well in time that he has remembered to do it!
The first music of the day will be the prelude music, which is played while guests arrive and are seated in the church. It sets the mood and can last a good fifteen minutes. The style of music is normally in the popular classical vein and uplifting.
This is followed by the processional music, which is played as the bride glides down the aisle. It is usually grand and stately and should last until the bride and her attendants have reached the altar.
Most church weddings include at least two hymns. These can be family favourites or something grand, with the addition of a choir, but try to choose something that is well known. Check the words are suitable for your wedding and make sure the vicar and the organist are aware of the version you want and fully approve of your choice.
During the signing of the register there is usually a small selection of relaxing music played to entertain the guests and hold the wedding atmosphere.
Finally there is the recessional music, which should be vigorous and triumphant to signal that the celebrations have begun in earnest!