Ceremony planning

Generally unless you are having someone officiate the ceremony with no experience of doing so (i.e. a friend or family member), your officiant or celebrant will provide the order of everything and the timing (generally after asking you what you want to include in your ceremony - often they provide a number of options for you to choose from).

Have you talked to your officiant? They may have scripts already with a general outline. As long as you include the declaration of intent and vows as required by the state, the other order is optional based on your preferences.


Do a search on Google for ceremony outlines.

View Quoted Comment I guess I should mention that We are having my cousin officiate.

Hi Ashlynn! Here's a general rundown of ceremony events:

Prelude (music playing before the ceremony starts, includes the seating of parents & grandparents)

Processional (wedding party and the couple)

Opening Remarks / Welcome

Readings

(Optional) Officiant Addresses Couple (about the responsibilities of marriage and the sanctity of the vows you're about to take)

Unity Ceremony

Exchange of Vows

Exchange of Rings

Closing Remarks

The Kiss

Recessional

You can also check out these helpful articles with include example programs with ceremony details:

7 Things You Might Not Know About Planning Your Wedding Ceremony

Here’s What to Include in Your Wedding Ceremony Programs

15 Wedding Program Ideas to Outline All the Ceremony Details