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Beginner March 2020

Ceremony timeline?

Emily, on August 24, 2019 at 11:34 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 3

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I feel like this is kinda a dumb question: I’ve been to one ceremony as an adult, and it wasn’t a traditional wedding. What exactly does a traditional wedding look like? Are you supposed to throw the rice after the ceremony or after the reception? What am I supposed to have prepared song-wise? We picked a first dance song, and I think my brother is going to play piano for me to walk down the aisle and is to leave. But how does a basic church wedding usually go? We’re not set to meet with our pastor quite yet, and I know I’ll get to ask him these questions, but I can’t wait, I’m so curious.

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Latest activity by Clíodhna, on August 27, 2019 at 8:45 AM

Devoted June 2020
· on August 25, 2019 at 12:22 AM
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That's not a dumb question. For every question there is a person wondering the same thing.
I've been in plenty of weddings as well as
a guest. Unless you're conservative there isn't anymore traditional wedding. I think that's
so beautiful your brother playing a piano.
What is your vision? What will make YOU
happy? The only thing churches have there
Only guidelines to follow.
Congratulations! Relax enjoy.
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Champion December 2017
earias · on August 25, 2019 at 12:39 AM
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A traditional church wedding includes the seating of the parents, processional of the wedding party and then the bride. Once the bride arrives at the altar the pastor will often say a prayer and then give a little message about marriage. Some couples then do a unity candle ceremony, then say the vows and exchange the rings. The ceremony ends with a kiss and the pastor announces the newlywed couple by the names they will now be known by. After the ceremony is the recessional where the bride, groom, wedding party, and parents go back down the aisle to leave the church. Most places prohibit throwing rice anymore due to it being harmful to the birds. Also, most churches have restrictions about throwing anything (mine did). But if your church is okay with this or a substitute (eg. bubbles or ribbon wands) then you can have your guests line up outside the church to greet you while you exit the church. The guests line up outside the church while the couple and VIPs are inside the church taking pictures. However, some couples decide to save this for after the reception as a "send off."
As for songs, the first dance song is for your reception, not the ceremony. For the ceremony these are the usual events you'll need a song for: about 30 minutes of prelude music while your guests arrive and are seated, a song for the seating of the parents and/or processional song (sometimes brides use the same song for this as well as for their own walk down the aisle), if you do a unity candle ceremony then a song is nice, and finally you need a recessional song for the end of the ceremony.
Here was my program from my church wedding. I added a ring blessing where our wedding rings were passed around and blessed by our guests.
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WeddingWire Administrator January 2030
Clíodhna · on August 27, 2019 at 8:45 AM
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Hey there, Emily!
Welcome to the WeddingWire community
That is so sweet that your brother is going to play the piano for you!
This WeddingWire article is very helpful in detailing all the different songs/music you need to pick for your wedding. Check it out - How to Pick Wedding Ceremony Music That Suits Your Style.
What will your first dance be?
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