One of the main aspects of a wedding, Christian in faith, is to offer all guests a clear cut impression that the couple is making a solemn and everlasting union before God. In modern times, it is appropriate to have wedding party pictures taken before the ceremony. This usually begins about two hours before the wedding will begin. However, time should be scheduled carefully, as this should end approximately forty-five minutes before the ceremony is to begin.
When it is fifteen minutes before the start of the wedding, Christian rules call for the wedding party to be fully prepared and ready to begin. All members should then be in their appropriate places. When the clock shows five minutes to the ceremony, the wedding music, Christian themed will begin.
Candles are often lit right before guests arrive; however sometimes a couple may wish to have the candles lit as part of the actual ceremony. Seating is a very important aspect of a wedding; Christian guidelines are usually followed strictly in this regard. Having family present is an integral part of a Christian wedding. The parents of both the bride and groom are particularly important. Once the wedding music begins, the Groom’s grandmother should be led to her seat, then the bride’s grandmother. After that, the groom’s parents will be seated, followed by the bride’s mother.
The groom and the minister who will be conducting the ceremony will enter from the right side. The groomsmen will escort the bridesmaid down the aisle, slowly and one pair at a time. After that procession he maid of hone will walk the aisle. Sometimes, a couple will choose to have the best man escort the Maid of Honor; it is an option. The Flower girl or Ring Bearer will be the next to follow. Once all is in place, the wedding march will begin and this is when the bride will be escorted down the aisle on the arm of her father. All guests should stand when this happens; the minister may speak up at the moment to ask guests to do so. If the bride’s father is unable to attend or escort the bride, she may choose a male relative, or she may choose to walk solely.
There will be number prayers and remarks. These can be done in no particular order; however it is sometimes suggested to be as follows. The Call to Worship will be read and that will be followed by and Opening Prayer. The minister will work with the couple to choose an opening prayer that is agreed upon. The guests usually will be asked to sit down once the Opening Prayer is completed.
The father of the bride will then give away the bride; this is always a tearful moment. Many times it is after this event that the Flower Girl or Ring Bearer may sit with their parents. There will be other prayers, such as the Charge to Bride and Groom, The Pledge and the prayers that are mixed into the actual wedding vows. When vows are exchanged, the bride and groom should be facing each other. Wedding Christian themes, must of course, include the exchange of rings.
Once rings are exchange, the ceremony is not quite done. Usually, another candle lighting ceremony will take place. This one will show the unity of the marriage and will involve both bride and groom. Once done, a Pronouncement will take place and then for some couples, a communion will be incorporated into the ceremony. This is sometimes a very important aspect, as it will be the first event that is done as a married couple.
A closing prayer is often read by the minister and then a wedding; Christian theme will have the couple give the famous kiss. The couple will then be announced as a married couple and will exit the church. The bride and groom will leave first, of course. The will be followed by the wedding party.