Wedding Day: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. The wedding ceremony is often followed by a reception. The ceremony includes an exchange of vows, presentation of gifts, and a public proclamation of marriage. The couple may also exchange rings.

Before the ceremony, the wedding party and couple walk down the aisle. The officiant then welcomes the couple and guests and may say a prayer or reading. The officiant reminds the couple of the responsibilities and meaning of the vows they are about to take and asks if there is any legal reason why they should not marry. The couple then exchanges vows and rings. The officiant then pronounces the couple as married, and the couple kisses. The ceremony ends with closing remarks from the officiant.

At the reception, the newlyweds are greeted by a song or congratulations. The best man, father of the bride, and groom deliver speeches. The newlyweds then dance, cut the cake, and may throw the bouquet and garter. The newlyweds are usually the first to leave the reception.

The wedding ceremony

• Processional
• Welcome and Opening Remarks

Once the couple has reached the front, the officiant or member of the clergy will welcome everyone and kick off the proceedings. They may share a few words about the couple, their love story, or the meaning of marriage. This is also an opportunity for the officiant to remind the couple and guests about the responsibilities and significance of the vows that are about to be taken.

• Readings, Prayers, or Quotes
• Commitment Statements and Declaration of Intent

The couple will then exchange commitment statements or vows, declaring their love and making meaningful promises to each other. There are certain legal declarations and contracting words that are required for the marriage to be official, but the couple may also write their own personalised vows.

Exchange of Rings

Although not a legal requirement, the exchange of wedding rings is a common tradition. The officiant will hand the rings to the couple, who will then place them on each other's fingers, often accompanied by a phrase of their choice.

Pronouncement and First Kiss

The officiant will then pronounce the couple as newlyweds and give them permission to kiss, marking the first kiss as a married couple. This is a memorable moment that is often captured by the wedding photographer.

Optional Address, Prayer, or Reading

In religious ceremonies, this is often followed by a talk from a member of the clergy, additional prayers, or a bible reading. In non-religious ceremonies, this is a good opportunity for another wedding reading or a musical performance.

Signing of the Register

To finalise the legal aspect of the wedding, the couple will sign the marriage license or register. This is usually done in the presence of two witnesses, who can be chosen in advance, and the officiant. Some background music can be played during this time while the guests are seated.

Closing Remarks and Recessional

The officiant will conclude the ceremony with closing remarks, offering congratulations and well wishes to the newlyweds. The couple will then walk back up the aisle together, marking their first walk as a married couple. This is often followed by a grand exit, such as a confetti shot or a dramatic departure in a classic car.

The wedding reception

The Arrival of the Newlyweds

The bride and groom usually take some time after the ceremony to capture their special day with wedding photos. During this time, guests will make their way to the reception venue. The newlyweds will then make their grand entrance to the reception, often greeted by a song of their choice or "Congratulations".

The Welcome Process

At the reception venue, guests will find their assigned seats with the help of a table list. Welcome drinks are typically served, and there is usually a gift table where guests can place their presents for the newlyweds.

The Wedding Speeches

Once the starters have been cleared, the MC, best man, father of the bride, and groom may give speeches. These speeches are meant to be fun and short but often include heartfelt thanks and trips down memory lane.

The Opening of the Dance Floor

After the speeches, the newlyweds share their first dance as a married couple. This is followed by the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance. The bridal party then joins in, and the dance floor is opened to all guests.

The Bouquet Toss and Garter Throw

The groom removes the bride's garter and tosses it to a group of bachelors, predicting that the catcher will be the next to marry. The bride then tosses her bouquet to a group of bachelorettes, signifying the same. The two catchers may then dance together.

The Cutting of the Cake

The bride and groom cut their wedding cake together, and slices are often handed out by the flower girls. Socialising and dancing usually continue for a while longer.

The Departure of the Newlyweds

The newlyweds are typically the first to leave the reception, often forming a tunnel with their hands for the couple to walk through as they thank their guests. The couple then heads to a hotel to rest before their honeymoon.

The After-Party

The party doesn't have to stop when the newlyweds leave! Guests may continue to dance and socialise, and an after-party is sometimes held at a spot near the reception venue.

The wedding breakfast

Drinks and Canapés

The wedding party, including the couple, will often disappear for a while after the ceremony to take photographs. During this time, the guests will make their way to the reception venue. They will be greeted with welcome drinks and canapés and will be directed to a table plan. This is also an opportunity for guests to drop off their gifts for the couple.

The Grand Entrance

The couple will then make their grand entrance, often with a fun dance, and take their seats at the head table.

Speeches

The father of the bride usually gives a welcoming speech, but sometimes the couple may prefer to do this themselves. The best man will then thank the wedding party and bridesmaids before delivering a speech about the couple. The bride's father will then say a few words, followed by the groom.

Food

The main meal is then served. This is usually a buffet or a three-course meal, with starters, a main course, and dessert.

First Dance

After the meal, the couple will take to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. This is often followed by a father-daughter dance and a mother-son dance.

Bouquet Toss and Garter Throw

The bachelors are then called to the dance floor for the throwing of the garter, which predicts who will be the next to marry. The bride then throws her bouquet to the bachelorettes, with the same prediction.

Cake Cutting

The couple then cut their wedding cake, which is usually served to the guests. This marks the halfway point of the reception.

Photos

The couple will then often take some fun photos, either on the dance floor or at a chosen location.

Dancing

The party continues, and the guests take to the dance floor.

Grand Finale

The couple will either make a grand exit or sneak out for some alone time.

The wedding attire

Traditional Western Wedding Attire:

• Bride: A long white wedding dress and a veil. The colour white has been associated with purity and virginal innocence, popularized by Queen Victoria.
• Groom: A suit or tuxedo in black, white, or coloured variants.

Cultural and Religious Wedding Attire:

• Ao dai: Traditional Vietnamese garments.
• Barong Tagalog: Embroidered formal wear from the Philippines.
• Batik and Kebaya: Garments worn by the Javanese people of Indonesia and the Malay people of Malaysia.
• Dashiki: Traditional West African attire.
• Dhoti: Male garment from South India.
• Hanbok: Traditional Korean outfit.
• Kilt: Scottish male garment.
• Qun Gua or Kua: Chinese formal wear, which can be in the form of a qipao or hanfu.
• Sari or Lehenga: Indian traditional and popular attire.
• Shiromuku Kimono: Traditional Japanese wedding garment.
• Tiara or wedding crown: Worn by Syrian, Greek, and Scandinavian brides.

Wedding Party Attire:

• Bridesmaids: They can wear matching or coordinated dresses in a chosen colour scheme.
• Groomsmen: They usually wear suits or tuxedos that complement the groom's attire.
• Flower Girls and Page Boys: Their outfits can be themed to match the wedding colours or the couple's attire.

Pre-Wedding Attire:

• Rehearsal Dinner: The couple may opt for a more casual or themed outfit for this event.
• Bridal Shower: The bride might wear something comfortable yet festive, like a white dress or a fun outfit with bridal accessories.
• Bachelor/Bachelorette Party: The bride and groom can choose fun and playful outfits for their respective parties.

Seasonal and Location-Based Attire:

• Summer Wedding: Light and breathable fabrics like linen or cotton in soft colours are popular choices.
• Winter Wedding: Warmer options such as long sleeves, thicker fabrics, and darker colours are often preferred.
• Beach Wedding: Attire can be more relaxed, incorporating light and flowy fabrics with a tropical or nautical theme.
• Outdoor Wedding: Consider the weather and terrain when selecting attire, such as flat shoes or boots for outdoor adventures.

Accessories and Details:

• Jewellery: This includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and hair accessories that complement the outfit.
• Shoes: Comfort is key, especially for dancing. Choose stylish yet comfortable shoes for the couple and wedding party.
• Hairstyles: The bride and bridesmaids may opt for updos, braids, or loose curls to complete their look.
• Makeup: Natural and soft makeup looks are popular, with a focus on enhancing the couple's features.

Remember, these are just some guidelines and suggestions. The most important aspect is that the couple feels comfortable, confident, and true to their personal style on their special day.

The wedding party

In addition to their roles in the ceremony, the wedding party also participates in the reception festivities. They may be included in the couple's wedding photos and join them for their grand entrance into the reception venue. The wedding party is usually seated at a head table during the reception and may be involved in traditions such as the first dance, parent dances, and the cake cutting.

Overall, the wedding party plays an essential role in supporting the couple throughout the wedding ceremony and reception, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and enjoying the celebration with them.

Frequently asked questions