Wedding Kiss: What Comes After?

The first kiss shared by the newlyweds is often the most climactic part of a wedding ceremony. After the kiss, the officiant usually announces the couple as married, and the newlyweds then lead the recessional down the aisle, with guests cheering and clapping. The couple might share a little celebration at this point, and the bride may retrieve her bouquet before taking off down the aisle. The newlyweds will often walk a little way from the ceremony to have a few seconds to themselves before being congratulated by the wedding party and family.

The couple is pronounced as married

The moment has arrived: the couple has been pronounced as married! Now, they seal their marriage with a kiss. This is a huge moment in their lives, so they should savour it and enjoy it. They might laugh, or they might cry – either way, it's an emotional moment.

After the kiss, the newlyweds will usually walk down the aisle, hand-in-hand, with the bride perhaps picking up her bouquet first. They'll often walk a little way away from the ceremony site to have a few seconds to themselves before being congratulated by the wedding party and family and friends.

The wedding party will then follow the couple down the aisle in reverse order of the processional. The newlyweds might turn to face their guests for the first time as a married couple, and the guests will cheer and applaud. The photographer should be ready to capture the final moments of the ceremony.

The couple kisses

The couple's first kiss is a highly anticipated moment in the wedding ceremony. It is a climactic moment that seals their marriage. The couple may feel nervous about kissing in front of everyone, especially if they are not used to public displays of affection. However, most couples report that the excitement of the moment takes over, and the kiss feels natural and easy.

After the couple has exchanged vows and rings, the officiant will announce them as married, and the couple will share their first kiss. The bride will then take back her bouquet, and the newlyweds will walk down the aisle, usually stopping briefly to celebrate the moment together before being congratulated by the wedding party and family. The couple may also choose to kiss again before walking down the aisle.

The kiss is typically followed by closing remarks or prayers from the officiant and a recessional, during which the wedding party exits the ceremony. The newlyweds lead the way, followed by the flower girl, ring bearer, maid of honour, best man, and bridesmaids and groomsmen, who walk in pairs. The parents of the couple may also choose to follow, but this is not necessary. The officiant usually pronounces the couple married and encourages the guests to applaud and cheer for the newlyweds.

The couple exits the ceremony

The couple's kiss is often the climax of the wedding ceremony, so it makes sense to be nervous about what comes next!

After the first kiss, the newlyweds will usually be pronounced as married by the officiant. The couple can then take a few moments to themselves before being congratulated by the wedding party and family. The couple then leads the recessional, walking back down the aisle to exit the ceremony. The recessional usually follows the reverse order of the processional, with the maid of honour and best man following the couple, and then the flower girl and ring bearer. The rest of the wedding party follows, and the parents may choose to join as well.

The couple's exit from the ceremony is often marked by celebrations and well-wishes from the guests, who may toss dried flowers or other props.

The couple signs the marriage license

The couple signing the marriage license is a crucial step in the wedding process, ensuring that the union is legally recognised. Here is a detailed guide on this important aspect:

Obtaining the Marriage License:

Before the wedding, the couple needs to obtain the marriage license, which is a document issued by the county clerk's office or municipality. This license permits the couple to marry and is a prerequisite for the legal recognition of their union. The process typically involves setting a date and location, finding the appropriate county clerk's office, and applying for the license with the required documentation and fees.

Signing the Marriage License:

After the wedding ceremony, the couple, the officiant, and witnesses need to sign the marriage license. The couple signs the license first, followed by the officiant who performed the ceremony. The officiant could be a judge, a religious leader, or even a friend ordained for the day. The presence of witnesses is also essential, with most states requiring two witnesses who are physically present and over the age of 18. The witnesses could be the parents, maid of honour, best man, or any other individuals chosen by the couple.

Returning the Marriage License:

Once the marriage license is signed, it is the responsibility of the officiant to return it to the county clerk's office or the county courthouse. This step is crucial for recording the marriage and obtaining a marriage certificate. The marriage certificate serves as proof of the legal union and is essential for various name change and insurance-related processes.

Timing and Deadlines:

It is important to be mindful of timing and deadlines when dealing with marriage licenses. Couples typically sign the license right after the wedding ceremony, but there is usually a grace period of 30-60 days to file the certificate. However, it is best to sign the license as soon as possible to avoid any delays in obtaining the marriage certificate.

Witnesses and Other Requirements:

The presence of witnesses during the signing of the marriage license is mandatory, and their signatures are required on the document. Additionally, some states may require specific documentation, such as birth certificates or divorce decrees, to be presented during the signing process. It is essential to check the requirements of the particular state and county where the wedding is taking place.

In summary, the couple's signature on the marriage license, along with that of the officiant and witnesses, is a critical step in finalising the legal aspects of their union. By obtaining and signing the license, and then having the officiant return it, the couple ensures the validity of their marriage in the eyes of the law.

The couple celebrates with their wedding party and family

The couple's first kiss as spouses is an emotional and highly anticipated moment. But what happens after the kiss? The newlyweds will want to celebrate their union with their wedding party and family, often marking the beginning of festivities that extend late into the night. Here's how the couple might choose to celebrate with their loved ones:

The Recessional

The recessional is the couple's first act as newlyweds, exiting the ceremony space with their wedding party. The recessional usually follows the reverse order of the processional, with the newlyweds leading the way, followed by the flower girl, ring bearer, maid of honour, best man, and bridesmaids/groomsmen. The parents of the couple may also choose to join the recessional.

The Wedding Party

The wedding party plays a crucial role in the couple's celebration. They are the couple's chosen companions and supporters throughout the wedding journey. The wedding party typically consists of the maid/matron of honour, best man, and bridesmaids/groomsmen, who are often the couple's closest friends or family members.

The Reception

The reception is a time for the couple and their wedding party to let loose and celebrate. It usually takes place after the recessional and can involve a variety of activities such as:

• A grand entrance: The couple and their wedding party make a spectacular entrance into the reception venue, often with energetic music and cheering guests.
• Food and drinks: The couple and their guests enjoy a meal together, with options ranging from casual fare like burgers and fries to more elegant dining.
• Toasts and speeches: Members of the wedding party, family, and friends may give toasts and speeches to honour the couple.
• First dance: The couple shares their first dance as a married couple, often a slow and romantic song.
• Dancing and music: The couple and their guests dance the night away, with a mix of fast and slow songs to suit all tastes.
• Cake cutting: The couple cuts and shares their wedding cake, a sweet symbol of their union.
• Bouquet and garter toss: The bride tosses her bouquet, while the groom tosses the garter, to predict which unmarried guests might be next to wed.
• Games and activities: The couple and their guests may participate in wedding games, photo booths, or other activities for added fun.

Intimate Moments

Amid the excitement of the celebration, the couple may steal private moments to savour their union. They might sneak away for intimate kisses, a private first dance, or a quiet stroll, creating lasting memories of their special day.

Family Involvement

The couple's family members, including parents, grandparents, and siblings, often play a significant role in the celebration. They may offer blessings, share advice, and dance with the couple. The presence of family adds a layer of warmth and emotion to the festivities.

In conclusion, the couple's celebration with their wedding party and family is a joyous and memorable part of their wedding day. It is a time for love, laughter, and the creation of lifelong memories.

Frequently asked questions