Planning your wedding ceremony often feels like it should be simple you exchange vows, say “I do,” and celebrate. But once you start looking into the details, you’ll quickly realise there are dozens of small but important decisions that shape the entire flow and feeling of your ceremony. These choices might not be on your radar yet, but they’ll help make sure everything runs smoothly and feels personal to you.
1. Does Your Officiant Walk or Stand?
Some officiants walk down the aisle with the processional, while others simply take their place before the ceremony begins. Both are perfectly acceptable, but it’s worth deciding ahead of time. Personally, I love when officiants are already in place—it gives them a chance to explain details to your guests before everything kicks off.
2. What Is a Processional, and Who’s in It?
The processional is the order of how people walk down the aisle. The traditional order looks like this:
- Grandparents escorted by ushers
- Parents of the groom
- Mother of the bride escorted by an usher
- Groom
- Groomsmen and bridesmaids
- Best man and maid of honour
- Ring bearer
- Flower girl
- Father of the bride and bride
But you can always change this order to fit your preferences and family dynamics.
3. Should Guests Stand for the Entrance?
Traditionally, guests stand when the bride walks down the aisle. Most people will assume this is what’s expected, but make sure your officiant prompts everyone to sit back down before the ceremony officially begins. Otherwise, you might have people standing awkwardly the whole time.
4. What Does the Bridal Party Do?
Traditionally, the bridal party stands with you throughout the ceremony. Another option is to have them walk in, stand for a quick moment and photo, then take a seat with the guests. This can make your ceremony feel more intimate and less crowded at the front.
5. Where Do Parents and Guests Sit?
Do you want parents sitting on their respective sides, or would you prefer they sit together on the same side? Do you want to assign sides for guests, or allow everyone to mix? Both options work—it just depends on what feels right for you.
6. Readings, Poems, or Unity Ceremonies
If you plan to include readings, poems, songs, or a unity ceremony, you’ll want to decide where those participants will stand and how those moments flow. These details may seem small, but they help the ceremony feel seamless.
7. Public or Private Vows?
You don’t have to read your vows in front of everyone if that feels too vulnerable. Some couples choose to share personal vows privately during a first look, then keep the ceremony vows shorter and more traditional.
8. How Do You Want to Be Pronounced?
“Married,” “husband and wife,” “wife and wife,” “partners for life”—this is your moment, so make sure your officiant knows exactly what words feel right for you.
9. What’s the Exit Plan?
The first kiss and walk down the aisle are unforgettable moments. Some couples add a second kiss or fun move halfway down the aisle for an extra photo-worthy moment. After you exit, decide what comes next: a receiving line, extended family portraits, signing the marriage license, or maybe even a private cocktail to soak it all in.
10. Recessional Details
Do you want your bridal party to exit with you? The recessional is essentially the reverse of the processional. Just make sure your bridal party waits until you’re completely out of view before following, so they don’t end up in your aisle photos.
11. Ceremony Seating Flow
If you’re doing untraditional ceremony seating, think about where your guests, bridal party, and even you will be walking from. Work this out with your photographer so the flow makes sense and looks beautiful.
12. Where Does the Celebrant Stand?
Do you want your celebrant between the two of you, or slightly off to the side so the focus is on you both? This small detail can make a big difference in your ceremony photos.
These details may seem small, but together they set the tone for one of the most meaningful moments of your wedding day. Thinking them through ahead of time gives you the freedom to be fully present in the moment, knowing everything is taken care of. Your ceremony should reflect your personalities, your love, and your story so make choices that feel true to you.
