1. Wedding Officiants - What You Need to Know
Learn the language! Become familiar with these common wedding terms and important details.
- Officiant - pastor, minister, rabbi, religious leader, captain or other person legally qualified to perform your ceremony.
- Bridal or wedding party - friends and family chosen to participate in your wedding ceremony – bridesmaids, flower girl, groomsmen, ring bearer.
- Processional – entrance of wedding party. Traditional order is grandparents, parents, bridal party, ring bearer, flower girl, bride and her father.
- Recessional – exiting of wedding party. Traditionally, bride and groom lead the way; followed by bridal party, ring bearer, flower girl and officiant.
- Vows - promises made by couples to each other and declared during the exchanging of rings. Vows can be traditional or personalized and written by the couple.
- Lighting of unity candle - a traditional ceremony where bride and groom each take a lit candle and together light a single candle representing the start of their marriage.
- Sand ceremony - a common ceremony where the bride and groom each take individual containers of sand and pour them into a new and single container representing the start of their marriage.
- Readings - Common ceremony activity where a friend or family member reads a meaningful poem or passage.
- Marriage license - the official legal document to be signed and recorded with the county. IMPORTANT: This document will need to be signed by the bride, groom, officiant and at least one witness.
EXPERT TIP:
TIP: A frequent guest comment is, “It was difficult to hear the bride and groom.” Include a microphone and speakers at your ceremony to be sure every guest can hear not only the officiant but also you!