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PROCESSIONAL:
The Processional is the entrance of the Wedding Party,
Officiant, Groom, Bride and her Father/Escort.
In a Christian, or Civil, Ceremony, the Bride's Attendants are on the left side of the Ceremony
area, and the Groom's Attendants are on the right side.
Everyone in the Processional should do a slow, natural walk, right foot first.
Each attendant, or couple, does not start walking the aisle
until the one in front of them has almost reached the altar area, to allow for pictures.
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Begin with the ones who will
be the farthest from the Officiant, and build in to the center.
In some cases the Groomsmen will enter with the Officiant, Groom and Best Man.
Maid/Matron of Honor, Flower Girl and Ring Bearer (be sure
to have the parents of the children seated on the aisle-side of the second or third row, opposite where their child will be
standing.)
Bride and
Father or Escort
RECESSIONAL:
Quicker natural walk, following about 6 feet behind couple in front of
them.
Bride and Groom (The
Bride and Groom walk the aisle alone. No one starts walking until they have reached the end of the aisle.)
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer (Do not start them until after
Bride and Groom have reached the other end of the aisle)
Maid/Matron of Honor and Best Man; Bridesmaids and Groomsmen.
Parents of the Bride; Parents of the Groom; Grandparents
of the Bride; Grandparents of the Groom; Other Guests
HONOR
SEATING:
This is done
before the wedding party enters, and is different for Christian, Jewish, and other ethnic backgrounds, but you can use it
as a guideline.
This
usually begins about five minutes before the Processional. Ladies should be escorted by Groomsmen or Ushers.
Grandparents of the Groom (2nd row right side).
Grandparents of the Bride (2nd row left side).
Parents of the Groom (1st row right side).
Mother of the Bride (1st row left side).
Please Note: if the parents of the Bride or Groom are divorced,
the birth Mother of the Bride or Groom, sits in the first row, with the Father & step-mother in the second row.
SECOND WEDDINGS/GETTING REMARRIED
It is my personal opinion that even if this is a second wedding you can do it however
you wish. With that in mind, here are a few "traditional" guidelines that I have come across.
You can do whatever you want, but keep in mind you really
don't want to offened anyone while you're doing it-and some will be.
Bright white bridal gowns should be avoided - off-white or ivory shades are fine. The
gown can be as formal or informal as she likes.
Again, avoid bright white invitations - off-white or ivory are more appropriate.
There is no question "Who gives this bride ?" Her father
can still escort her down the aisle, kiss her cheek, and place her hand in the Groom's hand. He then turns and sits down next
to his wife. No blusher veil over her face, just a veil in back, or a headpiece...any length she likes.
Other than these few things, she can do anything else she
likes, as long as it is in good taste, and does not offend anyone.
In general, you can go as formal, or informal as you like. You can have a full-blown
church wedding, elope to some romantic destination, or have a quiet romantic wedding in your home.
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