What is the order of entrance procession?
There is, of course, a traditional order which you can choose, and it goes like this. Bridesmaids enter first, escorted by groomsmen or alone. The maid or matron of honour enters last accompanied by the best man. Ring bearer and flower girl follow the adult party, they can enter one by one or together. If kids are old enough, they can stay at the altar together with the rest of the wedding party, otherwise, it’s best to have them sit with their parents once they walked the aisle (consider sitting their parents in one of the front rows). And finally, the last comes the bride. For same-sex marriages, the couple can choose to walk the isle together or one by one, or maybe skip the procession altogether.
Nowadays, however, you can easily mix things up and create the order of the ceremony that you feel comfortable with. The groom can walk in first, on his own or accompanying his parents, or the couple can walk in together… Just think what feels natural to you!
How to arrange ceremony sitting? What is the correct bride’s and groom’s side?
You might want to change your standing position following a more flattering angle for photography, and equally, you can let your guests choose the place they’re comfortable at. This also helps for everyone to get to know each other quicker and generally break the ice.
What type of ceremony is best to have?
What is the best time of the day to have the ceremony?
Most couples think of the ceremony as one of the most anticipated moments of the wedding day. And with this, you’d want to make sure that you have the best possible photographs to capture the memories of the moment, especially that it all happens so fast on the day.
Which is why, if you’re planning on a ceremony at an outdoor location, I always find it best to plan the ceremony timing around the light on the day. The best light for photos is the golden hour — around 1 hour before sunset — and you want to have that time for your portrait photos. Most ceremonies take 15-30 minutes depending, so schedule yours around 30 min before the golden hour starts.
That way the light already be soft enough to create flattering images of the ceremony itself and will give you an ample time for family photos afterward, before the two of you sneak out for a few shots of married bliss.
Does the bride wear her engagement ring for the ceremony?
Personal or template vows?