A traditional wedding is ideal for couples who want a conventional celebration that resembles years gone by. Surprisingly, despite more modern wedding trends emerging, a traditional wedding remains one of the most sought-after options among couples preparing for their nuptials.

Granted, a few changes, such as a venue other than a church, are now acceptable, the ceremony order remains similar. Here is a breakdown of a traditional wedding and what to expect if you plan or attend one:

Engagement

Long before their wedding day, a couple gets engaged. This indicates their intention to marry each other. At this time, a fiancée presents his fiancé with a ring to symbolize his love and desire to marry ear. While a diamond ring is a traditionally accepted engagement ring, many couples visit https://www.moissaniteco.com/what-is-moissanite to find out about Moissanite Co.’s moissanite rings, a gemstone that comes from meteors, offering more luster, brilliance, and shine than a diamond.

Once their engagement is announced, some couples opt to have an engagement party to celebrate this happy occasion with friends and family. It is then time to start planning their wedding. On average, an engagement lasts 6-12 months before a wedding occurs.

During this time, a bride and groom-to-be book a venue, organize catering, invite guests, choose décor and entertainment, and find an official to conduct their wedding ceremony. Finally, their big day arrives, and their wedding ceremony commences.

Wedding processional

Brides and grooms-to-be are bound by tradition not to see each other the day of their wedding until they arrive for their ceremony. A groom typically gets there first, waiting at the altar with his groomsmen. Guests arrive and take their seats, with the groom’s family seated to the aisle’s right and the bride’s to the left.

Once a bride arrives with her bridesmaids, they assemble and prepare to enter. Her father or a male relative accompanies her down the aisle and places her hand into her groom’s, symbolizing handing her over into his care. A bride wears a veil at this time, and it will only be removed later during the ceremony. A couple chooses music for their processional, typically a traditional wedding march.

Ceremony commencement

The minister or official presiding over a wedding greets and invites them to be seated. They do a brief introductory speech, welcoming everyone. After that, a Bible reading is used as a basis for a short sermon, typically one about love or marriage.

The official then asks congregation members if anyone presents objects to this marriage, inviting them to speak up or forever hold their peace. Although couples know no one intends to object, everyone holds their breath until this moment passes.

Commitment ceremony

The official now addresses the bride and groom and begins marriage proceedings. They lead the couple through traditional vows, having the bride and groom repeat these vows after them. Alternatively, a bride and groom may prepare individual vows that they say.

It is now time for exchanging rings, which a groomsman or ring bearer keeps until this moment. The couple exchanges wedding bands, placing them on their partner’s left ring finger to symbolize their commitment.

Ceremony conclusion

The official announces that the couple are now husband and wife and invites them to kiss. The groom lifts his bride’s veil, moving it away from her face, and kisses her. The official presents them to their guests, referring to them as Mr. and Mrs. X.

The married couple exit the venue, walking back up the aisle together with their wedding party accompanying them. Once everyone is outside, guests are allowed to scatter confetti, rose petals, or rice over them, symbolizing their wish for good luck and lasting happiness.

 

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