
There are many ways the groom
and bride can enter, and much depends on how many attendants you have.
The ceremony begins with the groom's mother and then the bride's mother
being seated in the front row aisle seats by an usher, a groomsman,
or sometimes even the groom. Then the minister and the groom walk
out together. The best man and groomsmen may follow, or they may escort
the bridesmaids from the back of the room and down the aisle. If there
is a ringbearer, he or she follows the other attendants. The flower
girl, if there is one, usually enters right before the bride.
For
simple weddings, the same bridal march can be used for the attendants
and the bride. With several bridesmaids, you may want an introductory
piece, followed by the wedding march for the bride only. The mothers
take the lead in standing up when the bride enters. If the bride's
father or another man is escorting her down the aisle, he walks on
the bride's right. He can simply escort her down the aisle and then
sit down, or the officiant may ask, Who gives this bride in marriage
to this man?, or Who blesses this marriage? The father replies
I do, Her mother and I do, or Her family and I do.
The minister then says, Thank you. The father may kiss the bride on
the cheek, and perhaps offer her right hand to the groom's left hand
as they walk the last step to the front together. The father or escort
then sits down in the first row.
Continue
to Part Two:
The Sermon -
option
#1,
option #2,
option
#3
[Declaration of
Marriage]