
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]