While your wedding ceremony is not the most time consuming activities or the greatest expense of our wedding, when everything is said and done the ceremony is why it’s all happening. Here are 10 things you might consider in preparation for your wedding ceremony. 1. Family Seating Usually the mothers of the Bride are seated before the ceremony starts. Occasionally grandparents are seated also. You also need to decide who will escort the family in. 2. Religious Or Secular Focus Do either of you have a spiritual or religious tradition that you want to express in the ceremony or do you want a secular approach? Do you want mention of God or a prayer? 3. Length Of Ceremony The basic elements of a ceremony, including a talk by the officiant ,usually takes about 15 minutes. If a longer time is desired, then other elements need to be added to the ceremony. 4. Other Elements Things to add to the service might include readings, special music, the Unity Candle, poems, or a special talk by a family member. 5. Briday Party Entrance The women can enter singly or the bridal party can enter as couples. The Bride can be escorted by a family member or signifcant person. If the women enter singly, then the men usually enter from the side along with the Groom and the officiant. 6. Wedding Talk By Officiant Usually the Officiant will give a few welcoming words and then give a short talk to the Bride and Groom. These can be general in nature or can include personal elements shared with the Officiant prior to the ceremony. 7. Wedding Vows There are hundreds of choices for vows, including writing your own. Here is selection of types of vows. 8. Rings Exchange What do you want to communicate during the rings exchange? What does it symbolize for you? The traditional is “With ring I thee wed.” But, it can be something unique as an exchange of committment. 9. Presentation Of The Couple Traditionally, the Bride became a Mrs. so the introduction would be, “Ladies and Gentlemen may I introduct Mr. & Mrs. Fred Johnson. ” Some brides take their husbands name, but prefer to be announced as Mary and Fred, husband and wife. This also works well when the Bride is keeping her last name. 10. Music Music is a key part of a ceremony. The first decision is what musical style best represents you, Classical or more popular contemporary music. Next is whether to have live music or use the DJ for the ceremony. A soloist is also an option for part of the ceremony. Go to http://www.weddingsbythesea.com/ceremony.html for additional info on the elements of a ceremony. Authored by Terry Plank