This outline covers each of the typical elements of a Christian wedding ceremony. It is designed as a guide for planning and understanding each aspect of your Christian wedding. I've tried to include every possible element in a Christian ceremony, however, not all of these must be incorporated into your service, nor do they have to occur in this order. You may choose to add your own personal touches that give special meaning to your commitment as a couple.

This outline covers each of the typical elements of a Christian wedding ceremony. It is designed as a guide for planning and understanding each aspect of your Christian wedding. I've tried to include every possible element in a Christian ceremony, however, not all of these must be incorporated into your service, nor do they have to occur in this order. You may choose to add your own personal touches that give special meaning to your commitment as a couple.

Your Christian wedding ceremony can be personally designed, but it should also be an expression of worship, reflecting joy, celebration, community, respect, dignity and love. The Bible gives no specific pattern or order of service to define exactly what should be included, so there is room for your creativity. A primary goal should be to give each guest a clear impression that you, as a couple, have made a solemn, eternal covenant with each other before God. Your Christian wedding ceremony should be a testimony of your lives before God, demonstrating your Christian witness.

Wedding Party Dressed and Ready
he wedding party should be dressed, ready and waiting in the appropriate locations at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.

Bridal Processional Begins
* Minister and Groom enter usually from stage right. If the Groomsmen are not escorting the Bridesmaids down the aisle to the altar, they also enter together with the Minister and Groom.
* Bridesmaids enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time. If the Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter together.
* Maid or Matron of Honor enters. If she is being escorted by the Best Man, they enter together.
* Flower Girl and Ring Bearer enter.

Recessional
The wedding party exits the platform, typically in the following order:
* Bride and Groom
* Maid or Matron of Honor and Best Man
* Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
* Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
* The Ushers return for the honored guests who are escorted out in reverse order of their entrance.
* Ushers may then dismiss the remaining guests, either all at once, or one row at a time.

Planning Your Christian Wedding Ceremony
A Christian wedding ceremony consists of several elements. These resources are designed to give you a guide for planning and understanding each element of your Christian wedding ceremony. From sample wedding vows and sample pledges to a step-by-step walk-through of a complete Christian wedding ceremony, these tools will aid you in every step of your planning.