Worship Solos
What is the traditional order of worship for a wedding ceremony program.?
Like, where do I insert the solo (we are not doing a unity candle) and what order do the giving of the bride, ceremony, exchange of vows, rings, etc. go? I’m SOOOOO confused!
You will find differences depending on the denomination. Your church will probably have a service book that lists the order of the ceremony, and you can borrow a copy and read it for yourself. In general for a Western wedding,
- People are seated (the mothers are seated last, and the groom stands at the front)
- The minister (or priest, deacons and other clerics if the church has them) walk down the aisle while music is being played. This is called the “processional” and you get to choose the music for it. A second different piece of music can be chosen for the “bridal processional” when the bride and her attendants walk down the aisle.
- The minister talks briefly to the congregation and may pray. You can request special prayers.
- Holy Scripture is read. You may usually choose or suggest what passages you want to have read. There may be a hymn, chant or solo sung between the readings.
- The minister may address the bride and groom in a kind of mini-sermon. Often the bridal party sits down during the readings and the sermon. Often the sermon is skipped.
- The minister conducts the wedding liturgy which is
– asking for any objections (this is often skipped)
– asking who gives away the bride (this is often skipped)
– asking the couple if they are getting married of their own free will
– exchange of vows (some churches allow you to write your own)
– blessing and exchange of rings.
Then the couple will sign the marriage register, and the priest will sign their marriage certificate. Usually a solo is sung while this is happening
Then the priest pronounces the couple “Man and Wife”.
Then the bride and groom walk out, followed by the bridal party and then by the clerics. This is called the “recessional”. You may usually choose the music for the recessional.
I hope that helps.
“Here I am to worship”, solo guitar