1. Musical prelude ten minutes.
2. Ushers seat guests in requested sections.
3. Bride, Maid (Matron) of Honor, Bridesmaids, Flower Girl and Bride's Father meet in Bridal Room (Nursery).
4. Groom, Best Man, and Pastor meet in Office.
5. (Solo.)
6. Groom's mother is escorted to her seat after lighting the right hand candle.
7. Bride's mother is escorted to her seat after lighting the left hand candle.
8. (Song.)
9. Entering from the side, Pastor, Groom and Best Man take their places at the altar, joined by the ushers who come down the side aisle.
10. Bride's processional: Junior Brides Maids, Brides Maids, Maid (Matron) of Honor, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl; Bride on Father's (Brother's) left arm.
11. Pastor invites the audience to be seated.
12. Introductory Remarks - Pastor
"We are gathered today in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses to join together (Groom's Full Name) and (Bride's Full Name) in holy matrimony. In the beginning, marriage was instituted by God, a union which was and is to be revered and honored by all peoples. They therefore do not join together light-heartedly, or unadvisedly; but thoughtfully, happily, and in the fear of God. We share the joy of (Bride's First Name) and (Groom's First Name), who now come together in the love of God and one another; uniting two hearts and lives, blending all interests, sympathies, and hopes."
13. Prayer - Pastor
14. Affirmation - Pastor
"(Bride's First Name) and (Groom's First Name), as you continue in this marriage union, continue to seek the favor and blessing of God; for His favor is life, and His blessing maketh rich and addeth no sorrow.
"And now (Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name), do you take each other as husband and wife, to respect and to uphold one another as joint heirs of the grace of life?"
"We do!"
"Who gives consent for this woman to be married to this man?"
Father (Brother) responds, "Her Mother and I do."
Bride kisses father who sits next to his wife; Bride comes to stand with Groom facing Pastor. Wedding party turns to face front.
15. Scripture reading - Grandfather, Uncle, or Friend.
16. Encouragement to the families - Pastor
"It is important for us to realize that a marriage of two people really involves the joining of two families. Within these two families there is a great variety and abundance of resources for support and encouragement. The parents of the Bride and Groom join together in pledging support for (Groom's First Name) and (Bride's First Name) who are being married here today, but there are many other members of these two families who are present, and at this time I would like them to stand to accept these words of encouragement.
"As caring members of the families of (Bride's First Name) and (Groom's First Name), I want to remind you of the importance of your role in relation to them. Please understand that the success of their marriage is, in part, your responsibility. Do your utmost to give to them godly and positive reinforcement. Every time you come into contact with them, demonstrate your concern and love, and in so doing, you will encourage the development of their marriage relationship and the establishment of an exemplary Christian home.
"Assure them of your acceptance and your willingness to help them in every way, and this will give them the freedom to mature in their marriage. And don't neglect the most important responsibility, that is to be constant in prayer that God's blessing will always be evident in their lives, and that their marriage relationship in turn will be a blessing for everyone with whom they come into contact."
17. Pastor moves to platform; Bride, Groom, Maid (Matron) of Honor and Best man follow to platform. (Ring Bearer, if applicable)
18. Message: "The Meaning of Marriage" - Pastor
Because of the sacredness of marriage, let us consider for a moment the meaning attached to it in the Bible. The rite of marriage is the oldest religious rite in the world. It was instituted by God when man was in his innocency. Man fell, but marriage has never fallen. It has been continued by God to soothe the sorrows and comfort the broken estate of man. The Lord said: "It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make an help meet for him." Again, He said, "They two shall be one."
Jesus honored and sanctified the wedding in Cana with His presence and it was there He performed His first miracle, turning water into wine, and in so doing, He brought cheer and joy to the host and his guests.
While in our present culture, the importance of marriage has seemingly been diminished, the Bible maintains the highest standard for the relationship that marriage is.
Jesus gave a clear mandate that all who enter marriage should do so with the anticipation that this is a life-long commitment. The Apostle Paul teaches us that a husband and wife should spend a considerable amount of time and energy seeking to please the other, and to submit one to the other. And Peter exhorts wives to maintain an exemplary life style and urges husbands to grow in the knowledge of their wives and seek to give them the highest honor.
In the beginning God created Adam, and then Eve. Man, in being made last of all God's creative works, was set forth as the most excellent of all God's creatures. Eve, the woman, being made after Adam, and out of him, has the honor set upon her as being the glory of man. As the man is the head, she is the crown. A crown to her husband. The man is dust refined, but she is dust doubly refined, or one step further from the earth.
But in being created from the man, or out of him, she was not out of his head to dominate him or to be over him, nor out of his feet to be under him or to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side, to be equal with him, and from close to his heart, that he should love, cherish, and protect her.
19. Exchanging Rings and repeating the vows.
"(Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name) have chosen rings to be the symbols of their marriage covenant. The ring, made of precious and enduring metal, gold, is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites their hearts in a love which has no end."
Groom's vows, bride's ring - - "I (Groom's Name) take thee (Bride's Name) to be my wedded wife; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health; to love, honor and cherish, until death do us part. According to God's holy ordinance; and
thereto I pledge thee my faithful love."
Bride's vows, groom's ring - - "I (Bride's Name) take thee (Groom's Name) to be my wedded husband; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health; to love, honor and cherish, until death do us part. According to God's holy ordinance; and
thereto I pledge thee my faithful love."
20. Song. Lighting of the Unity Candle during musical introduction.
21. Pastoral prayer - Groom and Bride kneel (Bride first), Pastor gives book to Best Man and lays hands on Bride and Groom. At end of prayer, Groom rises first.
22. Charge to bride and groom - Pastor
"You will always remember this day, for it is a day of beginnings for both of you. You are no longer to be single, you are now to be married. You've been preparing for this day for nearly (three) years, actually, during your entire life time. Everything you have ever experienced, every blessing, every heartache, every gift and talent that has been developed, every hope and desire expressed or unexpressed; all of these you are now giving to each other, and will continue to receive from each other during the rest of your lives. Of course, in the package, there also will be some not so desirable gifts: dirty socks, and at times, a strong need to be right. In marriage you get it all. You are publicly stating your love for each other, and a determination to faithfully honor your life-long commitment to each other. But I must tell you that the full measure of the love you pledge is something that you have yet to learn. (Groom's First Name), to adequately care for (Bride's First Name), you must get to know her. Do not think that you know her yet. And (Bride's First Name), to adequately care for (Groom's First Name), you must get to know him. Do not think that you know him yet. Intimate knowledge is a lifelong quest, matched only by the challenge of being faithful in your acceptance of this other person, in spite of the knowledge you will acquire. Believe me, you will need all of the virtues which your faith in the Lord has provided, and many more yet to be developed. Virtues like, patience, sincerity, forgiveness, empathy, quietude, joyfulness, simplicity, creative expression, industriousness, thoughtfulness, and many more. And you will find that your being together will create the context for these characteristics to grow. Your home will be like a garden, or perhaps like an orchard; you will enjoy the fruit, but if your devotion is pure and faithful, there will be such an abundance that others too will feast - extended family members, co-workers, fellow members in the Body of Christ.
"Always remember to keep the Lord Jesus Christ central in your relationship. Take time to be together in His presence. Pray daily for each other and with each other. Allow God's Word to be your guiding light, a lamp to your feet. Commit yourselves to a faithful Body of Believers; but while spending yourselves for others in church related programs, be careful that you don't end up depriving each other of necessary nourishments.
"To you (Groom's First Name), I charge the responsibility for the honor and support of your wife. You are required to give suitable leadership in both the spiritual and material direction for your lives, always taking into careful consideration the needs, concerns, hopes and feelings of your wife. It is your duty to cherish her with unwavering affection, it being the command of God that husbands love their wives even as Christ loved the church, and gave Himself up for Her.
"(Bride's First Name), it will also be your responsibility to offer honor and support for your husband. You will need to provide direction for the relational and social development of your lives, as well as understanding, encouragement, and the creation of a beautiful and joyful environment. Strive to retain by your graces the heart you have won by your virtues.
"Lastly, I say to you both, let not your voices lose the tender tones of affection, nor your eyes forget the love with which they shone in courtship days."
23. Pronouncement
24. Presentation of the Bride and Groom
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives us great pleasure to introduce to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. (Groom's First Name) and ((Bride's first Name) (Groom's Last Name)!"
25. Recessional music begins.
26. Recession:
Bride and Groom, Maid (Matron) of Honor and Best Man; Flower Girl and Ring Bearer; Bride's Maids and Ushers.
Appointed usher returns to escort Bride's Mother, followed by Father.
Appointed usher returns to escort Groom's Mother, followed by Father.
27. Ushers return to the front to dismiss guests beginning with the second row.
28. Receiving line is formed.
Bride and Groom, flanked by Best Man, Maid (Matron) of Honor, parents of Bride and Groom
29. Pictures taken in the chapel: Family members, ceremony close-ups.
30. Departure to reception.
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