Planning 101 | The Parts of a Wedding Ceremony

We often get asked the question: What are the different parts of a wedding ceremony?

So we thought we'd break it down for you to help make your ceremony planning a breeze!

Wedding, Ceremony, parts, blue diamond events, columbia, mo, weddings, dj, planning, planner, coordinator, coordinating, help, tips — The Parts of a Wedding Ceremony

1. THE PRELUDE

- 30 mins before invitation time

This portion actually happens before your ceremony begins. Your DJ will play background music while your guests are arriving. It's best to add an extra 10 minutes after your invitation start time to allow for late guests. No one wants to be walking down the aisle when guests are trying to find their seats.

Popular Song Choices:

Ballads & Love Songs by artists similar to Ed Sheeran, Thomas Rhett, Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz, John Legend, Sara Bareilles, etc.
Instrumental Pop Songs from groups like The Piano Guys, The Vitamin String Quartet, 2 Cellos, The O'Neill Brothers Group, etc.
Instrumental Classical Music similar to the following songs:

- "Canon in D, P.37," by Johann Pachelbel

- "Suite Bergamasque: III. Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy

- "Ave Maria," by Johann Sebastian Bach

- "Water Music Suite: Air," by George Frideric Handel

- "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, BWV 147," by Johann Sebastian Bach

- "Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, "La Primavera" (Spring): I. Allegro," by Antonio Vivaldi

2. THE SEATING OF FAMILY

This is when either the ushers or sometimes the groomsmen or groom walk their parents and grandparents (or honored guests) down the aisle to their seats. Often there is a special song chosen for this portion of the ceremony. Some couples choose to continue the Prelude music playlist during this portion.

- "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by The Vitamin String Quartet

3. THE PROCESSIONAL

This is when your wedding party will walk down the aisle and takes their places at the alter. The order typically goes as follows: Officiant, Groomsmen & Bridesmaids, Ring Bearer(s), Flower Girl(s), and finally the Bride and her escort. There's often a song for the bridal party, and a separate song for the entrance of the bride.

Popular Song Choices for the Wedding Party Processional:

- "Something Just Like This" (The Chainsmokers & Coldplay Piano Cover) - Costantino Carrara

- "A Million Dreams" by The Piano Guys

- "Higher Love" cover by James Vincent McMorrow

- "Perfect" (Ed Sheeran Violin Cover) by Andre Soueid

- "God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton

Popular Song Choices for the Entrance of the Bride:

- "A Thousand Year" (Christina Perri cover - Piano/Cello) by The Piano Guys

- "Make You Feel My Love" (Instrumental) by The O'Neill Brothers Group

- "From the Ground Up" by Dan + Shay

- "Yours" (wedding edition) by Russell Dickerson

4. THE UNITY CEREMONY

This portion symbolizes the joining of lives, families and communities. There are all sorts of ways to represent the joining of two families into one - from candle lightings, to sand ceremonies, to tree planting and more! This item will also include a special song.

Popular Song Choices:

- "When You Say Nothing At All" by Allison Krauss & Keith Whitley

- "All my Roads" (acoustic version) by Matt Johnson

- "This I Promise You" (NSYNC Acoustic Cover) by Anthem Lights

5. THE RECESSIONAL

After the pronouncement, the newlyweds will exit to their favorite (usually upbeat) song, followed by the wedding party.

Popular Song Choices:

- "A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61: IX. Wedding March," by Felix Mendelssohn

- "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors

- "Marry You" by Bruno Mars

- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder

- "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall and Oates