WEDDING SERVICE PLANNER
THE PROCESSIONAL – ENTERING THE CHURCH

In all the styles mentioned below the signal for the commencement of the wedding is normally the seating of the mother of the bride by the usher, the latter who then informs the minister that the wedding party is ready. The wedding party, once assembled at the front of the sanctuary may face either the front of the sanctuary or face the congregation. In a small venue with a capacity crowd, the immediate family may be seated in the choir loft – and in this circumstance it is recommended that the couple face the front of the sanctuary. Most couples prefer to face forward in any case.

STYLE ONE
The groom and the grooms men, accompanied by the minister enter from the vestry and stand at the front of the church. Processional music is then begun and the bride and her escort (often her father) come from the entrance of the sanctuary in a stately fashion, preceded by the Bride’s maids and flower / ring / candle bearers.

STYLE TWO
The bride and groom enter the sanctuary as a couple, preceded by the wedding party, who process as couples. The candle / ring bearers are, again a part of this procession.

STYLE THREE
The bride and groom may choose some other form of entry and other escort. Brides and/or grooms have been escorted by their mothers, by their son or daughter, etc.

by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild & Rev. Brett Blair

This article may not be written by an Apostolic author, but it contains many excellent principles and concepts that can be adapted to most churches. As the old saying goes, “Eat the meat. Throw away the bones.”