National Association of Wedding Ministers Christian Processional
1. After all guests have been seated, the Groom’s Mother is escorted to the front row on the right side of the church or area set-up for the ceremony. This is ordinarily done by an usher, but can also be done by the groom’s father. 2. The Bride’s
Mother then follows, escorted by an usher, who delivers her to her
place in the front row on the
left side of the
church or area set-up for the ceremony. 3. At this point the Minister enters, usually from a side door or
side aisle of the church or gathering place, to take his place at the
alter or focal point of the ceremony. 4. Next, the Groom followed immediately by his Best Man, takes his
place at the front of the church or focal point on the right. 5. Now the music selected for the processional is started, and the Ushers proceed down the aisle, taking their places along side the groom and best man. Note: If there is not room to stand beside them, then they should stand directly behind the best man in a row. 6. Once the ushers are situated, the Bride’s Maids begin their procession, and take their place on the left at the front, leaving room for the maid of honor and the bride herself. Note: If there is not room to stand beside them, then they should stand directly behind the maid of honor in a row. 7. Following the bride’s maids, the Maid of Honor will enter, taking her place to the right of the bride’s maids and leaving room for the bride at the center of the aisle. 8. The maid of honor is followed by the Ring-Bearer, who has the actual rings for the ceremony, normally carried on a pillow. 9. Next, the Flower Girl or girls enter, who scatter the aisle with flowers for the bride to walk on enter. They proceed down the aisle and take their place on the left side of the bride’s maids. 10. Now everyone
is prepared for the Bride’s entrance and selected
music is played such as the traditional wedding march or other song.
She is escorted down the aisle on her father’s left arm, who
then, traditionally kisses her farewell after the minister asks who
gives this women in marriage. Her father then takes his place beside
the bride’s mother and the ceremony begins! Recession 1. After the minister or clergy has pronounced the couple husband and wife and said the benediction, then the Bride and Groom will walk down the aisle first. 2. Next the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer will depart and proceed down the aisle. 3. The Maid of Honor and the Best Man will follow next. 4. Followed by the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen who will walk down the aisle in pairs. 5. The Mother of the Bride then follows, escorted by the Bride’s Father or by an usher if preferred. 6. The Mother of the Groom follows, escorted by the Groom’s Father or by an usher if preferred. 7. Last, the remaining Family Members will depart, followed by the Congregation. 8. The Bride, Groom, Attendants and Family will normally form a Receiving
Line, either outside the church or at another location of choice. Receiving Line In the Christian Wedding the receiving line is formed after the bride and groom and the wedding party have left the church or the front of the area set-up for the wedding ceremony. It is my experience that a formal receiving line is utilized only 35% of the time. Only the most formal outdoor weddings will have a receiving line. This is also the case at historic properties such as at an inn or bed & breakfast. Most often, the bride and groom choose to personally greet the guests by stopping by each table during the banquet or by casually mingling during the reception. When a receiving line is used the following is the traditional placement:
Note: The following wedding party members are not usually a part of the receiving line: Best Man, Groom’s Father, Groomsmen, Flower Girl, Ring Bearer & Clergyman (Minister). |