Even though they may vary considerably through culture and tradition, all wedding ceremonies have basic components that are shared in most traditions. We will provide you with a sample ceremony to see how it will be carried out. Find your dream bridal dresses at UWDress.com.

Step One: Wedding Processional
The wedding ceremony usually opens with processional. While the guests are seated, the wedding party enters and the bride enters. The procession is typically accompanied by music. In some traditions, the bride is accompanied by her father during the procession, but in others, both parents process in with the bride. The bride also can process in by herself.

Step Two: Invocation
During the invocation, the minister greets the guests, introduces the couple and announces the purpose of the gathering. Some couples choose to share a few personal words during the invocation, this is known as a reading. Traditionally this a bible verse or poem, though it can be anything, even just a few heartfelt words for the couple.
If you have something special about the invocation, speak out to the minister when meeting him prior to the event.

Step Three: Declaration of intent
During the declaration of intent, the minister asks the couple if they will marry each another. The declaration confirms that the bride and groom are willingly entering into a marriage covenant. Couples usually respond with "I do" or "I will" to the minister's questions of intent. Traditionally, the minister asks the wedding guests if anyone present objects to the wedding during the declaration of intent. However, this tradition, which dates back to the 1920s, is not required.

Step Four: Vows exchange
The couple may write and exchange vows they have prepared for one another, or may use traditional vows according to their religious customs. If the couple prepares their own vows, the minister should remain quiet and attentive. If the couple chooses to use traditional vows, the minister may ask the bride and groom to repeat the vows after him. In this case, the minister should speak slowly and clearly so the bride and groom can repeat the vows without forgetting or stumbling over words.

Step Five: Ring exchange
During the ring exchange, the bride and groom place wedding rings on each other's fingers. In some traditions, the ring exchange may include spoken vows that usually begin with the phrase, "with this ring, I thee wed." If the ceremony includes ring bearers, they will present the rings to the couple. Otherwise, the best man typically gives the rings to the minister, who may bless the rings before giving them to the couple. Following the ring exchange, some couples may choose to include a special ritual in the wedding ceremony, such as lighting a unity candle, presenting roses to the parents or sharing a meaningful song.

Step Six: Pronouncement
During the pronouncement, the minister declares that the couple is now married. In many traditions, this is when the bride and groom kiss for the first time as a married couple, sealing their wedding vow with a kiss. The minister often includes a phrase like, "by the authority vested in my by the state of xxx" during the pronouncement to show that the wedding is spiritually and legally binding.

Step Seven: Recession
During the recession, the newly married couple exits the ceremony space, followed by the bridal party, family and guests. The minister may follow the bridal party out of the ceremony space to greet guests, or may wait until all guests have recessed.