Personalizing Your Ceremony

Great ideas on how to personalize your wedding ceremony with music, readings and prayers, wedding vows, wedding programs and lots more!

Ceremony Music

1. Hire musicians for your ceremony such as a trumpeter, violinist, flautist or harpist. You could also use a string quartet, bells, chimes, or even bagpipes.
   
   Hint: You can hire musicians without it costing a fortune - check with your church and at the local colleges.

2. If you hire a trumpeter, there are a few pieces that are written especially for the trumpet and the organ, such as "Trumpet Voluntary" and "Trumpet Tune" by Jeremiah Clark. It can make for a truly majestic and grand entrance.

3. Walk down the aisle (the recessional) to the same song as your mother did. This is a nice tribute to your parents and can be a real sentimental "tear jerker".

4. Sing a hymn during your ceremony. This creates a feeling of "unity" and gives your guests the feeling that they are participating in your ceremony. It also may help to ease any jitters before the actual ceremony begins. A nice hymn suggestion… "For the Beauty of the Earth".

5. If you’re having a receiving line after the ceremony, you might want to ask your musicians to play while you greet your guests. It makes for wonderful background music.

Down the Aisle

1. Traditionally, the bride’s father escorts the bride down the aisle. Today, there are many other variations. Some brides are being escorted by two fathers (father and step father) each holding one arm of the bride. Some brides are even walking down, hand and hand with their mother.

2. Give a rose to your mother and groom’s mother as you walk down the aisle. Talk to your florist and have them place the two roses in your bouquet (unfastened) and then pull them out when you reach the front of the church.
   
   or, prior to the ceremony, place a personalized handkerchief and a rose at both mothers' seats. The handkerchief will be a wonderful keepsake and remembrance.

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