When it comes to planning your wedding day, there seems to be much confusion about the general order of service for events. While it's really up to each couple how their big day is structured for example omitting readings or shifting events around to suit, we've outlined a sample order of service below to help you pick and choose the events you'll include or eschew and how to structure your day.

Ceremony

Ushers arrive 45 minutes before the ceremony, followed by the Groom and Groomsmen 30 minutes before

Ushers seat Bride’s friends and family to the left and Groom’s to the right

Groom, Groomsmen and officiant take their places

Prelude music

Bridesmaids enter, followed by the Flower Girl(s) and Page Boy

Bride arrives with her Father

Officiant announces the purpose of the gathering

Hymn song or music

First reading

Introduction to vows

Vows

Exchange of Rings

The Big Kiss

Officiant reflects on meaning of marriage

Second reading

Signing of register

Closing word

Recessional

Bridal party departs for photos while the guests mingle with drinks and canapés or head off to the reception venue (if it is somewhere other than the ceremony venue)

Reception

Cocktails in first ½ hour of the reception / Pictures of the wedding party

The Receiving Line

Introduction of the Wedding Party by the MC

Lunch/Dinner

Speeches and Toasts * the Best Man, * the Father of the Groom, * the Father of the Bride, * the Groom, and finally; * the Maid of Honour

Dancing

Cake Cutting Ceremony

Bouquet and Garter Toss

Departure of the Bridal Couple

Departure of the guests