In general, these are the components of the wedding ceremony:
1) Prelude - may or may not include music. In general, the parents of the couple are seated just before the processional begins. In ceremonies with a unity candle, sometimes the mothers of the bride and groom will light two special candles during the prelude. The candles represent the two families.
2) Processional - Traditionally, the groom and groomsmen are standing at the front when the flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids and then the bride process, but the groom and his groomsmen may process first - or just the bride may process - or everyone can be standing at the front before the ceremony begins.
3) Greeting - this is the part of the ceremony where the officiant welcomes the community and sets the tone for the ceremony. This will often include a prayer or meditation.
4) Reading(s) - these may be spaced throughout the ceremony, or there can just be one, or even none in a short ceremony.
5) Vows - these can be short or long, traditional or authored by you and your partner
6) Additional ritual(s) - the bride and groom might light a unity candle using the flames from their family candles. There is a tradition of celtic hand-binding that would take place at this point in the ceremony, or the couple might jump the broom.
7) Exchanging of rings - in most North American ceremonies, the couple exchanges rings and speaks additional vows about the meaning of the rings as a symbol of their commitment.
8) Pronouncement of marriage
9) Benediction
10) Recessional
11) Receiving line - this is an optional portion of the ceremony, and may be done directly after the recessional, or the couple may wait until the reception.
If you choose me to assist with your ceremony, our meetings will include a review of many different options for readings, vows, rituals, and other ways to enhance the ceremony and make it a reflection of the two of you as a couple. For more information, e-mail me at cincinnati.officiant@gmail.com