You hear bells ringing, see flowers blooming, and the aroma of delicious food fills the air. A wedding is a special occasion that marks the beginning of a couple’s life together. For financés planning on having a luxurious wedding, there is much to consider and plan to make it perfect.
Understanding the order of events is part of creating a memorable and stress-free wedding. Today, we’ll discuss the order of events for a luxury wedding so you can feel confident in planning and executing your dream day.
You can split your dream day into two main parts – the ceremony and the reception. The wedding ceremony is typically a very solemn occasion that marks the union of two people. While different cultures, religions, and families may have their own unique rituals, here are some of the common components you can expect:
The Processional
Among the most iconic parts of the ceremony is when the bride walks down the aisle. It’s part of the processional, essentially the ceremony’s entrance.
Here, you’ll have yourself and your parents or other family members walking down the aisle, followed by your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Lastly, the bride walks last with her father or another close family member.
“As she approaches her spouse-to-be, guests will stand and watch as she makes her grand entrance. The walk is usually accompanied by music or a piece of literature read aloud.”
Make sure to decorate your aisle with fresh flowers, petals, and an altar or backdrop for a stunning effect.
Welcoming Words
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join two hearts in marriage.”
This phrase is a common way to kick off the ceremony. The officiant or celebrant will welcome everyone before going into more detail about the significance of marriage and love.
Readings
At this point, the ceremony may include readings from sacred texts or favorite pieces of literature.
“This part of the ceremony is usually very moving as the officiant, friends, or family members read meaningful words aloud.”
In a religious ceremony, the readings will be from traditional holy texts. In a civil ceremony that includes elements from different faiths, the texts can be chosen by the couple and are often pieces of literature, poetry, or prose.
Words From The Officiant
After the readings, the officiant will begin marrying the couple. The officiant will give some words of wisdom about marriage and love, including the sanctity of the union. For instance, Christian weddings might explain the meaning of marriage and what it means to be a faithful partner.
“The officiant may also explain why the couple is making this commitment, how they will honor each other in their marriage, and the importance of their vows.”
Exchange Vows
At last, the spotlight is on the couple. Here is when you will exchange your wedding vows, which the bride and groom-to-be usually write. You may also opt for traditional vows from your faith or culture.
Vows can be as long or as short as you’d like. They should be romantic, sincere, and thoughtful.
“The couple gets to express their love for each other in words and promises that they plan to keep forever.”
Exchange Rings
Toward the end of the ceremony, rings are exchanged between the couple. The rings are a symbol of everlasting love and commitment. A ring bearer, usually a small child, will walk down the aisle with a beautiful pillow holding both rings. The groom will place the bride’s ring on her finger, and she’ll do the same for him.
Exchange A Kiss
The most famous part of the ceremony is one of the most anticipated ones – the newlyweds are declared husband and wife, and they share a kiss! It usually happens just after the officiant announces them as a married couple.
The Unity Symbol
“Binding your lives together with some sort of symbolic gesture is a beautiful way to signify the start of your life as one.”
Couples may opt for a unity symbol, such as lighting a candle together for an extra sweet touch. Other examples include planting a tree or pouring sand into one container.
The Recessional
Finally, the recessional is when you and your partner will walk back down the aisle as husband and wife. Contrary to the processional, the recessional will accompany upbeat and celebratory music.
“At luxury weddings, it’s not uncommon for guests to be showered with rice or flower petals as they make their way out of the ceremony.”
Wedding Reception
After the ceremony, guests will be invited to a lavish wedding reception. A luxury reception is usually a grand affair that includes lots of food, drinks, music, dancing and laughter.
The Receiving Line
Just like the receiving line, we’ll keep this one short. The receiving line is optional and usually occurs just outside the reception site. Here, you’ll greet your guests as they arrive before they move onto the reception hall. They may congratulate you as you thank them for coming.
Cocktail Hour
“It’s always a good idea for everybody to loosen up and have some fun before the formalities begin.”
In luxury weddings, a cocktail hour is usually served for guests to mingle, grab a drink and get to know each other. At an outdoor luxury wedding, this may include drinks on a patio or lawn area, along with light hors d’oeuvres.
Alternatively, you can opt for a tent or a reception hall with full bar service. In any case, drinks and a selection of light snacks, such as vegetable and cheese platters, nuts, or olives, are served.
The Grand Entrance
Once the cocktail hour is over, it’s time for the grand entrance of the newlyweds. As you make your way into the reception hall, all eyes will be on you. Depending on your preferences, this can include a choreographed dance or simply walking hand-in-hand while being announced.
“You’ll take your place at the head table, and the party will begin!”
The First Dance
The first dance is a momentous occasion in any wedding!
“It’s your chance to show off your moves and dazzle everyone with your chemistry as you share the first dance as husband and wife.”
Ballroom dancing is a popular choice, but there are also many other styles you can choose from, such as waltz, jazz, or even hip-hop! Whatever you decide, make sure it reflects your personality and style.
Toasts and Speeches
Toasts allow your guests to share heartfelt congratulations and support for the newlyweds. You can also opt for speeches, which are often more formal in nature and can include stories about both of you as a couple or individually.
“Make sure you have beautiful champagne flutes or whatever type of glassware you prefer ready for the toasts and speeches.”
Dig In!
“By now, your guests are probably feeling pretty hungry! It’s time to break out the food. A luxury wedding reception is about excellent cuisine, professional wait staff, and a decadent atmosphere.”
You can rent all the catering equipment you need, such as plates, cutlery, and linens. Serve a delicious multi-course meal, or go for something casual like plated salads and buffet-style food stations.
Parent Dances
The parent dances signify a special moment between you and the people who have helped shape your lives.
“The father-daughter and mother-son dance is a beautiful way to honor your parents and thank them for their love and support.”
Of course, you can mix it up how you like! You can even have both parents dance with each other or have the groomsmen and bridesmaids join in.
Boogie Down
Invite your guests to follow suit and get the party started! Dance music can be played all night long, from slow romantic tunes to upbeat numbers that will have everybody busting a move. You may also choose to hire live musicians to perform throughout the evening.
“DJ or live band is one of the most debated elements in luxury weddings, but it’s up to you to decide which works best for your party.”
Cut The Cake
The wedding cake is a trademark element of any luxury wedding. From multiple tiers and unique flavors to beautiful decorations, the sky’s the limit when designing your dream cake. You’ve had your chance to admire your creation all night long, but now it’s time to cut the cake!
You can choose a traditional method of cutting the cake or go for something more creative – maybe you’ll use a saber for an extra special flourish?
“Traditionally, the bride and groom will feed each other a piece of cake.”
The Last Dance
It’s time to end the night on a high note! The last song should tie the whole evening together, bringing all your guests together for one last dance. Alternatively, the newlyweds can be the center of attention with a slow dance.
No matter what you decide to do, make sure you choose a song that reflects the theme of the evening and allows you to savor the final moment of your big day.
The Grand Exit
Finally, the grand exit is a fun way to send off the newlyweds in an unforgettable manner. You could have your guests line up and create a pathway with sparklers or hand out colorful confetti for everyone to throw.
“A popular tradition is to follow them outside into a vehicle that reads “Just Married” or “Happily Ever After.”
Plan Your Wedding With Curated Events
Every one of these steps will require careful planning and attention to detail.
At Curated Events, we take the stress out of wedding planning and ensure your luxury wedding is everything you hoped for. We specialize in high-end rentals and decorations, so you can be sure your wedding will look fantastic and reflect your unique style.
Contact us today to start planning the luxury wedding of your dreams!