Last Minutes Before the Ceremony
The final hour before the ceremony is likely to be a tense and nervous time. After months of planning the big day is irrevocably underway and the sense of anticipation mounting.
The Groom and the Best Man
The groom and best man arrive shortly after the ushers. Provided the ushers have been well briefed and have fulfilled their duties, the groom and best man will arrive to an atmosphere of organised calm. The best man should make final checks.
The Bridal Party
If the ceremony is taking place in a busy location and traffic is a concern, then extra time should be allowed for the journey. Both bridal cars should arrive for their pick-ups in plenty of time and, if necessary, circle the area near the ceremony venue until the appointed arrival time.
- The mother of the bride and the bridesmaids leave for the ceremony first; they should aim to arrive ten minutes before it is due to start.
- The mother of the bride is the last person to be seated; a selected usher should accompany her to her seat.
- The bridesmaids will wait at the entrance of the building for the bride to arrive.
- The bride and her father - or whoever is giving her away or accompanying her to the church - will be left alone for a few final moments.
- By the time the bride arrives, the groom, best man and guests should be in their places. The ushers will be overseeing any final arrivals and checks.
- The bridal party should take a few moments to compose themselves, arrange veils, trains, bouquets and so on.
See Wedding Day Timetable
