Unity Candle – This is seen in churches most often, but can be easily incorporated at any wedding ceremony. Typically it’s shared between the two mothers; they light the taper candles, and the bride and groom use those tapers to light their unity candle.

Ring Warming Ceremony – This is when your closest family members, or sometimes only the bridal party, come to the alter and everyone joins hands. The wedding rings are passed among the guests, with the guests wishing luck on the marriage when they are holding the rings.

Flowers for Mary – Yet another tradition in a church, you could invite both moms (or other family members) to pray to Mary as you lay flowers in front of her.

Gifts for Communion – If you choose to do communion, usually 2-3 guests present the gifts to the priest. You can choose to put these guests in your program but you do not have to.

Ushers – If you don’t include your siblings in the bridal party, a fantastic way for them to be part of the ceremony is to have usher duty. They will know most of your guests and can properly escort them to their desired seat. Although this is commonly a duty held by brothers of the bride or groom, it can be any gentleman who holds a special place in the couples life.

Program Passers – This is a job typically given to younger ladies, or could be part of the duties of the groomsmen. The program passers stand at the end of the aisle and hand programs to each guest that attends. Program passers are a great addition for outdoor ceremonies, because then the programs don’t fly off of each seat (if they were placed beforehand).

Flower Girls and Ring Bearers – One of the most common additions to the ceremony. You can’t help but smile at happy little children walking down the aisle (that is, if they’re in a good mood that day!).

Officiant – While we don’t recommend using a family member as your Officiant, this is a way to make your ceremony more personal because they help tell your story along with performing the rituals of a ceremony.

Musicians – Ceremony musicians are more expensive than you think, so if you have a family member who can properly play (and owns the instrument), add them to the ceremony, and make sure to give thanks to them in your program!

Singers – Only the select few couples are related to someone who can sing well. So, if you have a family member with that amazing talent, take advantage of it because it will make the ceremony more personal.

Ribbon Cutters – If you don’t have a planner, give a younger cousin the job to cut or untie the ribbon at the end of the aisle. It’s such an easy task, yet allows you to include someone who would appreciate being part of the ceremony.

Readers – Almost every ceremony that we coordinate has at least one reader (or someone to say a petition). While not necessary, this allows for some meaningful readings, quotes, or bible verses to be shared with the guests.

Baby Duty – Last but not least, if you’re a brand new parent, you should definitely include your little nugget in your ceremony! This stroller is a cute way to have your baby part of the ceremony, if they’re not able to walk yet.

Photo Credit In Order: Lauren Ashley, One July, Elena Bazini, Girl with the Tattoos, Dabble Me This, Ryan Moore, Hinterland Stills, Colin Lyons

-Ohana Events