How Can You Infuse Romance Into Your Ceremony?

For a romantic wedding ceremony, choose a location, such as a historic wedding chapel with beautiful stained glass windows or a botanical garden. Adorn the chairs with flowers and have your flower girl scatter rose petals down the aisle. Start the wedding ceremony in the late afternoon so that the waning sunlight streams down softly as you gracefully walk down the aisle.

Take the traditional route with your processional and use this basic outline:

• Officiant stands in front
• Groom and groomsmen enter from front
• Bridal party, ring bearer, and flower girl walk down aisle
• Bride is escorted down the aisle by her father
  

Music can also play a big role in creating your ideal atmosphere. Nothing could be more romantic than the sound of Pachelbel’s “Canon in D� playing while your bridesmaids take their places. As you make your big entrance, consider a classic love song, such as Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.�

The customary “to have and to hold� vows can be used, but sometimes the most powerful words are those borrowed from a celebrated poet. Try Shakespeare’s sonnets or other timeless love verses. Be sure to include the promise of commitment to your spouse to ensure your vows will be legally binding.