Conventionally speaking, most wedding ceremonies follow the same general format and flow.  If you are looking to keep it short and sweet, you can get the expected components in within 10 minutes.  Typical ceremonies are closer to 20 or 25 minutes.  Of course, none of this is "rule."  I believe your ceremony should be a unique reflection and celebration of your relationship.

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For planning purposes consider this general format as a guide:

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Processional 

This typically includes the wedding party and couple walking down the aisle.

Various traditions and personal preference dictate who else participates in the processional including parents, children, other loved ones, and even fur babies.

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Officiant's Welcome

This initiates the official beginning of the ceremony.  Think "Dearly beloved..." or "Mawage, mawage is what brings us together today."  Of course, I hope you're smiling.  Your welcome is likely to be a bit less cliche - unless that's your thing! 

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Intent

This is a verbal statement of your intent to marry your partner.  It's the "I do" part - in a traditional sense.

 

Officiant's Remarks

This typically consists of brief remarks directed to the couple concerning their marriage, commitment, love, or related theme.

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Vows

This is where you will exchange your commitments and promises to one another.  They could be traditional, read by the officiant and repeated by the couple - or written by the couple and recited, or read to one another. 

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Exchange of Rings

This is where you exchange rings (or other outward symbols) of your commitment to one another.

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Pronouncement​

This is what makes it official!  The officiant pronounces that you are now married!

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Closing

The officiant wraps up the ceremony with a brief closing.  This may include instructions for the guests regarding what happens next.

 

Recessional

This is the processional in reverse!

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