Outdoor wedding ceremony under a covered pavilion with ocean views in the background.

Kiss - The 1st


For your first kiss, if you can, ask your officiant ahead of time to step out of the way so they do not end up between you. You can do a dip, tip toes or something else special if you want. What ever you decide to do, hold it for a few seconds. Soak the moment in.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with wooden benches under a geometric white canopy structure.

Kiss - The 2nd


Stop for a second kiss down the aisle. This will be a surprise for your guests and allow you to have a second moment with your guests in the background.


Large wedding group photo with guests in formal attire against rolling hills and cloudy sky.

Family Formals


Make sure the people you have listed for family formal photos know who they are. If you have a day of coordinator, they can make sure those people know on the day of, by simply talking with family ahead of the ceremony.

If you have made the list prior to sending your invites, you can add a note on invites that "Parents, Grandparents, Cousins, Siblings" or who ever is on your list should stay after the ceremony. This could also go on a welcome sign.

Pro Tip: Have catering bring hor d'oeuvres to family photos and water or wine. This will keep people occupied and a little less impatient to go to cocktail hour.

Close-up of hands exchanging rings during a wedding ceremony.

Ring Exchange


When you hold your spouse's hand to place the ring, hold it with your right hand, and gently tilt the hand outward so your photographer (and your friends and family) can see the beautiful ring!

Guest wearing mauve dress with white corsage sitting at outdoor wedding ceremony.

Ring Warming


Ring Bearers or Ring Security carry an empty box up the aisle. Meanwhile your mothers hold onto the rings, keeping them warm, maybe praying over them, sometimes passing them down a line of family members to pray. When asking for the rings, the mothers come up and have a moment of honor, to hug their child, and to hug their child's (almost) spouse.

Wedding ceremony scene with golden curtains and white decor in an elegant indoor venue.

Hand Off & Bouquet Pass


When your dad (or mom) brings you to the head of the aisle, they will be asked "Who gives this woman to be married to this man" they will answer, then pass you off. Your dad should take a moment to shake hands with or hug your (almost) husband, and while they are doing this, your bridesmaids do a swap. Bridesmaid 1 passes her bouquet to Bridesmaid 2. Bridesmaid 1 takes MOH's bouquet and your bouquet. MOH fluffs your dress and takes your bouquet back.