On your wedding day, everything actually revolves around the wedding ceremony. This is the moment when you officially get married. That’s why it’s nice to make the ceremony personal, but how does it actually work? Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the wedding ceremony.

Officiant

Of course, you’ll need an officiant for your wedding. The officiant plays an important role in your wedding, namely delivering the speech during the ceremony. You’ll want to make sure your guests are entertained during the ceremony. Once you have found one or more suitable officiants, you can request a personal meeting. In this meeting, you’ll get to know each other better and find out if they are the right fit for your ceremony. You can ask the officiant if they would send you a sample speech, so you can see if their writing style suits you. If you’re planning to get married abroad, it’s best to first ask the officiant if they are willing to travel abroad for your wedding.

BABS (Civil Ceremony Officiant)

These days, you can also hire a self-employed officiant. This officiant is officially recognized as a BABS, but is not working for the municipality. A BABS has their own business as an independent officiant. Such an officiant is appointed by the municipality and is therefore authorized to officiate your marriage. There are also a few well-known figures who are authorized to serve as BABS. The cost for this personal attention from a BABS is usually higher than having a municipal officiant at the town hall. The costs per BABS vary, but the average is between €700 and €1000.

What Happens During the Wedding Ceremony?

When the bride enters, the welcome speech begins, and everyone is warmly greeted by the officiant. After this, various people, including the officiant and legal witnesses, will share some words about the couple. You, too, can speak during the ceremony. Then, it’s time for the vows and the “I do.” After that, you can sign the marriage certificate, and you are officially married.

What Do You Promise Each Other?

When you get married, you have to make certain promises to each other. You can partly decide on the vows you make. In the past, it was mandatory to live together once married. The law also determined who had the final say when the couple couldn’t agree on where to live. These obligations no longer exist. However, other rules still apply. You promise to assist and support each other in good times and bad. You are also obligated to care for and raise any minor children within your household. You’ll both share the costs of raising children, and the costs of running the household will be shared from the joint income.

Once married, you are jointly liable. For example, your partner cannot make a large gift to someone without your knowledge, nor can they sell your home without your consent.

You’re marrying for love, and because you want to share your life with someone. It goes without saying that you’ll likely share your financial matters. However, you can also marry under prenuptial agreements, where income and assets are not shared, and everything remains yours.

Who Sits Where During the Wedding Ceremony?

If the wedding ceremony takes place in the town hall, the bride and groom have designated seats. The bride sits on the right, and the groom sits to her left. Behind the bride sits her family, and behind the groom sits his family. When the couple leaves the town hall, the bride walks on the left side of the groom. If the ceremony is held in a church, it works the opposite way.

Which Side Do You Walk Down the Aisle?

You walk down the aisle toward your partner, but which side should you walk on? Tradition says you walk on the right side of the person who gives you away. So, you walk to your partner (husband) on the right side of the altar. After the ceremony, the tradition is to walk on the left side of your partner (husband).

A tradition is just a custom. You are free to decide how and on which side to walk down the aisle. Be sure to agree with your partner on where you’ll walk, so the ceremony goes smoothly.

How Long Does the Wedding Ceremony Last?

A wedding ceremony usually lasts from half an hour to three-quarters of an hour. It depends on whether you’re marrying at the town hall or at a location you’ve chosen and rented. It also depends on whether you hire an officiant from the municipality or a self-employed one. A municipal officiant is typically given an hour to conduct your ceremony, whether at the town hall or another location. The reception before the ceremony lasts ten to fifteen minutes, leaving you with around 45 minutes for the ceremony.

The Kiss

At the end of the wedding ceremony comes one of the most beautiful moments: the kiss. Ideally, you’ll let yourselves be swept away by your love for each other and share a long kiss. However, this might not be the best idea and could feel a little awkward with all your family and friends watching. You still want to express your love for each other, so a quick peck won’t do. Most couples choose to kiss on the lips and hold the kiss a little longer, so beautiful photos can be taken.

Doves

After the ceremony, you can release doves. The couple can each release a dove from their hands or let the doves fly out of their cage. The doves will then fly off together, symbolizing their commitment to each other. Of course, this is not mandatory. If you’re not comfortable with it, feel free to skip it.