Ceremony Lingo 101

Over the years I have been DJing many of my clients ask questions about the planning process, so were going to start with the basics. Let's be real - weddings can be a bit confusing, especially if you're not familiar with all the different terms and traditions that come with them. So, if you're planning a wedding or just want to be able to follow along at your friend's upcoming nuptials, we've got you covered. In this post, we're going to dive into some of the most popular wedding ceremony terms, and we'll do it with a little bit of humor, because why not?

• Ceremony: First things first - the wedding ceremony itself. This is the part where the couple officially ties the knot and becomes Mr. and Mrs. (or Mr. and Mr., or Mrs. and Mrs., or however they want to be addressed). The ceremony can be religious or non-religious, short or long, traditional or modern - it's really up to the couple.

• Wedding Officiant: The person who leads the wedding ceremony is known as the wedding officiant. This can be a religious figure, like a priest or rabbi, or a non-religious figure, like a justice of the peace. Just make sure you like the person you choose, because they're going to be a big part of your big day.

• Prelude: Before the ceremony begins, there's usually some music playing to set the mood. This is called the prelude. It's like the appetizer to the main course that is the wedding ceremony.

• Altar: The altar is the spot where the couple stands during the ceremony. It's kind of like the stage where they perform their vows and make it official. And yes, it's spelled "altar," not "alter." We don't want anyone getting confused and changing things up last minute.

• Readings: During the ceremony, there are often readings or passages read aloud. These can be religious or secular and are meant to add some wisdom and inspiration to the proceedings. Just make sure to choose something that's not too long or too boring, unless you want your guests to start nodding off.

• Ring Exchange: Next up is the ring exchange, where the couple gives each other their wedding bands as a symbol of their commitment. Hopefully, the rings fit well and don't get stuck on any fingers (that's never a good look).

• Unity Ceremony: Some couples like to include a unity ceremony during their wedding. This can involve lighting candles, pouring sand into a vase, or even planting a tree. It's a way to symbolize the couple's union and commitment to each other. Just don't go overboard with the symbolism - we don't want anyone getting lost in the metaphorical weeds.

• Aisle: The aisle is the path that the couple walks down during the ceremony. It's like their grand entrance, so make sure it's wide enough for them to walk comfortably, and clear of any obstacles (like a wayward flower girl or ring bearer).

• Vows: Ah, the vows. These are the promises that the couple makes to each other during the ceremony. They can be traditional, personalized, or even humorous. Whatever the couple decides, just make sure they're not too outrageous - we don't want any vows that involve jumping over flaming hoops or anything like that.

• Blessing: If the couple is religious, there may be a blessing included in the ceremony. This is like a prayer or wish for the couple's future together. If the couple isn't religious, they can skip this part, or come up with their own non-religious blessing.

• Recessional: Last but not least is the recessional. This is the song you will be walking away from the ceremony to, make it upbeat and fun or help set the mood for whats to come!

About the Author:
Archie is a seasoned Discosapien DJ and Emcee based in Denver, CO with over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry. With a portfolio of over 500 events, Archie has earned a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances that keep guests on their feet all night long. His passion for music and the art of DJing is palpable in every set he plays, blending various genres seamlessly to create a unique and exciting atmosphere for every event. Whether it's a corporate function, a wedding, or a private party, Archie's versatility and skillful mixing ensure that the dance floor stays packed from start to finish. With a deep understanding of the power of music to bring people together, Archie has become one of Denver's most sought-after DJs and Emcees, and continues to inspire and entertain audiences across the city and beyond.