The wedding procession is the structure of the wedding day, from the morning preparations to the end of the celebration. It includes the paperwork, the ceremony (civil, ecclesiastical or symbolic), the congratulations, the photo session, the dinner, the rituals and the first dance. Precise timing, coordination and distribution of roles among the participants are important.
The wedding day consists of clearly planned stages, depending on the type of ceremony chosen, the location, the traditions and the people involved. A successful wedding starts with the presentation of the documents and ends with a festive evening with cake, games and symbolic rituals.
What is the difference between a civil, ecclesiastical and symbolic ceremony?
There are 3 main types of marriage: civil, ecclesiastical and symbolic.
- Civil marriage take place at the registry office or at an out-of-town venue if the couple gets permission. The ceremony lasts about 30-45 minutes and only requires personal documents and a payment receipt.
- Ecclesiastical marriage requires baptismal certificates, a course certificate and parish permission. Usually takes place in the church of your place of residence.
- Symbolic ceremony has no legal force, but is often chosen for aesthetics or personal convictions. It can take place anywhere, from the forest to the seaside.
All three options can be combined with an away ceremony, in which case additional permits and logistics need to be taken care of.
What documents do I need to prepare for marriage?
To get married civilly or ecclesiastically, you need the following documents:
- valid identity documents;
- payment receipt (for a civil marriage);
- baptismal certificate and permission from the parish (for a church marriage);
- certificate of completion of church courses.
If the marriage is planned outside Lithuania or in a place other than the usual venues, additional permits may be required.
How do I plan my wedding day from morning to night?
The structure of the wedding day usually includes 9 main stages:
- Morning preparation - hair, make-up, clothing details, accessorising. Often the bride and groom prepare separately and meet before the ceremony.
- Ceremony - Depending on the type (civil, ecclesiastical or symbolic), the ceremony lasts up to 45 minutes.
- Greetings - Guests line up in the hallway, throw petals, hand out gifts and congratulate the newlyweds.
- Wedding photoshoot - take place immediately after the ceremony, often outdoors or in selected locations.
- Aperitif - light snacks and drinks for guests while the bride and groom are having their photos taken.
- Festive dinner - main meals are served and the host organises the programme.
- Symbolic rituals - Passing of the family hearth, bread and salt ceremony, garter and bouquet toss.
- First dance - the climax of the wedding, followed by communal dancing.
- Wedding cake and evening entertainment - The cake cutting often takes place around midnight, followed by games, band performances and a DJ, photos of the photobubble, 360 platform or lantern edition.
Timing between phases is crucial. For example, a photo shoot should not take more than 1 hour to avoid boredom.
What are the most common rituals at weddings?
There are 7 common wedding rituals:
- Transmission of the family hearth - symbolises the parents' blessing on the new family.
- Bread, salt and water - passed on as a wish for strength, patience and clarity.
- Removing the cape and putting on the scarf - the young woman becomes a wife, the ritual is usually performed by the mother.
- Garter and bouquet toss - A fun game of guessing who the next bride or groom will be.
- Locks with hearts - usually hung on a bridge as a symbol of eternal love.
- The first dance of the young - usually a waltz or a song chosen by the couple.
- Parents' dance - a distinct emotional moment with mum or dad.
The rituals are chosen according to the couple's values - some choose only modern elements, others keep all Lithuanian customs.
How important are the other participants in the wedding?
The following key people are important to the wedding:
- The matchmaker and the matchmaker - maintains traditions and rituals, and keeps the atmosphere.
- Daily coordinator - making sure the whole day goes according to plan.
- Bridesmaids and brothers - helps with the preparations, takes care of guest involvement.
- Manager - responsible for the programme, presentations, games and music coordination
- Photographer, decorator, musicians - capturing the moments, creating the mood of celebration.
Everyone's role is discussed in advance to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure a smooth process.
When is the wedding - how to choose the date?
Most weddings take place in the summer and on Saturdays, but more and more couples are choosing:
- Weekdays - saves money and makes it easier to book seats and services.
- In autumn or spring, lower prices and more availability of service providers.
- Winter weddings - for the unique atmosphere and snow backdrops for photo shoots.
Off-season services are available at lower prices, so couples often choose these options to optimise their budget.
How to avoid stress on your wedding day?
For a smooth wedding:
- Plan ahead - all service providers should be confirmed at least 2 months before the date.
- Create a clear daily schedule - allocate time for each stage and leave time for contingencies.
- Delegate tasks - responsibility should not fall solely on the shoulders of the young.
- Take care of the logistical details - transport, decorations, weather backup plans.
Smooth progress depends not on chance, but on precision in preparation.
