What Are the Four Main Types of Weddings?
When planning a wedding, it is important that you consider the type and style of ceremony you will use. Here are some examples of main types of weddings. These include Religious, Nondenominational and Same-sex ceremonies. Each type of wedding ceremony has its own unique style and characteristics. Here are the pros & cons of each type. Find out which one is right for you by reading on.
Processional weddings
Traditional processional weddings have the groom and officiant entering from the side. The officiant, often the officiating minister, or rabbi, walks the bride and groom down the aisle. The usher will lead the way for both of them. The traditional opening spot in the procesional is taken by the officiant. However, some couples prefer a less formal approach.

A processional wedding begins with the ceremony’s officiant pronounced the couple married and introductions from the bride and groom. The bride and groom follow in order and the guests applaud them both. The officiant leaves at the end of the processional, in the center of the aisle or on a side aisle. The ceremony can conclude with a closing remarks or a kiss. Processional weddings differ from recessional weddings in several ways.
Nondenominational ceremonies
A wedding ceremony follows a set format. A wedding ceremony may include a vows exchange, a reading from a religious text, or a nondenominational blessing. Although the order of these ceremonies can vary from one culture to another, they generally follow a similar structure. Different cultures may also include unique elements in their ceremonies, such flower garlands that are exchanged between the groom and bride.
Regardless of the ceremony style, nondenominational weddings often include a unity candle or another symbol of unity. The ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes, and the wedding party should exit in the order in which they entered the ceremony. The couple can also create their own vows for their nuptial ceremony. A nondenominational ceremony allows the couple to make their wedding vows personal, which can create a memorable experience.
Religious ceremonies
The four main types of wedding are religious, civil, and non-religious. Religious weddings generally feature a church, the bride walks down the aisle with her father and the minister delivers a sermon before exchanging wedding vows and wedding rings. A recessional ceremony is similar to a processional, but allows the couple the freedom to customize rituals and make their own. In this type of wedding, the bride and groom walk down the aisle in reverse order.
A religious wedding ceremony follows certain traditions and rituals. For example, in Islam, the husband pays his bride in an act fidelity. A Catholic wedding requires that the bride wears a white gown. Other religious wedding ceremonies follow the same general structure, but differ a bit from each other. Civil weddings are more casual, while religious ceremonies are more formal. A civil marriage is legal, but a religious marriage ceremony must be held in a church.
Same-sex ceremonies
There are several common kinds of same-sex weddings. These weddings can be religious, civil, or celebrant-led. The gender pronouns of the bride and groom can change. Lesbian Jewish couples may break a ceremonial glass together, while cross-sex couples typically break the glass by the groom. Many same-sex marriages challenge patriarchal traditions by using feminist or pagan spirituality.
Many same-sex couples choose to marry for political or personal reasons, and to prove their love, commitment, and spiritual union. The same goes for gay couples. A wedding ceremony is a symbolic entry to adulthood. Same-sex couples are also subject to familial opposition. Below are the main types of same-sex marriages: