Arrangements for the big day
It is important to consult with your vicar about the contents of the service before the order of service is printed. The order of service may contain the words to your chosen hymns and will help the congregation to follow the stages of the ceremony. It will also make a lovely keepsake of the service itself.

It is also helpful to speak to the vicar about confetti, videotaping, photographs during the service, decorating the church and your preferred hymns before you make any decisions. The church may have its own guidelines about some of these things and your vicar will have lots of experience of what works well.

Practice makes perfect
Shortly before the wedding day itself, the vicar will invite you to a rehearsal in church. This is a great opportunity to calm those nerves and get used to the pattern of the ceremony. Before you invite your supporters club to come along with you, check with the vicar whether he or she thinks they should be present for the rehearsal. Different clergy have different views, but there is certainly something to be said for keeping the numbers attending the rehearsal small.

You will probably feel more relaxed once you realise that you don't have to remember anything. Your mind may go blank on the day, but the vicar will talk you through every stage of the service, even telling you how to stand or when to sit. You repeat the vows after the vicar, so you don't need to memorize the words.

The wedding service in church
Your vicar will probably spend some time explaining the contents of the service to you, but here is a brief summary of what will happen:

The groom, best man and ushers will arrive about 30-45 minutes early. They will be responsible for giving out the orders of service and showing guests to their seats. Usually, the front pews are reserved for close family members.

It is helpful for everyone waiting in the church for the bride to arrive on time! When she does she may be escorted into church by her father or another chosen person (not necessarily a man) or the bride and groom may enter the church together. The traditional ceremony of "giving away" is optional. Instead (if you request it) the vicar may ask the parents of both bride and groom if they entrust their son and daughter to one another.

The vicar will welcome everyone to the service and give introduction. There will be a reading from the Bible and a hymn may be sung. Next comes the marriage itself: