Your rise

One of the most special moments of the ceremony is your attendance. This is the start of your big day and that is quite exciting. In addition, it is often the first moment that the guests see you in your beautiful outfits and also sometimes the first moment that you see each other as a newlyweds.

You can take the first tension off quite a bit by determining well in advance how your rise will go. But what should you all think about?

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The order

The great thing is that it is your ceremony, so you can completely decide how you show up and who all shows up. There are no laws or fixed rules, yet many people opt for the same setup. And it is as follows:

First comes the bridegroom (or first bride). Often people think that the groom is already coming with the guests and without music, in front of everyone, has to wait for his bride. But I always don't recommend doing this. It's all exciting enough and it's not nothing to stand there in silence with all your excitement while everyone is staring at you. As a wedding official, I also always start with the household rules before we start, otherwise the groom is already waiting for all his guests at this moment.

So when the music starts, the groom comes first, often accompanied by a dear female person (mother, sister, grandmother, whoever matters to you). How nice it is also to make one of your loved ones feel extra special by giving this task.

After that, it's time for your wedding team (if there is one). This includes witnesses, bridesmaids/groomsmen and possibly ring bearers. This can be done in a very nice romantic way, but this can also be the time for a joke. Think, for example, of the male witnesses who throw flower petals or the ring bearer who is accompanied by security. Feel free to choose an interpretation here that suits you. According to American customs, the groomsmen stand beside the groom while he waits for his bride. And bridesmaids stand next to where the bride visits. But at Dutch ceremonies, you often see them taking their seats in the front rows and joining the other guests.

Finally, the bride (or second groom), often accompanied by a dear male person (father, grandfather, uncle, best friend, whoever matters to you) and the flower girls, who scatter the petals for the bride.

Especially during intimate ceremonies, it often happens that the newlyweds show up together. Of course, this is also a great choice.

The music

The music is the most important mood maker when you come out. If you choose a romantic and sensitive song, tears are guaranteed. Or would you rather opt for a badass icebreaker or a hilarious song to be guaranteed to get rid of your nerves laughing on the way to the altar. The most important thing is that you choose 1 (or more) number (s) that suit you and really speak for who you are and how you stand together in life.

If you have live music, you may well choose 1 song and ask the musician to play it until everyone has shown up. When you work with a digital system, it is wise to each choose a different number for the bride and groom. This way, you can be sure that the song is not over before the bride is at the altar.

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And don't forget

• As soon as you hear the music, count to 10 and only then start walking. That way, the song can also reach the guests just as well and you will hear more of your beautiful song than just the intro.
• If only 1 person comes on per song, see if you can bet the song on that specific part of the song you want to hear anyway.
• You feel like you're walking down the aisle very slowly. You always run faster than you think, especially when you're a little nervous.
• Try to keep your focus on your future, this ensures the most beautiful looks in your eyes and therefore also the most beautiful photos
• Keep your bouquet at the height of your belly button. This is the perfect position for the photos.

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