Essential Tips for The End of Your Wedding Ceremony
The final moments of your wedding ceremony can feel like a blur—but they’re also some of the most meaningful (and most photographed!) parts of your entire day. From your first kiss as newlyweds to that joyful walk back up the aisle, there are a few simple things every bride should remember to make the moment feel magical and look effortless.
As a wedding coordinator, I help guide couples through these exact transitions—ensuring you know what to do, when to do it, and how to enjoy every second. Whether it’s handing off your bouquet or pausing for a photo-worthy kiss, these tips will help you end your ceremony with confidence, style, and a smile.
1. Pass Your Bouquet Before Starting Your Vows
When it’s time to exchange vows, don’t forget to hand your bouquet to your maid of honor. This frees up your hands and allows you to fully engage in the moment—plus, it looks much better in photos if you're not awkwardly juggling flowers while trying to wipe away a tear or hold hands with your partner.
Bonus tip: Practice this quick hand-off at the rehearsal so it feels natural!
2. Kiss Twice—and Hold Each One!
After your officiant announces you as a married couple, don’t rush the kiss!
Aim for two kisses, each about three seconds long. Why two? Because the first one is for the tradition, and the second gives your photographer time to capture it perfectly—especially if you moved or blinked during the first one. Kiss, pull back and look at each other to take in the moment, then kiss again.
Take your time. You’ve earned this moment!
3. Turn and Face Your Guests
After the kiss, pause for a moment before walking back down the aisle. Turn together and face your guests—this is a perfect photo opportunity, and it gives your friends and family a moment to celebrate you before the recessional begins.
Your photographer will love you for this one. Trust me.
4. Don’t Forget to Get Your Bouquet Back
As you're getting ready to walk back down the aisle, remember to grab your bouquet back from your maid of honor. It’s a small detail that can easily be missed in the excitement, but it helps you look polished and complete as you make your exit.
5. Pause Mid-Aisle for One More Kiss (and Maybe a Dip!)
This is one of my favorite tips to share with couples: Stop halfway or two-thirds down the aisle for one more kiss—or even a dramatic dip if you’re feeling bold! It’s a sweet, celebratory moment that always gets cheers from guests and makes for some of the best photos of the entire ceremony.
Just let your photographer know in advance so they’re ready to capture it!
Bonus Ceremony Reminders:
Smile and breathe as you walk down the aisle. It’s okay to feel emotional—just take your time.
Watch your posture and keep your shoulders relaxed. You’ll feel more confident and look more natural in photos.
Make eye contact with your partner during the vows—it's one of the most intimate moments of the day.
Your Wedding Ceremony Should Feel Meaningful and Magical
These little tips might seem small, but they help you stay grounded, relaxed, and photo-ready during your ceremony. With the support of your wedding coordinator, maid of honor, and photographer, you’ll be fully present and able to soak in the beauty of the moment—without worrying about what you forgot.
If you’re planning your wedding and want help with all the little details that make the day flow effortlessly, I’d love to connect! Whether you need day-of coordination or more involved support, I’m here to make your wedding day smooth, joyful, and stress-free from start to finish.