Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Wednesday's Wedding Poll: Ceremony Seating

Today's poll is to get your opinion on what you would do if you were faced with the same ceremony seating situation as I am. I've never seen a set-up like our church before and so I was a little taken aback when I was told my options when we met with the priest a few weeks ago. Let me explain:

When we walked through the church, he explained to us that whoever designed the raised section of the church that holds the altar, wasn't thinking about the fact that weddings would be taking place there.

There is very little space on the platform between the steps and the altar, really only allowing enough space for the priest, and then just enough space for us to stand comfortably. But, since our ceremony involves sitting and standing, they will not put chairs in front of the priest because the chair legs would be too close to the edge of the steps. Here's a little sketch of how our platform and altar look.
As you can see, the space between the altar and stairs is really limited, so they put two chairs in the corner on either side. Our priest explained to us that some couples have the Bride and Maid-of-Honor sit on the left and the Groom and Best Man on the right, then the Bride and Groom come together and meet in the middle at the end of the ceremony for the exchange of rings. On one hand, I think that's a really sweet idea: We are apart until the end and finally come together as one at the exchanging of the rings.

On the other hand....I never even imagined NOT sitting/standing next to Chris during our entire ceremony. I would walk down the aisle and see him for the first time, then separate and go sit on opposite sides of the altar? I think I would feel sad to leave him at that point after finally meeting up, and therefore would prefer to sit like this:

The priest said that many couples choose to do it this way as well. It sounded like the couples that get married there are split somewhat 50/50 on doing both set-ups.

I think both are viable options, and we might get there for the rehearsal and come up with a different solution, or change our minds altogether, but because I've never seen this before, I'm curious: What would you do in this situation? 

11 comments:

Mom said...

I voted this week! I'm with you on this. Who wants to walk down the aisle, meet your very soon-to-be husband, then have to sit on the opposite side of the altar from him? I say sit as a couple because this is all about the UNION of you and Chris.

Rorie said...

Agreed, its not traditional, but its all about you two as a couple!! Sit together!

HiLLjO said...

I would NOT sit away from my bunny at our wedding either!!! You're right to want to sit with him!

Heather said...

In that situation, I would sit together with the groom. Is there any room for them to add a kneeler? That's what we used at our wedding, instead of our taking a seat. I thought it was a nice touch, and it would allow the MOH and BM to each sit in one chair on either side.

Megan said...

I would be sad if I couldn't stand/sit next to my soon to be hubby as well. Hope that you guys figure everything out!

Saying I do said...

That's a good idea Heather..we prob. will ask for some other options. We're not doing a full mass though...so would a kneeler even be necessary though? questions...questions

steph c said...

How interesting. I would definitely arrange it so that the bride and groom are sitting together.. the other way is interesting, but I would totally want to be next to my man the whole time!

Mel {The Oceanside Bride} said...

Awww sit together if possible! Would be somewhat strange to be separated. :(

Tiff For Tat said...

Definitely you want to sit on the same side as your future hubby so you can steal quick glances/touches to eachother etc.!! I like the idea of the kneeler too.

The Vintage Modern Bride said...

i say definitely sit with him! it's your day and he's your future hubby!

Jasmine said...

i'd definitely want to sit on the same side! i'm nervous because i want to be able to be excited and hug and kiss right away.. and that's not supposed to happen! i can't imagine having all that anticipation of seeing each other and then having to sit across from each other.