There are 4 phases to a good ceremony, one where the anticipation, interest and emotion builds. 

The 1st phase is the entrance, introduction and welcome.

In a funeral service this begins when the coffin is on the shoulders of the bearers and the FD and Celebrant is ready to lead the coffin and mourners into the chapel. Traditional funeral clothing for everyone is black of course, but these days, some families may request alternatives, like bright colours. At one funeral service I did, the dress code was "animal print". It was fabulous! Music is played as the procession enters and then after the initial bows are over and when everyone is seated, the celebrant begins with their welcome and introduction. 

In a wedding ceremony, the 1st phase is the arrival of the couple, either separately or together, along with their supporters, In traditional mixed gender wedding ceremonies this, of course, is the much anticipated bride's entrance. The entrance with everyone wearing their best or special clothing may include bridesmaids, groomsmen and parents who lead or accompany the bride and/or groom. 

In the Coronation ceremony due to start at Westminster Abbey at 11am BST, we expect to see many people in their finest clothes, Lords and Ladies in ermine, bright and spectacular military uniforms, as well as many people (and children) who will accompany the King and Queen consort. Expect to see the "recognition and oath" in the phase of the Coronation ceremony. 


The 2nd phase includes building features.

In a funeral service the 2nd phase may include an initial hymn or reading before moving on to the eulogy or tribute to the person who has died. 

In a wedding ceremony, the 2nd phase will include a consenting moment for the couple so that we all hear them say "I Do" and the celebrant's will normally include the couple's "love story" as part of their welcome. There may be a friend or family member who reads a poem or text. There may be a mini-ceremony at this point, for example a sand-blending or unity candle ceremony.

In the 2nd phase of the Coronation ceremony, expect to see the sacred anointing ritual where the King is anointed with holy oil by the Arch Bishop with the ancient Coronation Spoon. This simple but symbolic act will happen to the grand sound of the choir singing Handel's "Zadok the Priest". 

The 3rd phase includes the main symbolic features at the emotional and ceremony "peak".

In a funeral service this is when the celebrant asks the mourners to stand and turns to the coffin to say the chosen words of Committal. It is at this stage that sometimes the celebrant closes the curtains as a symbolic act, alternatively, immediate family may want to step forward to place rosemary or flowers on the coffin and at a burial, soil may be scattered on the coffin after it has been lowered. Many families will request The Lord's Prayer.

In a wedding ceremony the 3rd phase includes the wedding vows and ring exchange. Expect tears of joy at this stage from parents or grandparents, or, in my experience, most commonly from the groom who up until this point has been very stoical but will often blubber as he says his vows. Priceless!

In the Coronation ceremony, expect the 3rd phase to feature the investiture of the King as he is dressed in regal robes and the ultimate moment which will likely appear on the front pages of newspapers around the world, the placing of the crown upon his head. 

The 4th phase gently brings people down from the emotional peak towards the exit

In a funeral service, this is the celebrant's final and closing words. It normally includes some words of comfort, words on grief and reminders of the wake to happen after the service and the charity the family have nominated to receive donations in memory of the deceased (in place of spending money on flowers). The final exit music is introduced and played and then the arrival of the chapel attendant and FD (who bow) will signal the time for all to leave. Immediate family will often greet and thank mourners as they exit the building. 
 
In a wedding ceremony, the 4th phase includes the certificate signing, perhaps another reading or mini-ceremony like a handfasting. There may be a final blessing (either religious or non-religious) before the guests are asked to stand and the newlyweds are presented "for the first time" and exit to upbeat recessional music and the confetti throw. 

In the Coronation ceremony, expect the 4th phase to include dignitaries paying homage to the newly crowned King and then lots more music and regalia as procession exit Westminster Abbey and the King and Queen Consort make their way in the Golden State Coach to Buckingham Palace. Here, we now expect the immediate Royal Family to stand and wave from the balcony wave and watch the fly-past from the RAF. 

Although a funeral, a wedding and coronation are all very different ceremonies to mark different types of event, I hope you will see the similarities and features that they all share. A good ceremony involves fitting music, special clothes, symbolic rituals, acts and features, moments of celebration (even at a funeral) as well as solemn and serious parts. A great ceremony should make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up at a specific time. It should stir the emotions in even the stoical of hearts and it should lead a lasting and warm memory for many years to come.

Enjoy!