Ceremony
MARK AND NANCY Oct 4th, 2008
Marriage Ceremony
The Ceremony can
widely range from small private, and romantic, to extravagant with many
ceremonial flourishes. This opens the opportunity to create a wedding
full of personal touches and beauty.
The Procession ~ The wedding march as bride enters the
ceremony.
The Convocation ~ Gathering Words spoken to commence the
wedding.
The Invocation ~ Opening Prayer/Blessing Words spoken to
call onto God or Your Higher Power
Support from Families, Charge To Couple, Consent.
Candle-lighting Ceremony ~ Symbolizes two lives united by
one flame.
The Readings ~ Readings or Song, here your friends or family
and the wedding couple may read a selection of beautiful poetry or
sing.
Wine Ceremony ~ It symbolizes the two people coming together
as they form their marriage bond.
The Consecration~ The words given help to elevate the
message just heard. To consecrate means to make holy.
The Vows ~ Your vows are emotionally and spiritually
binding part of the ceremony.
The Expression of Intent ~ Promises, Renewing of
Promises, Family Promises, Affirmation of the Community, here you are
invited to make public your desire to wed.
The Blessing and Exchanging of the Rings ~ Wedding rings
are the material symbol of the bond that is created in marriage.
The Benediction ~ The benediction is the final ceremonial
flourish of the wedding. With these words you are both sent off with a
blessing as a newly married couple.
The Pronouncement of Marriage ~ A beautiful reading that
pronounces your married.
The Kiss ~ This is the delicious part of the ceremony,
the moment you claim one another with a kiss.
Presentation of Couple ~ The public proclamation that you
are married, and the presentation by the officiant of you as husband and
wife by your new name for the very first time anywhere.
The Recession ~ Just as there is a procession the
recession conveys the bride and groom are together at last.
Note: Other flourishes may be included into the ceremony such as;
lasso, arras, breaking of the glass, dove release, bubble blowing while
the couple kiss, please remember it's your special day and anything
goes.
Ceremonial Planning
Regardless of the
number of guests and attendants, the following questions may help you
begin to visualize a service that will engage you and your guests.
What should the underlying tone of the service be?
Solemn, light-hearted, free-spirited, etc.
What should the overt tone of the service be?
Religious, Spiritual, Civil, etc.
What style of service will it be?
Highly formal, semi-formal, informal, casual, extremely casual
etc.
Will the wedding have a theme?
Love and Commitment, Love and Purpose, Love and Rejoicing etc.
MARK AND NANCY Oct 4th, 2008
Are there any family traditions on either side that should be included in the ceremony?
A unity candle, particular song, or flower presentation, etc.
Are there any ethnic traditions that should be included in the
ceremony?
Arras/Lasso (Spanish and Latino), Breaking of the Glass
(Jewish), Triple Ring Exchange (Eastern Orthodox), Meher (Muslim),
Garland Exchange (Hindu and Hawaiian) etc.
How long should the ceremony last?
The length of the service may dictate the number and type of
elements you can include, the average ceremony is 20 minutes.
Other things to think about....
Will you write your own or choose from a selection of
pre-written vows?
What role will music have in the service?
Will the minister simply officiate the vows, also deliver a short
homily on marriage or preach a full sermon?
If the commitment results in a blended family, would a separate set
of vows for the children be appropriate?
