Tip: At ceremony time, there are many things
to consider. How religious you want your ceremony to be is up to
you. You should always discuss with your clergyperson how your order
of service should be. This will help when you are making up your
programs as well.
The
following are what most religious wedding ceremonies consist of.
You and your fiancé can personalize your ceremony any way
you want, just be sure to get your officiant's approval first.
Greeting/Call to Worship
These first words will welcome your guests and
set the tone for the ceremony. Some couples use this time to include
a favorite poem or quotation, a wish for their families, or a
reading from a friend about love and friendship. Your clergyperson
may also express your personal philosophy about marriage.
The next words are the part of the ceremony that
determines that you and your fiancé have voluntarily come
together to marry.
Traditionally, the clergyperson asks, "Who
gives this woman to be married to this man?" The bride's
father, or whoever has escorted her down the aisle replies, "I
Do." Today, many couples choose to vary these traditional
words. Next, you and your fiancé ascend the steps (or come
forward) for the exchange of vows.
These public promises join you together and describe
your intentions. Generally, your clergyperson will be happy to
help you create your own vows. Spoken vows should take about one
to three minutes and reflect the solemnity of the occasion.
Traditionally, the bride and groom face each other
and place a wedding band on each other's ring finger, stating,
"With this ring, I thee wed." At this time, you may
also state what the rings symbolize to you as a couple. "Let
this ring be an outward sign of our eternal love and commitment."
At the end of the ceremony, the officiant will
declare to those assembled that you are legally wed. You may offer
your kiss at this time.
This should give you some idea where to start. Of course, each
religion has their own traditions to add to the ceremony. Feel
free to do this to your ceremony as it really sets the tone for
your own personal event.
And as always, have fun and Stay Organized.
