The Ceremony  

There is no end to the number and types of wedding ceremonies. Some are steeped in tradition. Others are as new as new age. The elements of a wedding ceremony are somewhat universal although they may be embellished and their chronology be modified from ceremony to ceremony. Here are some of the major elements:

1) The Greeting
2) The Declaration of Intentions (Wedding Vows)
3) The Exchange of Rings
4) Blessings or Readings, and
5) The Pronouncement

Planning Your Wedding Ceremony

A Sample Wedding Ceremony and Order of Service.

OPENING WORDS OF THE OFFICIANT
The wedding should begin by welcoming your guests. In movies, one often sees

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join ___________ and ___________ in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

Another variation is:
Friends, we have been invited here today to share with ______ and ______ a very important moment in their lives. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.

THE GIVING IN MARRIAGE (optional)
The traditional wording is "Who gives this woman to be wedded to this man" but as it is the 21st century, many couples opt for something such as "Who supports this couple in their marriage?" or "Who supports this woman in her marriage to this man?" or chose to leave it out altogether.

AN OPENING PRAYER OR READING
This will generally set the tone of your wedding. It could be serious, humorous, sentimental, or elegant. Typically, it says something about love, relationships, or marriages.

DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE
Here the officiant says some words about marriage in general. He or she will most likely talk about the seriousness of the solemn vow you are about to make, and the new life together you are creating.

WEDDING VOWS


SECOND READING OR SONG

EXCHANGE OF RINGS OR GIFTS
The bride and groom say something like "I (name) give you (name) this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."

LIGHTING OF UNITY CANDLE OR OTHER UNITY CEREMONY (optional)
Many couples are choosing to add a unity ceremony. They may choose to do this in silence, with music playing or they may create vows to say about the joining of their families.

CLOSING
This could be a poem, a prayer, or a sanctioning of the marriage. It is generally the "final thoughts" of the officiant.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
The officiant typically says something akin to "By the power vested in me by the State of _______, I now pronounce you husband and wife" or for same-sex couples, "I now pronounce you married." This is followed by the first kiss of the newly married couple. Once upon a time, the officiant would say "You may now kiss the bride" but again, it's the 21st century. It seems a little strange for someone else to be giving permission to kiss a grown woman. So now, either the couple kiss immediately after the declaration of marriage or the officiant says something like "you may now kiss each other."

INTRODUCTION OF NEWLYWEDS
The officiant says "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. ________" if they are changing their names or "I present to you the newly married couple, Jane and John" if they are not. The guests stand and applaud, as the couple then lead the recessional out.

Ceremony within the Ceremony

Unity Candle

Wine Ceremony

Sand ceremony

Rose Ceremony (Mothers)

Rose ceremony(couple)