Your personal and unique wedding ceremony should be a kind of poem of your love for each other. A poem you share with each other and with your guests.
Choose from a few basic types of ceremonies and work from there, or choose from a wider variety depending on your style. I will provide you with detailed examples at the time of your consultation.
I will gladly tailor and coordinate your ceremony with musicians, singers, guest speakers, co-officiants, etc.
Basic Elements of a standard ceremony:
Procession - Your wedding party entrance may include the groom and groomsmen, officiant, flower girl, ring bearer, parents, and ultimately the bride. There are a variety of ways to begin a wedding. This is your grand entrance!
Convocation - – The welcoming of your guests and to formally state the purpose and importance of the occasion. You may also choose to recognize those who are not able to attend and those who have passed.
Invocation - Most commonly a prayer to begin the formal part of the ceremony. This can vary according to your belief and is designed to set the tone and mood of the occasion. There are many choices for this element.
Address - This is usually the bulk of the ceremony itself and consists of speaking about the subject of marriage itself and your relationship specifically. It should speak to the two of you directly as well as inspire your guests to examine the profound meaning of two people in love. In traditional ceremonies it could be a short sermon. Whatever your preference, this is a chance to bring attention to the deeper reason you’re there.
Readings - You may choose to include a favorite poem, love notes exchanged between you two, book passages, or anything that personally inspires you. There are thousands of these to choose from. Feel free to use your imagination.
Consecration - Traditionally it means to make holy or sacred usually in the form of a prayer. This element of the ceremony draws attention to your serious commitment and promises you are undertaking. It is also a transition to the more intimate ceremonial elements to follow.
Expression of Intent - Simply put: the 'I do' part.
Vows - These vary by custom and are only limited by your imagination. I have many examples you may review. These should reflect your unique bond.
Ring Exchange - The most lasting tangible part of your ceremony, these are a main focus of the occasion. Everyone will want to see your rings afterward and they will be photographed many times. This element can include a blessing of the rings and a short sentence you repeat from the officiant. I have dozens of examples for you to choose from or you may choose your own.
Pronouncement of Marriage - A presentation of you as a married couple to the public by the officiant. It should be expressive and joyous.
Benediction - A final blessing at the end of a ceremony. It should be brief and exciting. This element is, of course, optional.
Kiss - Everyone’s favorite part!
Recession - A short invitation is given to your guest to attend the reception, then usually with music playing, the couple walks down the aisle first, followed by the remainder of the wedding party, then parents of the couple, followed by guests.
You can use this as a guideline but we are certainly not confined to this list. Other elements may include:
Acknowledgements and Remembrances for loved ones not present.
Music
Sand or Candle Ceremony
Family Vows (children, new siblings, etc.)
Wine Ceremony
Love Poems
Pledges
Silent Blessing
Honoring of your Mothers
Breaking of the Glass (Jewish)
Canopy of Love (Jewish)
Chinese Wedding Goblet
Wedding Cup (France)
Thrones of Blessing (Netherlands)
Confetti of Flowers (India)
We are free to explore elements from:
Anglican or Episcopalian Book of Common Prayer,
Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Jewish, traditional Scottish/Irish/English, German, Hindu, American Indian, MODERN SECULAR TEXTS, etc.
I can provide examples of any of these elements that interest you. Let your imagination be your guide!
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