Wedding ceremony
A wedding ceremony is held to officially mark the beginning of a marriage between two people. The ceremony itself may be legal in nature (getting a marriage license at City Hall), for religious purposes (held in a church), or to allow the two individuals to publicly vow their commitment to each other (with their friends and family as witnesses of those vows).
[edit] Typical Timeline
The ceremony may proceed in a number of ways. The addition and of readings and special music in the ceremony will depend on the couple's preferences. This is just one possible timeline:
A. Prelude
B. Seating of the families
C. Processional
D. Opening Words & Welcome
E. Presentation of the Bride (& Groom)
F. Blessing/Prayer
G. Statement of Intent
H. Special Music - optional [Instrumental or vocal]
I. Readings - optional [Religious or literary]
J. Message/Homily
K. Exchange of Vows
L. Exchange of Rings
M. [Special Ceremony Elements] - see below
N. Declaration of Marriage/Presentation of the Couple/The Kiss
O. Closing Prayer/Benediction/Blessing
P. Recessional
[edit] Personalization
The options to personalizing a wedding ceremony are numerous. The following are ways to represent the union in a marriage. Some are just symbolic; others are rooted in rich tradition and culture.
- Unity Candle
- Sand ceremony
- Handfasting Ceremony
- Wine Ceremony
- Lasso Ceremony
- Jumping the Broom
- Breaking of the Glass
- Rose Ceremony
- Loving Cup/Celtic Quaich Ceremony
- Readings
[edit] Weddingbee Posts
- Lasso Ceremony & other Hispanic traditions by Miss Hydrangea
- Sand Ceremony by Miss Sundae
