Your Wedding Ceremony-the Heart of Your Wedding Day
There is no magic wording that you must include in your ceremony to make it legally binding. That gives you a lot of latitude for creativity! Most couples who come to us, however, have no idea of where to start, so we give you plenty of suggestions! We encourage you to think creatively when it comes to your ceremony and to view it as both a celebration and a ritual. Don't be afraid to include some humor in your ceremony; it will help you relax and your guests will love it! Consider ways to include your guests. Have your father read the final blessing, gather your bouquet one flower at a time from your friends as you come down the aisle (your maid of honor can tie them with a ribbon when you get to the front), have your children sign the marriage license (even a baby can do so with an inkpad and a thumbprint), include the well-wishes of all your guests will a Bowl of Blessings, remember your deceased grandparents or have us extend some beautiful words of thanks to your parents.
Core Components include:
Opening Words
Statement of Intention (the "I do's)
Vows (the "heart" of the ceremony)
Exchange of Rings
Final Blessing
Pronouncement
The Kiss
Introduction of the couple as husband and wife
Additional Ideas (up to 3 for a Classic Custom, unlimited for a Premium Custom) may include:
Unity Candle
Words of Thanks to Parents
Rose Ceremony
Sand Ceremony
Salt Ceremony
Ceremony of the Elements
Blessing Bowl
Hand Fasting
Hand Blessing
Inclusion of Children
Songs, Readings, Poems
Wine Ceremony
Blessing of the Four Directions
Exchanging of special words written by the couple (in addition to vows)
Other cultural/religious additions (e.g.. Breaking of the Glass, Jumping the Broom, Arras Coins, etc.)
