Jacqueline Soares, Non Denominational Officiant
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Wedding Ceremony 101
| Posted on 3 February, 2016 at 12:30 |
Wedding Ceremony 101 I do today and forever more… Couples
are surprised to find there is no mandatory design for a wedding
ceremony. Ceremonies can be traditional or as unique as each couple;
it’s your day – you can have it your way. Although
there are a few standard lines an officiant needs to incorporate into
your ceremony, for the most part it is all about your sonnet from one
heart to another. If you want a ceremony created especially for you,
make sure to choose an officiant who acts as guide and co-creator,
rather than a director. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the most important things to consider in creating your wedding ceremony? The questions we hear most often are: How long is the ceremony? Typically 15-30 minutes. Do you write the vows or do we? We can, yet normally we co-create with the couple giving them samples and choices to help with their decisions. Can we use our own vows and readings? Yes. Do I need to remember anything?
Basically, the answer is “no” unless you wish to. We understand you
will be tired and nervous all at once when you finally get to the
ceremony part of your celebration. Normally the officiant will feed you
your lines and please remember look at each other when saying the vows,
not at the officiant. Can a friend or family member do a song or reading? Yes, we encourage involving anyone you wish to make this day special for you and your guests. Do we have to be solemn or can we be light and funny? It’s your day - have it your way. If you want it light and funny, make sure you pick an officiant who can deliver this for you. Can we use contemporary readings or are religious or scriptural readings required? When it comes to vows and readings there is not one requirement. Be as creative as you like. We just want a simple ceremony.
We have learned that “simple” is in the eye of the beholder. Simple to
one person is 10 minutes of I do’s and you may kiss the bride. To others
it’s more about keeping the ceremony light and not too heavy on the
religious side. A Typical Ceremony To give you an idea of how a ceremony might be structured, here is the one of the most common ceremony templates used: Opening Words of the Officiant: This is where we welcome your family and guests. The Giving in Marriage : (Optional)The father or family member gives the bride away. An Opening Prayer or Reading :
Nice place to have a guest or family member do a favorite reading of
the couple’s choice. The officiant is also more than happy to recite
your choice of reading or opening scripture. Definition of Marriage : (Optional) The officiant can define the marriage with your choice of words. Wedding Vows :
Traditional, non-traditional,religious. This is the first time you will
recite a piece to each other with the assistance of your officiant
feeding the lines to both of you. Second Reading or Song : (Optional) Very commonly a guest or family member reads or sings a song. Exchange of Rings : You will choose a ring exchange vow that suits your heart. Closing: (Sometimes called a Benediction) Usually the officiant recites your closing thoughts to the family and guests. Declaration Of Marriage: "By the power vested in me by the State of _______, I now pronounce you____________” and the best part for last, “you may now kiss the bride or life partner.” Introduction of the Newlyweds: The officiant usually introduces the newlyweds by the married names you are taking. Other Bits of Wisdom You
have worked hard at making this the most memorable day of your life for
you and your guests. Please make sure that they can hear your ceremony.
Your DJ or venue will normally have a wireless mic that the officiant
can use or a microphone that can be set up. Your guests and loved ones
really do want to hear your vows and this allows them to be part of your
special celebration, the first day of your married life. Make
sure if there are any special announcements you wish the officiant to
make that you let them know before the ceremony. They can announce this
after you and your wedding party leave the staged area. There
are many free and paid sites on the internet these days that have
samples of wedding ceremonies. Your officiant will also be able to give
you sample ceremonies they have already performed, or samples of vows
and readings. Make sure the ceremony is a true reflection of the both of
you. It’s your very special day…forever more. Jacqueline has officiated weddings and celebrations of life since 2006. She is a non denominational pastor by title , yet assist couples of all types of theory, spirituality and thought, emphasizes the couple and their personal relationship verse religion or necessarily traditional wedding ceremonies. October 2008 revised and printed 2016 |
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