Elements Of A Ceremony
A typical ceremony has a structure with a variety of elements. The length of your service will depend on how many elements you choose to include.
- Processional - The entrance of the wedding party
- Invocation - An opening prayer
- Welcome Statement - A statement welcoming those gathered in attendance
- Remembrance and Acknowledgements - Special words or a moment of silence to pay tribute to those who cannot attend the ceremony.
- Poetry/Reading - Classic love and wedding poetry as well as readings from different cultures and religions
- Declaration of Support - A way for guests to pledge their support of the marriage.
- Marriage Address - A statement about the role of marriage in our lives.
- Personal Statement - A statement about the couple.
- Vows - The promises that couples make to one another
- Ring Ceremony - The exchange of wedding rings.
- Final Blessing/Prayer - The offering of good wishes to the couple as they begin their life journey
- Unity/Symbol Ceremony - A symbolic ceremony that celebrates the union of the couple.
- Pronouncement - The official proclamation that the couple is now legally married.
- Presentation of the couple
- Recessional - The exiting of the couple followed by the wedding party.
Unity Ceremonies
A unity ceremony is a way to celebrate the couple joining two lives into one. Your creativity in designing a unity ceremony should speak to your relationship, personalities, and existing families. You may include parents, siblings, and children into this event. Such ceremonies include, but are not limited to sand ceremony, rose ceremony, breaking of the glass, the truce bell and the wine box ceremony.
Be creative and have fun designing one that fits you!