Example Ceremonies

This page list and describes the typical wedding ceremony parts that Lance uses. Generally speaking, the only difference between a civil, religious, or spiritual wedding ceremony is the wording of each ceremony part used. But most use the same order of parts. Whether all parts are included, or just a few, I pace the ceremony to last about 25 minutes. 

Different Ceremony Types
(ordered from religious to non-religious)

• Traditional Christian Ceremony
• Catholic (short) Wedding Ceremony
• Catholic (short Wedding Ceremony (Filipino version)
• Contemporary Christian Ceremony
• Non-Religion Specific Ceremony
• Hand Fasting Ceremony (be sure to read this unique ceremony)

There are modifications that can be made to each ceremony such at:

• Table ceremonies for the Turkish tradition
• Bi or tri lingual ceremonies where everything is translated into many languages as the ceremony progresses
• Inclusion of Orthodox triple phrases and other traditional parts
• Addition of dates and honey or salt and bread for Muslim or Lithuanian traditions

Stage Set Up

Here is a typical wedding venue setup.

Sample Vows

• Vow Example One
• Vow Example Two
• Vow Example Three
• Vow Example Four
• Vow Example Five

Optional Add-0ns

• Involving Children
• The sharing of a cup of wine
• Bride & Groom First Communion/Eucharist
• Jumping the Broom

Basic Parts of a Wedding Ceremony
not all parts will apply in every ceremony

• Processional
  This how you get the minister, wedding party and parents to the front. My preferred style is for the minister to come in first followed by those groomsmen not escorting, then groomsmen that have someone to escort like parents or grandparents who are seated during procession, then groom with his parent(s), then ring bearer, bride's maid individually, flower girl, bell ringer, then bride.
   
• Introduction
   
• Giving of the Bride
   
• Pledge of Support
   
• Parent(s)/Sponsors Involvement
  This may be accomplished with the mothers lighting unity candle tapers, receiving flowers from the bride and groom during a mini-parent greeting, or sand preparation for a sand ceremony. This is when the minister talks about the important of parents getting us to this day.
   
• Cording & Veil
  This is a Pacific rim and South American tradition where the sponsors, Godparents, or mothers pin a veil to the couple then place a cord over their heads. A Blessing is invoked then the cord and veil are removed in opposite order.
   
• Reading #1
   
• Words on Love or Marriage
   
• Blessing of Rings
   
• Exchange of Rings & Vows
   
• Reading #2
   
• Charge to the Couple/Affirmation of Love
   
• Prayer
  A prayer can be done religiously or a spoken blessing from a guest, parent, or sponsor.
   
• Couple Unity Activity
  The couple can light a unity candle, complete the sand ceremony, or drink from a chalice. The drinking of wine or pseudo-wine can be done in a religious, spiritual, or earthy way. No matter what activity is used, its the couples first formal act as husband and wife.
   
• Joining of the Children
  This is where brides and grooms have an opportunity to include their children in the ceremony. This may include a blessing, exchange of vows of commitment of care, and exchange of gifts, medallions, or rings.
   
• Bridal-couple-only Communion/Eucharist (see above)
   
• Nuptial Blessing
   
• Pronouncement of Marriage
  Formal legal declaration of unity.
   
• Announcement of Marriage
   
• Benediction/Conclusion
   
• Breaking of the glass (combined Christian/Jewish)
   
• Jumping the Broom
   
• Recessional
  May be a straight forward exiting of the bride, groom, and wedding party or it can include the groom picking up the bride and carrying her away before the wedding party recesses.
   
• Receiving Line