Here is a sample of what may happen at a wedding ceremony
PROCESSIONAL
WELCOME- Opening words from the officiant
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join ___________ and ___________ in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.
Another variation is:
Friends, we have been invited here today to share with ______ and ______ a very important moment in their lives. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.
THE GIVING IN MARRIAGE(optional)
The bride is offered to the groom by someone close to the bride. Traditionally, the bride's father, or the eldest male relative
AN OPENING PRAYER OR READING
This will generally set the tone of the wedding. It could be serious, humorous, sentimental, or elegant. Typically, it says something about love, relationships, and/or marriages
DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE
The officiant says some words about marriage in general. He or she will most likely talk about the seriousness of the solemn vow the couple are about to make, and the new life they will be creating and experiencing
WEDDING VOWS
The bride and groom say their vows to each other
SECOND READING OR SONG
EXCHANGE OF RINGS OR GIFTS
The bride and groom insert the rings on each other's ring finger
UNITY CEREMONY(optional)
Symbolizes the joining of the 2 individuals and/or families becoming one.
Candle:
one of the most common ceremonies. The bride and groom each take a lit candle and simultaneously light a third larger "unity candle." They may blow out their individual lights, or leave them lit, symbolizing that they have not lost their individuality in their unity. Stores are now selling elaborate unity candle setups, including a candleabra that holds the central unity candle higher than the others. You may also have your unity candle personalized with your names and the date, allowing it to be a keepsake from your wedding.
Variations: All guests are given a candle, and the first guest's is lit. Guests pass the flame until all are lit, and then the bride and groom together light their unity candle. This variation typically includes a proclamation that this ceremony represents the unity of friends and family supporting the couple in their marriage.
Veil:
In the Catholic ceremony, the Priest continues with the nuptial mass until the "Sanctus". When the bell for the Sanctus rings, it is also a signal for the veil sponsors to come up to the altar. In Protestant ceremonies, the Minister explains the veil ceremony to the congregation and this constitutes as the cue for the veil sponsors.
Together, they pin a veil from the groom's shoulders, extending it to cover the bride's head and shoulders. This is symbolic of the groom pledging his strength and protection to his bride - the wife who he promises to take care of, from this day forward.
Cord:
follows immediately after the veil ceremony. The Cord Sponsors come up to where the Bride and Groom are kneeling, and put a figure of eight cord over the veils that are on the heads and shoulders of the Bride and Groom. This cord symbolizes unity and infinity - a love together, forever!
Arrhae or Coin:
The Priest/Minister then drops 13 pieces of coins (silver or gold) called arras into the Groom's waiting hands, who in turn drops it into the Bride's hands. The Bride then puts her hand above the Groom's then drops the arras into his hands again. The Groom allows the coins to then be dropped into a plate held by an acolyte.
The metal tinkling of the coins being passed from one pair of hands to the other, is a distinctive reminder of the groom's promise to take care of his wife materially. The bride in return, by giving back the coins to his hands, convey that what they both earn become part of each other's. The trickling sound also signifies abundance and success in the couple's joint efforts. The husband gives his material earnings to his wife who manages, saves and invests the money wisely, as tradition dictates.
Rose:
A simple unity ceremony where the bride and groom exchange roses.
Other variations: the families exchange roses, the bride and groom exchange roses with their families, the bride and groom exchange roses, then present their mothers with the roses. Wine Ceremony: The bride and groom each take a carafe of wine and pour it into a single glass, which they both drink from.
Water:
The couple each pour a different colored water into a single glass, creating a third color.
Sand:
similar to the water ceremony, the bride and groom both pour different colored sand into a glass.
Salt:
Indian weddings often include a salt ceremony, where the bride passes a handful of salt to her groom without spilling any. He then passes it back to her and the exchange is repeated three times. She then performs the salt exchange with all the members of the groom's family, symbolizing her blending in with her new family.
Breaking Bread:
The bride and groom tear off pieces of bread, and then each eat a piece. Sometimes the bread is also shared with family and friends. It symbolizes their future as a family together.
Garland or Lei:
The bride and groom exchange garlands of flowers. This is a common part of Indian weddings, where the ceremony is called varmala or jaimala, and represents a proposal by the bride and acceptance by the groom. It also represents their new unity, blessed by nature. In Hawaian weddings, the bride and groom typically exchange leis. The families may also exchange leis with the couple. Leis represent the love and respect you have for the person you are giving it to, and the unity of the new family.
Circling:
In Eastern European ceremonies, the bride and groom circle the altar three times, which are their first steps together as husband and wife. In Hindu ceremonies, couples circle the fire seven times, sealing their bond. The unbroken circle represents the unbroken committment to each other.
Broom Jumping:
An African-American tradition that has its roots in slavery times when slaves couldn't marry. Typically the family places the broom on the ground, and the bride and groom jump over it together. The broom can then decorate a place of honor in their home.
Lasso:
Lasso or rope is placed around the bride and groom's shoulders, usually by the officiant. Sometimes rosary beads, or orange flowers are used instead of rope. It can also be placed around the couple's necks, or wrists.
Celtic Oathing Stone:
The couple holds or puts their hands on a stone during their vows to "set them in stone
Breaking of Glass
represent shattering the bonds of the couple's old life, leaving the broken and irreparable behind, and to symbolize the beginning of their new life together without the ties of a broken past holding them back, as well as having a reminder that all life and relationships are fragile and need care and nourishment to survive.
Truce Bell:
A bell is rung on the wedding day, the happiest day of the couple's lives and then is placed in a central location in the home. If the couple starts to argue, one of them can ring the truce bell, reminding them both of that happiness and hopefully ending the disagreement quickly.
CLOSING
Generally the "final thoughts" of the officiant. It could include or be a poem, a prayer, or a sanctioning of the marriage.
DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
The officiant declares the couple married then tells the groom he may kiss the bride
