Your Wedding Ceremony
There are so many options and variations to choose from for your wedding ceremony, it is often difficult to decide what to include or exclude. Working with an independent celebrant the choice is absolutely yours. Everything that you include or exclude and how you want the ceremony to flow is completely your choice. Do you want a blend of modern and traditional? Do you want to include any religious aspects (readings or music)? Do you want to include anything that embraces your culture or heritage, or indeed where you are from, county or country?
When we think of a wedding ceremony we think about the Entrance, Welcome, Readings, Vows, Rings, the Kiss and the Recessional. But there is no reason to stick with that. Think about your personalities, your beliefs and how you would like to remember your wedding day. There are some many ways to change the feel and flow of your ceremony. There are wonderful enhancements that you can include – lighting of candles, sand ceremony, handfasting, and ring warming, to name a few.
When thinking about readings and music – think about whether you want modern or classical, religious or secular, romantic or funny.
Too many choices, too many questions? What I have done here is give you an example of a wedding ceremony that I have done for several couples and seems to work very well. But remember, this is only an example. Your ceremony, your way is my approach. Hopefully this will give you some ideas to start working from.
Entrance
Your entrance – your guests will turn to see you. Choose your music to set the scene. Often the first impression your guests get of your wedding is the music they hear. Music can soothe you, inspire your and excite you and will create a wonderful atmosphere for the entire day.
Music – Songbird (Eva Cassidy)
Opening Welcome
To you, your family, and your friends.
This day is not about the words spoken or the rings exchanged. Nor is it about grand pronouncements or recessional marches.
This day is about love
Lighting of the Candles (Part One)
Lighting two individual candles, one representing each family. The light passed from your families to you.
Your Love Story
Your love, your story, your journey.
Your story from the time you met to the day of your wedding, shared with your guests.
Readings, Poetry, Music
Has meaning for you, is chosen by you, represents you.
Religious to secular, modern to classical. Your choice.
Music – Warm (The Coronas)
Lighting of the Candles (Part 2)
Lighting of the centre candles representing the joining of your souls in marriage.
May this flame give you courage and reassurance in darkness, warmth and safety in the cold and strength and joy in your bodies, minds and spirits.
Your Vows
Select the vows to suit you (so many options to choose from) or write your own.
Your Vows, Your Way
In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.
(Maya Angelou)
Exchanging your Rings
Rings are the eternal symbol of marriage. The unbroken circle symbolises a token of love, commitment and promises.
I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honour and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever.
Handfasting (‘Tying the Knot’)
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other, today, tomorrow and forever.
Pronouncement
Husband and Wife
Husband and Husband
Wife and Wife
You have declared before us that you will live together in marriage.
Music – Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay)