Giving away the bride
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Celebrant:
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Who brings Bride to stand with Groom?
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Bride’s Mother:
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I do.
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Celebrant:
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Do you
promise, now and always,
to support
this union?
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Bride’s Mother:
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I do.
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Memorial Candle
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Celebrant:
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Before we begin this ceremony, Bride
would like to have a candle lit in memory of her father by Friend.
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While
the candle is being lit.
Although
we can't see you
We
know you are here
Smiling
down, watching over us
As
we say "I do"
Forever
in our hearts
Forever
in our lives
And
so we say our vows
In
loving memory of you
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Introduction
Family and
friends of Bride, Groom and Child, we meet here today to share
in Bride and Groom's wedding ceremony.
We have come
here not only to witness their commitment to each other, but also to wish
them well and share their joy as
they continue
their life together.
Bride and Groom's decision to
publicly exchange vows today confirms their commitment to marriage that has
already taken place in their hearts and in their minds.
Bride and Groom understand
the importance of friendship, family, loyalty and of sharing their lives as
equals in a loving partnership.
It is in this
spirit they stand before us.
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Vows to Child
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Celebrant:
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Groom, in joining
your life with Bride, you are accepting the added responsibility for Child,
Bride’s daughter.
Groom here before Bride
and your relatives and friends, do you promise to care for Child, make for her a home where she can grow in
peace and love, and at all times have her best interest at heart?
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Groom:
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I do.
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Wedding Vows
Affirmation of
Intent
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Celebrant:
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Groom, do you take Bride,
to be your lawfully, wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, comfort her,
honour and keep her, in sickness and in health, so long as you both shall
live?
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Groom:
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I do.
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Celebrant:
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Bride, do you take Groom,
to be your lawfully, wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, comfort him,
honour and keep him, in sickness and in health, so long as you both shall
live?
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Bride:
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I do.
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Exchanging Vows
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Groom:
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Standing here among our friends, I Groom,
take you, Bride , to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold,
from this day forth, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to
love and to cherish, so long as we both shall live.
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Bride :
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Standing here
among our friends, I Bride, take you, Groom, to be my lawfully
wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forth, for richer, for
poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, so long as we both
shall live.
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Exchanging Wedding Rings
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Celebrant:
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This ring is
the symbol of the promises you have made to each other. It is the link which
forges the present to the future.
The promises
made today must be lived tomorrow. Let this ring be a constant reminder.
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Groom:
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I give you
this ring as a symbol of the love that binds us together.
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Bride:
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I give you this ring as a symbol of
the love that binds us together.
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Gift to the child
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Celebrant:
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Today not only
marks the marriage of Bride and Groom, but is also a formal acknowledgement
and blessing of the family bond they are creating with Child, Bride’s
daughter.
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Bride & Groom:
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Child, today, on
our wedding day, we give you this necklace to show our commitment to you, and
as an outward symbol of the uniting of our family.
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Blessing
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Celebrant:
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We will now hear a wish for the
couple, expressed on behalf of us all, by Groom’s friend.
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Friend:
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May
you have enough happiness to keep you sweet,
Enough
trials to keep you strong,
Enough
sorrow to keep you human,
Enough
hope to keep you happy.
Enough
failure to keep you humble,
Enough
success to keep you eager,
Enough
friends to give you comfort,
Enough
wealth to meet your needs,
Enough
enthusiasm to look forward,
Enough
faith to banish depression,
Enough
determination to make each day better than yesterday.
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engagement ring
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Celebrant:
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Groom, you and Bride
pledged your commitment to each other when you first placed the engagement ring on
Bride’s hand.
Today, that commitment has become a
lifetime promise of your life together.
It is, therefore, fitting that the
engagement ring which promised your commitment, is now placed next to the
wedding ring as a fulfilment of your promise.
Groom, please
remove the engagement ring from Bride’s right hand and place it on the
left hand next to the wedding ring.
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Conclusion
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Ladies and
gentlemen, since Groom and Bride have declared before us all their willingness
to live together as husband and wife, and have symbolised their intentions by
joining of hands, making of vows and exchanging of rings, by the power vested
in me, I now pronounce them husband and wife.
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Exchanging a Kiss
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Signing of the Register
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Since Groom
and Bride have vowed to be loyal and loving toward each other, formalising
in our presence the existence of the bond between them, we bear witness to
the ceremony they have performed…the ceremony that has made them husband and
wife.
May these two
people, now married, keep the promises which they have made.
May they be a
blessing and a comfort to each other, sharers of each other’s joys, consolers
in each other’s sorrows, and helpers to each other in all the problems they
may have to face.
May they
encourage each other in whatever they set out to achieve. May they trusting
each other, trust life and not be afraid.
Yet may they
not only accept and give affection between themselves, but also together have
affection and consideration for others.
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Introduction of couple as husband & wife
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Ladies and
gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, Groom and Bride,
husband and wife.
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Celebrant, Vlady Peters, Redcliffe, Qld.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Wedding Ceremony - Gift to a Child
Here's a complete Wedding ceremony I conducted recently for a couple who wanted to include the giving of a necklace to the bride's child, as part of their wedding vows, lighting a candle in memory of the bride's father, and using the engagement ring as part of the ritual.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Two Ceremonies – Twice the Fun
Whether
you’re getting
married, given birth to a son or daughter, have reached the age of legal
maturity, moving into a new house, having a significant birthday or
anniversary, there’s a ceremony that makes that moment something special.
Even better, so many people feel, if you
can make the moment last by joining two ceremonies together.
For many couples this might include
having their wedding or their engagement party followed by a naming ceremony of
their new son or daughter.
Those couples, not yet ready for
marriage, but looking for a commitment, will follow their commitment
ceremony with a blessing of the new house they’ve just bought together or moving into as a couple or a family.
And I’ve just discussed a renewal of
wedding vows ceremony which will be joined with a ceremony dedicating the premises
of the new business that they’re about to open.
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Monday, January 30, 2012
Wedding Rehearsal- 5 Easy Steps
1.
Bring to the rehearsal text of the complete wedding ceremony, and any
accessories which are part of the ceremony, for example
a)
candles for
candle lighting
b)
containers for
sand blending ceremony
c)
paper roses for
the rose ceremony
d)
glasses for
the wine ceremony
e)
cords or
ribbons for the handfasting ceremony
2.
To begin the rehearsal place the whole bridal party at the ceremonial site as
if the ceremony is to begin – this includes the bride and groom, the celebrant,
and all the bridal attendants.
3.
From that position, acting as if the ceremony has just finished, begin the
recessional.
4.
Having practiced the recessional several times, practice the wedding march.
5.
When you’re happy with both the recessional and the processional, practice the
actions of the wedding ceremony itself –
a)
father handing
over the bride
b)
couple facing
each other to begin their vows
c)
readers
walking to and from the speaker’s stand
d)
best man
handing over the rings
e)
bride and
groom exchanging the rings
f)
using any of
the above accessories
g)
walking to and
from the signing of the register
h)
bride handing
over her bouquet to the bridesmaid, and then having it returned to her towards
the end of the ceremony
While
the text of the ceremony doesn’t need to be practiced, the celebrant should
talk the couple through the various steps.
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Friday, January 6, 2012
Memorable Commitment, Unforgettable Wedding
People all over Australia celebrated the end of one year and the beginning of another with parties big and small.
One party, however, had a bit of surprise for the invited guests. No sooner did the clock strike twelve, when another celebration was announced. The host and the hostess had decided to celebrate their togetherness with a commitment ceremony just as the New Year began.
Having exchanged their commitment vows, and with an engagement ring on the lady’s finger, the celebrant was asked to make another announcement.
It was the couple’s wish, that in twelve month’s time, and at the exact venue, the guests would gather again to help them celebrate their wedding day.
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Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Choosing a Wedding Date
Couples choose wedding dates for a variety of different reasons.
It could be a matter of convenience. School holidays makes it easier for school children from former relationships or marriages to attend the wedding.
Then there are sentimental reasons. The date chosen might be the one when the parents of one of the partners exchanged their own wedding vows.
Some dates are those associated with something significant like St. Valentine's Day, last day of the year, first day of the new year, or easily remembered days such as the 11th of the 11th of the 2011.
In different cultures there are also lucky days on which to get married, which could be any day of the week.
Recently I had a couple who chose to be married on a Monday.
No, it's not their lucky day. It just happens that he was born on 11th of February, she was born on the 12th of February, 14th is St. Valentine's Day, so they chose the 13th to keep it symmetrical.
Each year they will have four consecutive days to celebrate both their personal days and their together days.
It could be a matter of convenience. School holidays makes it easier for school children from former relationships or marriages to attend the wedding.
Then there are sentimental reasons. The date chosen might be the one when the parents of one of the partners exchanged their own wedding vows.
Some dates are those associated with something significant like St. Valentine's Day, last day of the year, first day of the new year, or easily remembered days such as the 11th of the 11th of the 2011.
In different cultures there are also lucky days on which to get married, which could be any day of the week.
Recently I had a couple who chose to be married on a Monday.
No, it's not their lucky day. It just happens that he was born on 11th of February, she was born on the 12th of February, 14th is St. Valentine's Day, so they chose the 13th to keep it symmetrical.
Each year they will have four consecutive days to celebrate both their personal days and their together days.
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Sunday, August 14, 2011
Wedding Ceremony at Home – 10 Planning Tips
As a wedding venue, the home continues to be a popular option. Whether the wedding ceremony is held in your own home or in the home of a friend, guests are automatically at ease at a home wedding.
If you’re planning a home wedding, here are some things you might like to consider.
1. Decide whether this will be an indoor or outdoor wedding.
2. For an outdoor wedding check the long term weather report.
3. Have an alternative plan just in case the sunny weather promised doesn’t materialise.
4. Find a focal point for your wedding party where all the guests can see and hear you.
5. If you have a verandah your guests could stand there while the wedding party is arranged in the garden below. Alternatively, arrange your wedding party on the verandah while the guests look up at you.
6. If you have one, outline the aisle with chairs, carpet, potted plants, sprinkling of petals, seas shells or glitter.
7. Place the table and two chairs for the signing of the documents where everyone can see them.
8. If you have pets place them at a friend’s home as even the most placid of animals can become stressed when faced with a houseful of strangers.
9. Let your neighbours know that your wedding will be taking place and there might be some noise and an influx of cars in the street.
10. Let someone take a video of your ceremony and watch it with your guests while you have your celebratory drinks.
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Thursday, August 4, 2011
Naming Ceremony in 12 Easy Steps
Because a baby naming ceremony is neither religious nor legal, it can be both personal and meaningful. Here are some things to consider when planning a baby naming ceremony.
2. Significant Relatives.
Is the baby lucky enough to have Grandparents, or even Great Gandparents, Great Grand Uncles? What role have they played in your life, and what role do you want them to play in the life of your baby?
1. Baby's Name.
Does it mean something special to you or your family? Have you named your baby after someone you think a great deal of? Is the name based on your own cultural roots and you want the baby to carry on your heritage? Would you like to share that with those present?Is the baby lucky enough to have Grandparents, or even Great Gandparents, Great Grand Uncles? What role have they played in your life, and what role do you want them to play in the life of your baby?
3. Is yours an Adopted Baby?
Would you like to share some of your experiences while waiting for the arrival of your baby? If you already have other children, do they want to make a commitment to the new sibling? Is the child old enough to make a commitment to the new family he or she has become a member of?
Would you like to share some of your experiences while waiting for the arrival of your baby? If you already have other children, do they want to make a commitment to the new sibling? Is the child old enough to make a commitment to the new family he or she has become a member of?
4. Parental Promises.
As parents, do you want to make a special promise to your child, or share with everyone your feelings or hopes for your baby?
As parents, do you want to make a special promise to your child, or share with everyone your feelings or hopes for your baby?
5. Sibling's Role.
If you already have other children, would they like to participate by presenting the baby with a flower, a special toy, a drawing, a handmade gift, or just say a public 'hello'.
If you already have other children, would they like to participate by presenting the baby with a flower, a special toy, a drawing, a handmade gift, or just say a public 'hello'.
6. Grandparents' Promises.
Similarly with the Grandparent, or significant relatives. Would they like to read a poem, or make special promises to the baby?
Similarly with the Grandparent, or significant relatives. Would they like to read a poem, or make special promises to the baby?
7. Godparents and the Baby.
Whether you call them Godparents, Guideparents, Guardians, Sponsors, Lifeguardians or Mentors, you might like to tell everyone why you have chosen these particular people. What have they meant in your life, and what do you expect of them as the special adult in your baby's life.
Whether you call them Godparents, Guideparents, Guardians, Sponsors, Lifeguardians or Mentors, you might like to tell everyone why you have chosen these particular people. What have they meant in your life, and what do you expect of them as the special adult in your baby's life.
8. Guests and the Baby.
Involve your guests by asking them as a group, or individually, to affirm their support to you as parents, and their support as responsible for helping to promote the welfare of the next generation.
Involve your guests by asking them as a group, or individually, to affirm their support to you as parents, and their support as responsible for helping to promote the welfare of the next generation.
9. Good Wishes for the Baby.
Encourage each guest to write a note of good wishes for the baby, or a way in which the guest intents to share his or her talent and time with your child as your baby grows.
Encourage each guest to write a note of good wishes for the baby, or a way in which the guest intents to share his or her talent and time with your child as your baby grows.
10. Compiling Memories.
Start a Scrap Book for your baby and ask each guest to write a message in it. This might include a helpful hint, or a hope for the future, or a poem. Something the child will enjoy reading once he or she is able to do so.
Start a Scrap Book for your baby and ask each guest to write a message in it. This might include a helpful hint, or a hope for the future, or a poem. Something the child will enjoy reading once he or she is able to do so.
11. Baby Naming Certificates.
Give a Certificate to all the people who you feel are connected to the baby - Godparents, Grandparents, Significant Older Relatives, cousins who will make up your baby’s life.
Give a Certificate to all the people who you feel are connected to the baby - Godparents, Grandparents, Significant Older Relatives, cousins who will make up your baby’s life.
12. Baby Naming Programs.
As part of building of memories, create a program for each guest, personalied with a photograph of your baby, or some significant graphic.
As part of building of memories, create a program for each guest, personalied with a photograph of your baby, or some significant graphic.
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