Sunday

Nuts And Bolts Of Wedding Ceremony Wording

By David Trumble

The bridesmaids line up and prepare for the start of the procession. The organ sounds and they enter individually proceeding down the aisle.

The wedding ceremony contains many traditions and formalities. While there are many variations, the wedding ceremony has many common elements. The essentials include pledges and vows. The pledges are what we call the "I dos", while the vows are the statements verbalized between the bride and groom.

The wedding party assemble at the front with the Minister in the center flanked by the Groom and his groomsmen to one side. The Maid of Honor stands with her attendants to the other side.

Finally, the music sounds again, and everyone stands to gaze upon the Bride as she enters with her Father. The Bride's Father escorts the bride to the front of the assembly where they stop. The Minister asks, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" The Father responds, "I do." He lifts the Bride's veil and kisses her. He takes the Bride's hand and places into the hand of the Groom as he steps back and takes his seat.

The Minister greets the wedding couple, and begins his wedding sermon. "Friends, family, and guests welcome to this sacred event. We have come to witness the joining of Groom's Name and Bride's Name in marriage. He reads from Biblical selections, poetry, or other suitable materials. He talks about the nature of marriage and the fundamental commitments between bride and groom. He stresses values of self sacrifice, giving, loyalty, and faithfulness.

Following his wedding sermon; a soloist steps forward to present a vocal solo. The special music enhances the ceremony with special emphasis on the wedding values and motivations.

The Minister asks the groom to make his commitments to God and society. He asks, "Do you in the presence of Almighty God promise to love, honor, and protect Bride's Name; to be true to her and forsaking all others to keep yourself only onto her as long as you both shall live?" To which the Groom responds, "I do".

Questions are then directed to the Bride. "Do you in the presence of Almighty God promise to love, honor, and respect Groom's Name; to be true to him and forsaking all others to keep yourself only onto him as long as you both shall live?" To which the Bride responds, "I do".

With the pledges having been affirmed, the Minister proceeds to instruct the bride and groom to turn toward each other and repeat prepare to repeat their vows to each other.

One phrase at a time is spoken by the Minister and repeated by the couple stating their promises to each other as they face one another and hold hands.

The Minister leads the Groom, "For the rest of my life, I love you and promise to always be faithful to you. I will always care for you, protect you and provide for you in plenty and in want, in good times and in bad. I now take you to be my wedded wife."

The Bride declares her vows, "Groom's Name, I love you. I give you my heart, my hopes and dreams, and my life. I promise to honor and respect you as you lead our home. I accept your love and will keep myself only for you for the rest of my life. I love you."

Ring exchanges, sand or candle ceremonies, various other presentations, and pastoral blessings are uttered leading to the declaration by the Minister, "I now pronounce you to be husband and wife." The wedding ceremony concludes with the kiss.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment