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The Tradition of the Wedding and Marriage

Romantic love has not always been a part of marriage. Social, legal, financial, cultural and political factors have been the primary reasons for marriage throughout history. And yet, while all these elements factor into a successful marriage, the need for romantic love is obvious when all is said and done.

Balancing reality with romance, individuality with mutuality and privacy with familial duties are perhaps the most daunting challenges in all marriages. Therefore, the ceremony and the vows must reflect a couple’s commitment to a life together in which this balance is aspired to, in a ceremony that reflects their values and spiritual life together.

Types of Ceremonies

Any ceremony can be personalized or taken from “stock”, meaning a ceremony which is already written.

    Type #1: Civil Ceremony. This Ceremony is non-religious and non-spiritual. It is usually short, simple and to the point.
    Type #2: Traditional; religious.
    Type #3: Spiritual, non-religious. Created by the couple, the minister or both.

Sequence of the Ceremony

  1. The Officiant Arrives – The Officiant arrives at least a half an hour in advance of the ceremony. At this time he/she accepts the marriage license and makes certain that pre-determined witnesses are there to sign the license. Then the Officiant stands ready for the ceremony.
  2. The Guests Arrive and are Seated - Pre-ceremonial music begins 15 minutes to half an hour before the ceremony as the ushers seat the guests.
  3. The Parents are seated - After the guests are seated, the groom’s parents are escorted to their seats. The bride’s mother is the last to be seated. The bride’s father is waiting with the bride.
  4. The Groom Takes His Place - The officiant, groom, best man and ushers take their places.
  5. The Attendant’s Procession - The wedding party proceeds down the aisle with
    processional music in the background.
  6. The Bridal Procession - The bride’s father offers his right arm as he escorts the bride down the aisle.
  7. The Welcoming – The congregation is welcomed.
  8. The Ceremony – The Officiant addresses the bride and groom and proceeds with the ceremony which includes;
    • The Greeting
    • The Blessing (Non- Civil Ceremonies)
    • History of the couple (Optional)
    • Philosophy of their love; Scriptures or Poems (Optional)
    • Unity Candle or Rose (Optional)
    • The couple exchange vows
    • A Ring or rings may be exchanged
    • The Pronouncement of the marriage
    • The Kiss.
    • The Introduction: The couple are introduced as husband and wife for the
      first time.
    • The Recessional: The bride and groom lead the wedding party back down the aisle.
  9. The Photo Session – The Wedding Party are usually photographed immediately after the ceremony.
  10. Signing the Licenses – After the ceremony the Officiant signs the license and makes sure that the witnesses sign it also. Then he/she photocopies the license and mails it to the proper state/county offices.