The Officiant
Whether you're having a civil, religious, or interfaith ceremony will determine how and who you choose to be your officiant. It will also determine the budget. No matter what type of ceremony you decide to have, the first step is meeting with your potential officiant.
During the initial meeting, start by asking questions about his or her approach to the service and what the ceremony will entail -- whether there will be a speech or a sermon, and whether the couple can offer input on the subject. Should the couple choose to add some personal touches to the ceremony, such as writing their own vows, they can ask the officiant for suggestions and advice.
Wed by a Friend
While the pomp and circumstance of a church wedding or religious service is appealing to some, many couples want something a little less conventional -- a more personal service that reflects their unique relationship.
For couples who want an alternative approach, asking a friend or relative to officiate seems like the most obvious choice. Still, there are important things to consider before deciding who that person will be. First of all, it should be someone who's not only comfortable standing up in front of an audience but will get a kick out of it as well. Of course, humor always helps, as long as he doesn't end up using your wedding ceremony as a platform for an amateur stand-up routine. Your officiant also needs to be reliable and well-organized. With everything else you have on your plate, you want to trust this person not only to get the right legal documentation, but also to craft a ceremony and prepare for it like a pro. Finally, your chosen officiant should understand and appreciate the honor you've given to him. Even though you may not want a stuffy service, you do want something meaningful and powerful.
Selecting Your Readers
As you gear up for your search, think about whom you'd like to have recite. Many couples assign readings to relatives or friends not included in the wedding party. The bride's and groom's mothers could each read something, or, if the bride has both a father and stepfather, one might walk her down the aisle and the other do a reading. It's also best to ask someone who has a strong voice -- and isn't shy.
Readings to Consider
How to find the right words? Start by perusing these selections, which range from classic religious passages to more modern works.
Traditional Vows
Vows for religious weddings vary according to the specific religion. In Jewish ceremonies vows are recited only when the ring is given (or rings are exchanged), but in other ceremonies, the declaration of vows symbolizes the moment when a bride and groom become husband and wife.
There are several ways to perform the following monologue-style vows: You can memorize the words ahead of time; you can repeat them after the officiant; or the officiant can say them in the form of a question, and you can respond with "I do" or "I will." Variations on the traditional wording can often be accommodated; discuss any desired changes with your clergy member.
Ring Vows
At most wedding ceremonies, the exchange of rings immediately follows the recitation of vows and serves to seal those promises. The ring symbolizes the unbroken circle of love, and at many ceremonies, more vows are spoken as rings are exchanged. In some cases, the bride receives a ring during the ceremony but the groom does not, as at orthodox and some conservative Jewish weddings. For many weddings, couples choose the double-ring ceremony, wherein both the bride and groom give and receive rings.
See the most common customs for their respective religions; and speak with your clergy member about any approved variations.
Writing Your Own Vows
If you're planning to write your own vows, begin thinking about what you'd like to say at least a month before the wedding. Will you write your vows together or separately? If the latter, will you share them with each other before the ceremony or let your words be a surprise? Either way, spend time alone and together reflecting on how you fell in love, what you admire in each other, milestones in your romance, and hopes for the years ahead. If a line from a poem or song appeals to you, write it down, too. Include what's important to you. If either of you has children, you may want to include a vow to honor them as well. Also, before you get your heart set on writing your own vows, discuss this idea with your officiant to make sure he or she is okay with it and that it works with the ceremony.
Ceremony Music
A unique musical performance can be entertaining and expressive. If your father always sang you to sleep in his rich tenor, a solo by him would be unforgettable. Or choose pieces that are important to you as a couple; you could enter or leave to a song from the soundtrack of a favorite movie you saw together or a contemporary tune that holds significance for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment