Parts of a Wedding Ceremony
Photo taken at the Scottish Rite Cathedral
by Halee Betzner Photography
by Halee Betzner Photography
Things to know before we begin...Making announcements before, during and after a wedding ceremony is very common. Sometimes it's as simple as asking couples to be seated so the ceremony can begin. Depending on what is going on after the ceremony, those few minutes before the ceremony can be a time when you have everyone's attention. As a wedding officiant, I think it can be a good time to welcome everyone and set the tone of the ceremony.
Please Turn Your Phones Off During the Wedding Ceremony!Couples may choose to announce an unplugged ceremony for several reasons. And there are several reasons they might not. Some people say, "There's a sign to tell people to turn their phones off." That's true! But, it's also a cute sign that may be more eye-candy than a serious request.
We'd love to see our ceremony from your point of view!Social media is important to a lot of people and some couples look forward to having their wedding blasted on social media by their photographer, vendors, and wedding guests! (Some don't, and that's OK too!) The Photo Moment gives your guests an opportunity to take photos at a specific time during your wedding ceremony. It also gives the couple an opportunity to see their wedding from their guests point of view. I would make an announcement before the ceremony begins to let people know it's coming, and then again during the ceremony. I would want to make sure that I have a good rapport going on with the guests so this can be really fun.
Do We Have Your Blessing for this Marriage?Traditionally, the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father and then we ask, "Who gives this woman to be married?" That still happens, but a lot less often than it used to. Yes, the bride is usually walked down the aisle by someone. It might be her dad, stepdad, or both! She may be escorted down the aisle by both parents. She may be escorted by a brother, uncle, her children, or she may choose to walk alone. Not to mention grooms! Grooms get to have their moment too! Many grooms walk down the aisle with their parents. It may not be quite the same fanfare as a traditional bride, but it's still a thing!
If two men or two women are getting married, they may each have their own idea of what they want on their wedding day. One partner may take on a traditional role, but sometimes they both want to have their moment walking down the aisle on their wedding day. There is no right or wrong, only possibilities! I may ask who gives this woman to be married? Or, who presents this woman to be married? I may ask nothing at all. More often, we are asking ALL of the parents for their formal blessing. You can check out some options below. Keep in mind, the "presentation of the bride" has always traditionally been the first thing we say during a ceremony. If we are asking for a parents blessing, I usually work it into the ceremony a little later where it flows better and makes more sense. Opening prayers for your wedding ceremony. |
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