Weddings require a lot of planning, even traditional weddings that are intended to include particular ceremonies. Here are a few tips you may find helpful when including any ceremonial practices into your special day.
Wedding Rings
A wedding ring is a symbol of wholeness, unity, and eternity. Some couples choose a double ring ceremony or a single ring ceremony, regardless there is usually some type of ‘blessing of the ring/s’ and it’s a good idea to talk to your wedding officiate to see if water will be used or not.
If the marriage between the two people will be catered to one of the spouse’s religions that the other spouse is not familiar with it’s a good idea to ask about ring placement because in Jewish ceremonies the ring is always placed on the index finger of the bride’s right hand. It’s worth checking.
Wedding Vows
Always discuss the wedding vows together as well as with your priest/officiate to decide what options are available as far as changing any terminology such as ‘man’, ‘wife’ or ‘woman’. You may decide to use standard vows or write your own.
Either way give your vows great vows because these vows are the beginning of your life together and if traditional vows don’t appeal to you, it’s best to write your own.
Unity Candles
Some couples use unity candles and it’s important to consider what you would like the candle/s to symbolize. One important idea to ponder is who will light the candle/s?
Unity candles can be lit by: the couple, just the husband, just the wife, parents, other family members (aunts, uncles, cousins, god parents), and even children from previous marriages.
Other things to consider: Leaving the candle/s lit can signify becoming one while still retaining your individuality, blowing the candle/s out can signify your own unity as becoming one, and you should decide the decoration of your candle/s. You can buy them pre-decorated or do it yourself.
Communion
Considering the attendees are important and if all of the attendees are of the same religion, this may be accepted but if the attendees are of mixed religions, communion is something to consider. It’s a good idea to place a note in the wedding ceremony program giving people notice and an idea of what to expect.
Other Things to Consider
Flowers are often symbolic items used in weddings and can symbolize whatever the bride and groom wish them to be used for. Brides maids can place flowers at the brides feet, give them to the women of the bride’s and groom’s families. In the old Roman Catholic tradition flowers were placed near a picture or a statue of Mother Mary. Some denominations carry bibles under their bouquets as a symbol of faith and God’s blessing.
Ultimately it’s up to the bride and the groom, however, some people get so caught up in the planning that it’s just hard to keep track. The best advice is to make a checklist of every item on the agenda and follow it.
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For more information about wedding customs and traditions, visit Marriage Customs or Wedding History.
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