How to Say “I do” | Vows | Parts of a Wedding Ceremony

How to say I do

The most common question I receive is how to say  ”I do”.  The “I do’s, seem to be the most controversial part of  a wedding ceremony.  These are the promises or vows that you are actually taking and many couples today like to write their own vows.  You may want to give some thought to what you, as a [...]

Wedding Ceremonies | The Hand Blessing Ceremony | Optional

hand ceremony

The hand ceremony, or hand blessing  is an optional part of the wedding ceremony. Many customs have different ways of blessing the hands of the bride and groom. In Thai ceremonies, for example, the couple kneels as elder, married relatives pour blessed water from a conch shell onto their hands and offer words of blessing. [...]

Wedding Ceremonies | Acknowledging & Honoring a Deceased Parent

honoring and acknowledging a deceased parent

When a parent or other close relative has passed away, it’s important to find an appropriate way to remember, acknowledge, and honor them without ruining the joyous tone of your wedding ceremony. After all, a wedding is a celebration, and while a missing parent is certainly sad, it shouldn’t overpower the wedding day.  Acknowledging and [...]

Candle Lighting Ceremony |Unity| Parts of a Wedding Ceremony

wedding candle lighting ceremony

Candle Lighting Ceremony (Optional) This ceremony can be done with 4 candles , as its written here, with the officiant having the first lit candle, or can be modified using a Unity Candle set, which has 3 candles. The unity candle ceremony is not a religious ceremony and is commonly used by all faiths. The ceremony [...]

Parental Honoring Readings | Parts of a Wedding Ceremony

parental honoring

Parental Honoring is optional but a well honored tradition.  This can also be customized to include grandparents and step parents. (Brides Name) and (Grooms Name) want to acknowledge their parents on this occasion,  (Brides Name) and (Grooms Name)  offer their profound gratitude to their parents for all the love and care they showed in raising [...]

Parts of a Wedding Ceremony | The Foundation

wedding ceremony foundation

Traditionally, the foundation comes just after the welcome in the ceremony procession.  This wording is very personal.  It’s the part of the ceremony that defines what your marriage will be founded on and what it means to you. Below are some options for your consideration but again, as I always say…Make it your own, make [...]

The Wedding Processional | Traditional & Alternative Ideas | Parts of a Wedding Ceremony

wedding processional

The processional begins the wedding ceremony.  This is where the guests will first lay their eyes on the beautiful bride.  The wedding party is presented first and then the bride herself. Music, is selected by the couple to play while the wedding party walks down the aisle.   Then, the Bridal March or some other appropriate music as chosen by [...]

The Welcome Readings |Parts of a Wedding Ceremony

wedding ceremony readings welcome

Processional (optional)-the bride and the wedding party walk up the aisle to the altar, usually accompanied by music Invocation (optional-for those who want to start with a brief prayer) Beloved Creator, Essence of Love, and Source of Hope, Open our hearts and fill us with Your Presence.  You graciously give to us the longing for [...]

Destination Weddings, The Costs and Who Pays For What?

money

Who pays for what?  This is the question that everyone wants answered. Unfortunately, we can’t give you any firm rules here. Everything is dependent on the size of the wedding and the couple’s, their families, (and their guests) finances.  But here’s what seems to be generally accepted for a destination wedding.

Your Destination Wedding, Wording the Information Letter

Jamaca Sunset

Once you’ve gathered all the information, your guests will need to know as much as you can tell them about your destination in order to facilitate their travel planning.  It is acceptable to include this information along with the save the date cards but it’s a better idea to send a separate mailing.  Your guests [...]