The Wedding Ceremony
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There are several reasons why wedding ceremonies are so important in our lives. Importantly, the wedding ceremony is a public display of the couple's love and commitment to each other, witnessed by their family and friends. The wedding ceremony also becomes a cherished memory, for the couple to reflect upon throughout their marriage. It provides a formal setting where the couple and their guests can show respect for this important life milestone.
A Typical Wedding
The wedding ceremony generally follows a typical structure, but there are endless possibilities that will serve to personalise it. There are, however, some mandatory sections and these are noted in the following outline.
Housekeeping
This occurs before the ceremony begins. It is an opportunity for the celebrant to remind guests about restrictions on the use of mobile phones and cameras. Directions can be given with regard to the amenities and layout of the venue. In addition to this, guests can be advised of any other arrangements.
Processional
This is sometimes referred to as the Bridal March, where traditionally the flower girls, bridesmaids, and bride enter, usually accompanied by music. Please refer to the Music tab on this site for suggested music.
Welcoming
The celebrant welcomes family and friends and introduces herself to those attending.
Examples of the Welcoming:
EXAMPLE 1
Celebrant: On behalf of Beth and John, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all and thank you for joining us here today, to join in the celebration of their marriage. I would like to make particular mention of Beth's grandparents, Margaret and Percy, who have travelled all the way from the UK to be with us today. I know that having you both here means the world to Beth and John. Today we are privileged to have been invited to witness Beth and John, take the next step in their journey together, with gratitude and hope in their hearts. My name is Catherine Rigg and I am an authorised celebrant.
EXAMPLE 2
Celebrant: On behalf of James and Peter, I would like to welcome you today to these glorious natural surroundings. This is a very fitting place for you to join them to celebrate their marriage. James and Peter both wanted to have a small, intimate wedding, so please know that those of you who are here today, hold a very special place in their hearts. My name is Catherine Rigg and I am an authorised celebrant.
Introduction
The Celebrant speaks about the couple’s commitment to each other and what marriage means to them, adding anything that the couple feels is meaningful and/or significant. This may include a short story about the couple or the journey that led them to this day.
Examples of the Introduction:
TWO CULTURES
Celebrant: Today we will celebrate the joining of two hearts, two families and two cultures. Brendan brings with him a cherished Irish heritage, which we will later hear beautifully embodied in the Irish Blessing. Sarika brings with her the rich, colourful Indian culture, which we can see in the gorgeous saris worn by Sarika and her family.
BLENDED FAMILY
Celebrant: Personal happiness means different things to each of us. For Donna and Michael it is founded in their families. The discovery, soon after they met, that each believed in the importance of being a parent, now forms one of their shared values. Their family circle now enlarges to include their three children. Donna and Michael see this marriage, not only giving legal and social recognition to a union that has already taken place in their hearts and minds, but also serving to combine their two families. They are delighted to have Joanna, Matthew and Emily by their sides today.
Giving Away
The Giving Away is the moment where the bride and/or groom leave the hands of their parent/s and join their partner in marriage. There are many variations on the traditional style of the father giving away his daughter.
Examples of Giving Away:
Bride's Parents Bestow Blessing
Celebrant: I now ask Monica's parents, Bob and Mary, to come forward to bestow their blessings on their daughter. Their blessings will be symbolised by the joint lighting of Monica's wedding candle, which we will use again later in the ceremony.
Community Vow of Support
Celebrant: As friends and family of Richard and Kim, who have witnessed their joy and happiness during their time as a couple, do you support them on their journey together and the pledges that they will be making to each other today?
Guests: We do!
Readings
There are myriad options to choose from in this aspect of the ceremony. You can choose one or more readings, poetry, song lyrics, literature (including the text from picture books) songs or prayers to make their ceremony unique to them and their story.
On the Readings tab, you'll find some suggestions for readings and poems that have been well received at weddings. You are certainly not restricted to these, but they may help you decide on your preferences.
Monitum
The Monitum is a mandatory part of the ceremony.
The celebrant must state:
I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law.
Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.
Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.
The Asking
This is a traditional part of the ceremony, where you will be able to say "I do" but it is not mandatory.
Examples of The Asking:
Solemn
Celebrant: Do you Peter present yourself here today to be joined in marriage with Jessica, promising to be faithful and honest with her, as long as you both may live?
Peter: I do!
Humorous
Celebrant: Do you Stephanie present yourself here today to be joined in marriage with Ben, promising to love and cherish him, while also ignoring the mess his friends make when they come around to watch the footy?
Jessica: I do!
Legal Vows
The legal vows are another mandatory part of the wedding ceremony.
For example:
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Annette Louise Brown take you, Charles Robert Davis to be my lawful wedded husband (or spouse).
Personal Vows
In addition to the legal vows, many couples include a selection of either custom- written or poetic vows. These personal vows can be added directly to the legal vows.
For example:
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Annette Louise Brown take you, Charles Robert Davis to be my lawful wedded husband. I promise to be there when you need me, to fill your days with sunshine, to comfort you and encourage you, to help you reach your goals, to be your best friend forever and to love you all my life, with all my heart.
Ring exchange
If the couple wishes to exchange rings, this ritual can be added to the after saying the vows.
For example:
Celebrant: From the earliest times, the circle has been a seen as a symbol of completeness. The ring, is an unbroken and neverending circle representing a commitment of love that will last forever. As often as either of you look at your rings, may you be reminded of the commitment of love that you are making today.
Each person in turn then says, while placing the ring on the other's finger:
I give you this ring as a token of my love, as a sign that I have chosen you above all others. Wear this ring a a symbol of my love.
Example:
If the couple decides that the groom will give the bride a ring, but not receive one himself, he will place it on her finger and the bride will accept the ring.
Groom: (while placing the ring on the bride's finger)
I give you this ring as a token of my love, as a sign that I have chosen you above all others. Wear this ring a a symbol of this love.
Bride: I accept this ring as a token of your love and will wear it to symbolise the love that we share.
Pronouncing
The celebrant announces the couple in the way they wish to be known, that is, ‘Husband and Wife or Spouse’ or ‘Partners in marriage’ or another title of their choosing.
At this point, if the couple so wishes, the celebrant will ask them to kiss. This is a wonderful part of the ceremony for all in attendance and a good photo opportunity. Some couples prefer not to have this kiss during the ceremony, which is quite acceptable.
Signing of the Register
This is another mandatory part of the wedding ceremony. The couple and their two witnesses sign two copies of the Official Certificate of Marriage and the Form 15 Marriage Certificate.
The celebrant will invite the witnesses by name, to join the couple and the celebrant, at the signing table. During this time music is usually played and guests remain to view the signing.
Optional Ritual
This is a perfect place in the ceremony, for the couple to light their marriage candle, or have a family unity ceremony, such as the Sand Ritual. There are many other beautiful rituals to choose from (see Rituals tab on this site). This is a significant time in the ceremony, in that they will be performing this ritual for the first time as a married couple.
Summing Up or Blessing
At this point the celebrant will say a few words or there could be a blessing for the couple, depending on their preference.
Conclusion
The celebrant concludes the ceremony and acknowledges other parties, for example the musicians. Further details or instructions are announced, with regard to matters such as photography and the wedding reception.
Congratulations and Presentation
The celebrant will congratulate the newly married couple and introduce them to their family and friends, in the way they had previously agreed upon.
Example:
Introducing Mr and Mrs Peter O'Brien OR
Introducing Mr Peter and Mrs Jasmine O'Brien (or any other way that they wish to be known).
Recessional Music
The couple now leaves the ceremony area, followed by the bridal party and there is usually music played as they leave.
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