Ceremony

The ceremony itself is approximately 20-30 minutes long, with a good balance of light hearted relaxed atmosphere as you and your guests enjoy this memorable event.

Wedding vows can be personalized, and or memorized, this is entirely up to you. Honouring mothers, grandparents, and/or those loved ones who are unable to attend due illness or death can be incorporated. Parental Vows For Blended Families can also be included and are in fact encouraged as you mutually support each member of this new family.

Personalized Readings Of Your Choice (Inspirational, Romantic or Sacred). Once again, this is your special day, and creating a ceremony to be specifically designed to you is our goal. The ceremony may also include a time of Words Of Encouragement/Wedding Meditation.

We have available for you at our first consultation a 20 page Ceremony Planning Guide, complete with suggested readings, vows, ring exchange wording, and other resources.

A great place to start

THE CEREMONY

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Musical Prelude

Processional

Affirmation from Parents and/or Guests

Opening Remarks / Welcome

Blessing of Marriage (Prayer Option)

Honouring Parents/Grandparents/others…

1 or 2 Readings:

Traditional / Contemporary: Inspirational, Romantic, Sacred Text

Meditation / Words of Encouragement

Vows

Ring Exchange

Declaration of Marriage

Kiss

Signing of License / Music

Unity / Family Candle or Sand Ceremony (optional)

Announcements / Closing Words

Presentation of Couple

Recessional

Celebrations of Uniqueness and Togetherness

The lighting of candles and/or sand ceremonies can be incorporated into the wedding ceremony to symbolize the uniqueness and togetherness of the newly wed couple or in the case of blended families the inclusion of children from previous relationships. This usually takes place following the signing of the marriage licence and marriage register. If this is something that is of interest you can discuss further with your wedding officiant.

Unity Candle

Three candles are set up: the outside candles representing the life and love of bride and groom individually. These outside candles are lit by the mothers at the beginning of the ceremony. Later in the ceremony, the bride and groom use long matches to take the light (flame) from their own outside candles and light the middle or unity candle together. The middle or unity candle is usually set slightly higher than the outside candles or is a larger pillar candle.

Family Candle Ceremony

One central unity or family candle is set up so the multi-members of the newly blended family can all light the candle together. Long stick matches work best here which are lit from a small tea candle and once all the matches are lit, every one lights the middle family candle together.

Sand Ceremony

A different coloured decorative sand is used to represent each member of the newly blended family. A central vase or container preferably with a cork or lid is purchased and into this container family members pour their own coloured sand individually and together to form a beautiful multi-layered and swirled decorative sand art vase to symbolize uniqueness and togetherness in family.

A Wedding Is A Special Time For Everyone To See How Precious And How Wonderful True Love Can Really Be

Helping Couples Personalize Their Own Wedding Ceremony