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Generally a wedding ceremony consists of several parts chosen and organized according to the couple’s desire.
1. Music
2. Entrance of the Wedding Party.
3. Welcome or Introduction done by the Minister.
4. Escort of the Bride by either the parents or special person.
5. A reading by Minister or special person.
6. Wedding Vows either traditional or words written by the couple.
7. Exchange of rings.
8. Any special event such as lighting candles, drinking wine, or other special ceremony addition.
9. Declaration of Marriage where the Minister declares the couple married.
10. Closing remarks by Minister.
11. The First Kiss as a Married Couple.
12. Exit or recessional usually to music.
1. Music
2. Entrance of the Wedding Party.
3. Welcome or Introduction done by the Minister.
Welcome to the Wedding of Bride and Groom which is a reflection of their sincerity and commitment to each other as witnessed by those they care most about. You have shown your love and support for Bride and Groom as individuals. I charge you now to love them also as a couple, to honor and support their marriage, to rejoice with them in their successes and to help them through times of hardship. I know they will do the same for you, and together we create a loving community.
4. Escort of the Bride by either the parents or special person.
5. A reading by Minister or special person.
6. Wedding Vows either traditional or words written by the couple.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my beloved (wife/husband), to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life.
7. Exchange of rings.
Minister: Because no couple can be together all of the time, we still use rings to symbolize the bonds that you have agreed to. A ring is an unbroken circle that has no beginning and no end, a symbol of unity and love, representative of the greater circle of life of which we are all a part of. May their love always encircle each other, as these rings encircle their fingers.
Bride/Groom, is it your wish to become one with this man/woman? Repeat after me…
Bride/Groom: With this Ring I thee wed, with my body I worship you, with my mind I will keep our vows sacred and respect you always, and with all my worldly goods I share. This I promise to you always.
Minister: Your actions have spoken of your intent. Your words have rung true to that intent. Always remember the roots of your love, the reasons that you have chosen each other. Hold your dearest memories close that they will cushion and protect you against any stones you may find in your path and wrapped in your love, know the road will be smoother.
8. Any special event such as lighting candles, drinking wine, or other special ceremony addition.
Candles
Bride and Groom light separate candles.
Minister: "Your separate lives are symbolized by the separate candles you now bear. As you join their flames to make one flame, know that at that moment you are willingly joining your lives. Is this what you wish?"
Bride and Groom: “We do.” Light unity candle.
9. Declaration of Marriage.
Bride and Groom, in the presence of your friends and family, you have spoken the vows and performed the rites which unite your lives. Therefore do I pronounce you joined together as partners in life, love, and the spirit.
Apache Wedding Blessing
Now you will feel no rain
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now each of you will feel no cold
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness for you
For each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two persons
But there is one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your togetherness
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.
10. Closing remarks by Minister.
11. The First Kiss as a Married Couple.
By the power of all you hold dear,
You are now husband and wife.
May you be joined in heart as you are in law.
I bid you exchange a kiss.
(Kiss!!!)
I give to you, this couple’s community, Bride and Groom.
12. Exit or recessional usually to music.
