The basic wedding ceremony outlined,below, just gives you an idea of the usual ‘ingredients’ of a ceremony...
- Welcome and introduction
This could include: referring to the setting for the wedding; the bride and groom’s story (such as how you met); special people to mention; message from bride and groom to the guests etc …
- ‘Reading’
This could be in the form of a poem, song, or piece of writing that has special significance for the bride and groom. This could be read by me or someone chosen by the bride and groom.
- Celebrant
Explanation of the celebrant role and the ‘monitum’ from the marriage act (by law, must be included).
- Vows
By law, at a minimum, the bride and groom need to say the following lines out loud to each other:
I call on everyone gathered here to witness
that I (name) take you (name) to be my lawful wedded (wife/husband)
Personal vows can of course be added before or after the compulsory lines.
- Rings
Exchange of ring(s) with some special words that can be said by the bride and groom, or the celebrant.
- Good wishes /’blessing’
Extended by celebrant, on behalf of the family and friends
- Declaration of marriage
(‘I now pronounce you ……)
- The kiss!!!!
no explanation needed ha! ha!
- Signing of marriage register & certificates
Legal requirement
- Presentation of couple at the end of the ceremony
You choose the way you want to be introduced e.g.
‘I now present ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’; ‘Bill & Mary Smith’; Bill Smith and his wife Mary Docker… etc
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