The Recessional Order
July 31, 2008
The following is a typical order to a wedding Recessional. It can certainly be modified based on your particular situation.
- Bride and Groom exit
- Flower girl & Ring bearer exit
- Maid of Honor & Best Man exit
- Bridesmaids (each accompanied by an usher) exit
- Bride’s parents exit
- Groom’s parents exit
- Bride’s grandparents exit
- Groom’s grandparents exit
- Wedding guests exit
The Processional Order
July 31, 2008
The following is a typical order to a wedding Processional. It can certainly be modified based on your particular situation.
- The groom, best man and Officiant enter by using a side door. (They all stand facing the guests)
- An usher escorts the grandmother(s)of the bride to their seats.
- An usher escorts the grandmother(s)of the groom to their seats.
- An usher escorts the mother of the groom to her seat.
- An usher escorts the mother of the bride to her seat.
- The ushers walk down the aisle (or escort the bridesmaids) and stand next the groom and best man and then face the guests.
- The bridesmaids walk down the aisle.
- The maid of honor walks down the aisle.
- The ring bearer walks down the aisle.
- The flower girl walks down the aisle. (Many times the flower girl and ring bearer will walk together)
- The father of the bride escorts the bride down aisle.
Flower Ceremony
July 29, 2008
Flower Ceremony 1
GROOM (handing BRIDE a long-stemmed white rose):
Accept this rose as a symbol of my love.
Like our love, it has blossomed from a tiny bud to a breathtaking thing of beauty.
BRIDE (placing the rose into a vase filled with water):
I accept this rose, symbolic of your love, placing it into water, a symbol of life.
Without water, this rose will wither and die. Without you, I will do the same.
GROOM: Once a year I will give you another beautiful white rose, to affirm our love and the vows spoken here today.”
BRIDE: And once a year I will refill this vase with water, to receive the symbol of our love, and to affirm the vows spoken here today.
Flower Ceremony 2
There are two kinds of family — the family you are born into and the family you choose through friendship and special relationship. BRIDE and GROOM are blessed with both these families.
This ceremony seeks to honor the continuity as well as the growth and possibilities of these relationships. In honor of the love they feel towards the loving people in their lives, they invite some of these special individuals to place a flower in this vase to create a garden of love for us all.
As each of them places their flower in a single vase, it will create a new and fuller garden. Each flower represents an individual, the floral arrangement the interrelationship of these family members and friends. May your relationships continue to grow and blossom.
Flower Ceremony 3
BRIDE and GROOM, today you have exchanged your gifts of wedding rings — an outward expression of your undying love and a public showing of your commitment to each other. You are also going to receive another gift from each other.
Roses have always been a symbol of love, and a single red rose always says, “I love you.” So it is appropriate that your next gift to each other on your wedding day, be a single red rose. Please exchange roses.
In some ways it seems that you have not done anything at all. A moment ago you held one small rose, and now you are holding another. A marriage ceremony is like this.
In some ways tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But in fact, just now, you have both given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life — one I hope you always remember. You have exchanged the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage.
BRIDE and GROOM, I would ask that where ever you make your home in the future, whether it be a large and grand home or a small and graceful one, that you both pick one very special location for roses.
In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words to say what’s in your heart. It might be hard sometimes to say “I’m sorry”, “I forgive you”; “I need you” or “I am hurting.” If this should happen and you just cannot find these words, leave your spouse a rose in that special spot.
That rose says the words; “I still love you.” The other can accept this rose for the words that cannot be found, and remember that it was love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and it is by love which your marriage shall endure.
(Couple can carry the roses out with them as they leave)
Honoring the Mothers 4
Mothers plant so their children may harvest. Mothers cry when their children hurt. Mothers welcome pain and burden to give their sons and daughters the gift of life.
BRIDE and GROOM will now present their mothers with flowers, as symbols of eternal gratitude for their unconditional love, their unyielding strengths in times of hardship, and for all the selfless sacrifices they have made for their children.
(Presentation of flowers to mothers)
Honoring the Mothers 5
Flowers to Parents – BRIDE and GROOM give a flower to their respective in-laws as a symbol of welcome into the new extended family.
Parents Rose Ceremony
Marriage is a coming together of two lives, and a celebration of the love of two people. But it is more. The love that you feel for one another is the flowering of a seed your mothers planted in your hearts many years ago. When you were first born, you were a bundle of diapers and tears, and your mothers lost sleep caring for you. Their love for you has brought them great happiness and great challenges, and their love did not diminish as they met these challenges. That is the great lesson you can bring into your marriage.
As you embrace one another in your love, so too do you embrace the families that have been brought together on this happy occasion. As a token of your gratitude for your families, I would like to ask you to offer these symbols of eternal love, these roses, to your mothers. (Both BRIDE and GROOM can hand the roses to each mother together, offering the mothers kisses if they wish.)
Moment of Silence
July 29, 2008
Moment of Silence 1
At this time, we’d like to take a moment of silence to remember those who are not here with us.
Even though they are not here physically, they are a part of the foundation that makes BRIDE and GROOM the people they are today.
May we always remember (names of those who passed).
Please cherish the memories of these friends and family and all others who live on in our hearts.
Amen.
Moment of Silence 2
We would like to take a moment to recognize those that could not be here today. While they may not physically be with us, BRIDE and GROOM feel their love and support.
Presentation of Couple
July 29, 2008
Presentation of Couple 1
(Couple taking same last name.)
Ladies and Gentlemen, family and friends, it is my pleasure to present, for the first time anywhere, Mr. And Mrs. _______________ and _____________ ________________!
Presentation of Couple 2
(Couple taking same last name)
And now, to all the friends and family who have come to celebrate this marriage, I would like to present, for the first time anywhere, Mr. & Mrs. ____________.
(Music starts, and then the couple walk down the aisle. Bridal party follows when couple is at the end of the aisle, parents go, and then the guests are free to
get up.)
Presentation of Couple 3
(Couple each keeping their own last name.)
Ladies and Gentleman, for those of you who have come to witness this union, it is my pleasure to present the newly united couple, _________ and __________!
Presentation of Couple 4
(Couple each keeping their own last name.)
And Now, to all the friends and family who have come to celebrate this union, I take great pleasure in presenting, for the first time anywhere, the united couple ______ & ______.
Marriage Pronouncement
July 29, 2008
Marriage Pronouncement 1
Throughout this ceremony, BRIDE and GROOM have vowed, in our presence, to be loyal and loving towards each other. They have formalized the existence of the bond between them with words spoken and with the giving and receiving of rings.
Therefore, it is my pleasure to now pronounce them husband and wife.
You may now kiss your bride!
Marriage Pronouncement 2
You have each betrothed yourself to the other in love and compassion, righteousness and truth. (In the spirit of Jewish tradition), you have taken upon yourselves the responsibilities of a deep and loving friendship.
In the presence of these witnesses and in keeping with tradition, you have spoken the words and preformed rites that unite your lives.
BRIDE and GROOM you are now husband and wife in the sight of God, and of all people.
I ask you and all who are gathered here to pray in silence, seeking God’s blessings upon your marriage and home.
(Silent Prayer.)
Marriage Pronouncement 3
Today, BRIDE and GROOM honored you with their invitation to be present with them today for this ceremony.
And so, this day, they declare before all of us that they shall live together in marriage.
In the traditional way, they entered into their marriage with the joining of hands, the making of vows and promises, and the giving and receiving of rings, an outward symbol of their voluntary commitment to one another.
Therefore, it is my pleasure, that I now pronounce them husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride!
Marriage Pronouncement 4
BRIDE and GROOM, you have each chosen to be joined in marriage today. The bible states that “two are better than one; they receive a good reward for their toil, because, if one fails, the other can help the companion up again.”
In my presence and in the presence of your family and friends, you have exchanged vows and made promises. You have opened your hearts to one another, declared your love and friendship, and have united yourself with the exchanging of rings.
Therefore, with the blessings of the Supreme Being (God), it is my pleasure to now pronounce you husband and wife (married).
You may now kiss the bride!
Marriage Pronouncement 5
BRIDE and GROOM, through their words today, have joined together in holy wedlock.
Because they have exchanged their vows before God and these witnesses, have pledged their commitment each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by exchanging rings, I now pronounce (in Jesus’ name) that they are husband and wife (together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit).
Those whom God hath joined together, let no one put asunder.
You may now kiss the bride!
Marriage Pronouncement 6
BRIDE and GROOM, you have heard the words about love and marriage, have exchanged your vows and made your promises, and celebrated your union with the giving and receiving of rings.
It is at this time that I now pronounce you husband and wife (married).
You may now kiss the bride!
Marriage Pronouncement 7
May the blessings of life, the joy of love, the peace of truth, and the wisdom and strength of Spirit, be your constant companion, now and always, as husband and wife.
You may seal this union with a kiss.
Marriage Pronouncement 8
They have vowed, in our presence, to be loyal and loving towards each other. They have formalized the bond between them with spoken vows and with the giving and receiving of rings.
Therefore, it is my pleasure to now pronounce them husband and wife.
You may now kiss one another.
Marriage Pronouncement 9
Because you two came here today intending to marry, because you joined hands and made solemn vows and exchanged rings to remind you of those vows, and you are now joined as partners in mutual love and respect, according to the powers vested in me and the highest power of the land and the sea;
I pronounce that your wedding vows are sealed and you may henceforth be known to all as husband and wife.
You may now kiss your bride.
Marriage Pronouncement 10
Now before the people who have assembled here tonight, and in as much as you have each pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Those who all The Powers of the Universe have joined together, let no one put asunder.
You may now kiss each other to seal these promises.
Marriage Pronouncement 11
Now that you both have committed yourselves to one another and to your Holy Union through the sacred vows that you have taken and by the giving and receiving of these rings, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Those whom God has joined together may He generously bless Forever.
You may now kiss the bride.
Marriage Re-Pronouncement 12
BRIDE and GROOM, today you celebrate ____ years since you first joined in marriage.
You have expressed your love for one another and desire to continue your journey of wedded bliss.
You have also blessed one another by rekindling the flame of your love.
On this day, BRIDE and GROOM, by the power of your own love, your marriage is reborn. Congratulations!
You may now kiss the groom!
Marriage Re-Pronouncement 13
You have always been there as partners, companions, lovers, helpmates, and friends. Now that you have reconfirmed your love and vows, stay close and cling tenderly yet tightly as you continue your journey through this world.
Keep trusting one another and being gentle with your feelings. Keep cherishing your dreams and share your joys and pains.
Let the times you fall short be few… and be forgiven. And let the times you surpass your needs and hopes be many. Continue to believe in each other. Desire not to change or possess, but only to know each other honestly and completely.
Respect your individuality and the things that make you each unique; but likewise honor your togetherness and the things that make you one.
Care for each other truly and deeply, putting your commitment to one another before all else. Live for your love and your love will live forever.
May all the beautiful gifts that come with the promises of a long loving marriage bring never-ending happiness to you both.
I now pronounce you a loving, caring couple in love as Husband and Wife.
You may, once again, kiss your bride.
Nuptial Knot
July 29, 2008
The Nuptial Knot
(Officiant holding the Nuptial Knot, a piece of silk cord about 8-10 inches long)
We have gathered here (in the site of God), to witness the marriage of BRIDE and GROOM. This is a culmination of expression and deed. The Nuptial Knot is a symbol of this union.
The fibers in this cord are entwined together for strength, as you are about to entwine your lives, to draw on each other for strength (with God as your heavenly father).
Knot Vows
Groom:
My heart will continually behold you throughout any adversity or conflict.
My ears will listen intently, and hold any message with importance no matter how small it may seem.
My eyes will look upon you throughout our life together and try to see only the good in you that I love so much.
Bride:
I will respect you, be faithful to you, and after the wedding celebration is over,
I will continually celebrate this day in my heart throughout our marriage.
I will listen to you and be patient with you through any adversity.
Tying The Knot
This cord is a symbol of your union and love. It signifies binding the heart and souls of BRIDE and GROOM but not to be of a possessive nature .The two ends represent your separate lives, but looped over into a knot you become one.
(Officiant gives the nuptial cord to the couple.)
You may now “tie the knot”.
May this knot stay tied forever.
Hand-Fasting
July 29, 2008
Hand-Fasting
(Officiant takes the fasting ribbon from the altar.)
In the ancient culture of the Celts, the hands of the bride and groom were tied to represent their lives being tied together.
(Officiant begins tying Bride and Groom’s hands.)
As the ribbon weaves and binds your hands, so now are your lives woven together, so long as love shall last.
(The couple’s hands will stay loosely bound until the presentation at the very end.)
Ribbons, Doves, Butterflies & Bubbles
July 29, 2008
Ribbon Ceremony 1
On this day, BRIDE and GROOM came together as man and woman to be joined in marriage. It is, however, more than just the union of two people in love. It is also the joining of two families.
We ask today for the blessings of the children (or fill in child’s name here). We ask that each child of BRIDE and GROOM approach the couple and show his or her support of the couple by blessing their union with a ribbon of love.
Music Plays
(Each of the couples’ children approach couple and loosely binds their wrists together with ribbon.)
Dove Release 2
Doves are beautiful, devoted creatures. Watching them soar together in synchronous flight is an inspiration and a joy to watch.
They symbolize unity, loyalty, love, beauty, devotion and peace – all that you wish for yourselves throughout your own life together.
As you release them into flight, send with them your own hopes and dreams, which will soar with the birds, to soon come back to you.
(Possible song cue here.)
Dove Release 3
Doves have been used for centuries to symbolize all the hope, peace and love that come from new beginnings. As they release this pair into flight, we who are here today, join them in wishing that all that is good will go with them into their new life together.
Watch closely as the birds fly. Together they will create beautiful patterns in the sky; sometimes apart, sometimes together, always in harmony with one another. This is how it is with a good marriage. Two people moving together, both on their own paths, yet united in their journey.
As you begin your adventure today, we wish for you to enjoy the beauty of your flight, the intricacies of the patterns you create, and the peace such a journey can bring.
Butterfly Release 4
Butterflies are as beautiful as they are fragile. They symbolize transformation and all that is perfect in the world. As you two join today in marriage, your commitment to love releases into the world a new wonder, a new beauty, a new perfection.
One of the secrets of being happy with one you love is to take hold lightly and let go lightly. As you release these gentle creatures, may your love transform itself and everyone it touches into its highest form.
Butterfly Release 5
This is for use just prior to a Butterfly Release, while the guests and bridal party are still attentive to the Officiant’s voice:
“You may not remember the words spoken here today; you may not remember the colors of the flowers; you may not remember the music you dance to this evening…
None of us may remember how long the butterflies linger. But, in addition to the joy on the faces of these two beloved people, there is one thing I will remember…
If a butterfly lands on the palm of my hand… I cannot hold onto that butterfly. If I try to hold it, it will be crushed. If I keep my hand open, it will be safe… Just like our relationships… the butterfly needs to be free…”
Bubble Blessing 6
BRIDE and GROOM would like you all to open up your bottle of bubbles now and ask everyone gathered here today to join in extending to them your love and support by taking a moment to believe in magic.
Please focus on your wish for their relationship to flourish and grow throughout a long and happy life together. So join me now in taking a moment to blow your bubbles out to the Universe and ask that this marriage be blessed and sacred throughout their lives.
Please take a deep breath now and send your wishes, blessings and prayers out for BRIDE and GROOM as you send your bubbles out into this beautiful day.
Concluding Blessings
July 29, 2008
Concluding Blessing 1
Dearest God, I ask that you bless and sanctify this union of these souls, BRIDE and GROOM.
As they live in Your love, awake and asleep, at work and at play, and as they seek Your wisdom and understanding, let them find all of those secret joys You have especially for them.
Amen.
Concluding Blessing 2
We give thanks for life, for health, for all that sustains us, and for this joyous day. We honor the mystery and wonder in Creation’s every breath. We praise human being: its yearning for tomorrow’s wine, and for the taste of this morning’s bread.
We celebrate the divine energy that pours through our separate selves and makes us one. We sing of these friends, whose life renews itself in their communion of body and mind and heart.
We pray that joy be found in earth’s four corners. Justice, freedom, laughter, truth; peace, and love, and hope – may the human heritage become, at last, the human way.
Concluding Blessing 3
It was love that brought you here today. It’s love that makes your’s a glorious union. And it will be love that makes your marriage endure.
Love has given you wings, and your journey begins today. Wherever the wind may carry you, you will stay by each other’s side.
I therefore join with everyone gathered here today in extending to you our love and support, and our wish for your relationship to just simply flourish and grow throughout a long and happy life together.
Concluding Blessing 4
May your lives be filled with wisdom, blessed with good health, and abundant with miracles.
May you eternally have your amusement, remembering how to play, and may you always see the connection that brought you both together.
Concluding Blessing 5
BRIDE and GROOM, we are here today to celebrate with you, as you declare your love for and commitment to each other. We are also here to offer you the gift of our blessings.
We wish for you love — a love that brings out the best in you, as you bring out the best in each other. One that gives you something to lean on when you need it most. And one that allows you to see each other as you really are, reminding you why you’re together.
We wish for you a home — more just a place to live, but a haven from the pressures of the world outside your door. A place to let down your guard, unburden yourself and know that there’s someone always on your side.
Finally, we wish for you joy — a joy that makes you laugh out loud. A joy that lights your eyes and fills your soul. And a joy that shouts to the world of your happiness with one another.
All this and more we wish for you today, and every day throughout the years of your marriage.
Concluding Blessing 6
May you be blessed and sustained as you venture through the uncharted and challenging times that every relationship experiences.
May you find within yourselves all that you need to nurture your marriage.
May you continue to grow closer together with a love that grows deeper and richer with each passing day.
Concluding Blessing 7
(Spoken by BRIDE and GROOM to God)
God, Please make of our relationship a great and holy adventure. May our joining be a sacred experience.
May the two of us find rest here, a haven for our souls. We know that You are our answer and our rock. Bring us together in heart and mind as well as body.
Remove from us the temptation to criticize or be cruel, and guide us in the ways of Holiness.
May this relationship be a burst of light, filled with love and wisdom for us, for our family, for our community, and for our world.
May this bond be a channel for Your Love and Healing, a vehicle of your Grace and Power.
Concluding Blessing 8
The Spirit moves in each of our lives. What shall we call it? God, Christ, the Universe, the Higher Self, a Higher Power?
We call it by different names, or we may not know what to call it. We get glimpses of Spirit as we go though our day-to-day lives.
At times we are lifted above the mundane to see and sense the sacred clearly.
May today be one of those times, when Spirit is present and clearly felt, when we’re lifted out of our daily concerns and for a moment held in the embrace of a higher awareness.
Concluding Blessing 9
May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring,
And may life grant you patience, tolerance, and understanding. May you always need one another – not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you know your fullness.
May you need one another, but not out of weakness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you entice one another but not compel one another. May you embrace one another, without smothering.
May you succeed in the important ways with one another, and excel in the little graces. May you look for things to praise, often say ‘I love you’, and take ignore any small faults. If you have quarrels that push you apart, may both of you have good sense enough to take the first step back.
May you enter into the mystery that is the awareness of one another’s presence – no more physical than spiritual, warm and near when you are side by side, and warm and near when you are in separate rooms or even distant cities.
May you have love, and may you find it loving one another.
Concluding Blessing 10
May there be truth and understanding between you.
May you enjoy length of days, fulfillment of hopes, and peace and contentment of mind.
May God bless you and keep you always.
Amen
Concluding Blessing 11
BRIDE and GROOM have come a long way. From (insert reference to how the couple met), to declaring their devotion to each other today. Theirs is a continuing journey. It will not always be easy. They will face challenges, trials, and hardships, as we all do.
But their union is strong and vital. Their task now is to find joy in seeing each other constantly blossoming, to find exhilaration in change and purpose in the new roads traveled, no matter what direction is taken. They are explorers, these two. And the strength of their marriage is a strength that celebrates every minute of life, as well as the living mystery of their love.
Concluding Blessing 12
May every desire you have for your Holy Union be fulfilled. May you be given the mindfulness to clearly behold one another, the Truth with which to perceive each other most genuinely, and the endless generosity of spirit necessary to nourish one another’s soul and sweetly keep the promises you make here today.
Concluding Blessing 13
Aware now that there is one Presence and Power, and that we are each part of that Divine unity, we now join in blessing BRIDE and GROOM as they begin their lives together. We recognize that the presence of Spirit within them enables them to fulfill the promise of true partnership in life. We know and affirm that life in joy and love.
Concluding Blessing 14
Bless their marriage, O God, as they begin their journey down the road of life together.
We don’t know what lies ahead for the road turns and bends. But help them to make the best of whatever comes their way.
Help them to continue to enjoy each other as they did when they first met. Help them to realize that nothing nor no one is perfect and to look for the good in all things and all people including themselves.
Help them to respect each other’s likes and dislikes, opinions and beliefs, hopes and dreams and fears even though they may not always understand them.
Help them to learn from each other and to help each other to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Help them to realize that no matter what happens to them they will hold on to each other and know that things have a way of working out for the good.
Help them to create for their children a peaceful, stable home of love as a foundation on which they can build their lives.
But most of all, dear God, help them to keep lit the torch of love’ that they now share so that by their loving example they may pass on the light of love to their children and to their children’s children forever. Amen