Breaking the Glass
January 25, 2009
Breaking the Glass 1
The final act of this ceremony is the shattering of the glass.
This old custom has many traditions, with many interpretations.
At one time it was meant to scare off demons who frequent celebrations.
Today, the fragility of the glass suggests the frailty of human relationships.
The bride and groom – and everyone –that they should consider these marriage vows as an IRREVOCABLE ACT.
Just as permanent and final as the breaking of this glass is unchangeable.
The glass is broken to protect this marriage with the implied prayer.
”May your bond of love be as difficult to break, as it would be to put back together these pieces of glass.”
Knowing that this marriage is permanent, the Bride and Groom should strive every day to show each other love and respect and happiness.
After GROOM breaks the glass, I invite everyone to shout the Hebrew words “Mazel Tov,” meaning “Good Luck” and “Congratulations.”
Breaking the Glass 2
BRIDE and GROOM, this glass symbolizes the clarity of your love for each other and the shattering of your old separate lives as you begin anew together.
As you break the glass, all of our blessings will be bestowed upon you.
It is the tradition for everyone present to shout “mazeltov” as the groom stomps the wedding goblet. In Hebrew, this means ‘congratulations.’
The sound of the glass breaking is also a signal saying, “Let the party begin!”
Breaking the Glass 3
Like your marriage, this glass is a beautiful thing. It’s clean and clear, allowing sunshine to flow through it. If cared for properly, it can last a lifetime. Like a marriage though, it can also be quite frail.
We stomp the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony to remind you that just as your foot can shatter this glass, so too a single thoughtless act cause irreparable harm to your marriage.
When you entered into marriage today, you committed an irrevocable act – permanent and final. As you stomp this glass at the finish of the ceremony, so too will you be committing an irrevocable act.
It can no more be undone than this glass could be made whole again.
Cherish each other with the love and respect the love of your life deserves.
Breaking the Glass 4
The traditional breaking of the glass marks the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the celebration. As (groom) breaks the glass, I invite everyone to shout “Mazel Tov,” which means “Congratulations” and “Good Luck.”
Breaking the Glass 5
We end the ceremony with the traditional breaking of the glass. Breaking this glass symbolizes the permanent change this marriage covenant makes in ____ and ____ lives.
Breaking the Glass 6
It is a Jewish custom to end the wedding ceremony with the breaking of a glass. We do not know the exact origin of the custom. Some people say that the breaking of the glass symbolizes the irrevocable change in the lives of the couple standing before us; other say it has its roots in superstition when people broke glasses to scare away evil spirits from such lucky people as the bride and groom. Whatever its beginnings, the breaking of the glass now has many interpretations, one of which says that even in the moment of our greatest joy, we should have a responsibility to help relieve some of that pain and suffering. And, of course, the breaking of the glass marks the beginning of the celebration.
Breaking the Glass 7
We conclude this ceremony with the breaking of the glass. It is a joyous ceremony. The fragility of the glass suggests the frailty of human relationships. The glass is broken to protect this marriage with the implied prayer:
May your bond of love be as difficult to break as it would be to put together the pieces of this glass.
Breaking the Glass 8
May the breaking of this glass remind you of the fragility of human relationships. A broken glass cannot be mended, and likewise marriage is irrevocable. As this glass shatters, so may your marriage never break.
Sand Ceremony
August 1, 2008
Sand Ceremony 1
BRIDE and GROOM, today you join your separate lives together. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent all that you are and all that you will ever be as an individual. They also represent your lives before today.
As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.
Sand Ceremony 2
GROOM and BRIDE you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and this is a pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives.
Today, this relationship is also symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand. One, representing you, GROOM and One Representing you BRIDE and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated, our prayer for you today is that your lives together would be blended like the seven seas and may your love swirl around each other like the changing tides.
Sand Ceremony 3
Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand. One representing you GROOM and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be and the other representing you BRIDE and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.
Sand Ceremony 4
Three colors of sand are layered in a vase to symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the joining of the two lives into one entity.
The sculpture begins with a layer of neutral sand to symbolize that the marriage is grounded.
The next layers are the individual colors representing the bride and groom which symbolizes that the foundation of the marriage is based on the strength of the individuals.
The final layer is the bride and groom’s colors combined to symbolize the joining of their lives as one in marriage.
Family Sand Ceremony 5
_________ and _________, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other and honor your children as well. Your family relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand; one, representing you, _________ and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, one representing you, _________, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be and another container for each child.
There are children who will share in this marriage. The gathering of this new family will have a deep influence upon them. We realize that in order for the home to be a happy one, it is essential that there be love and understanding between the children and the adults being married.
As you each hold your sand the separate containers of sand represent your lives to this moment; individual and unique. As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one family. You may now blend the sand together symbolizing the uniting of the children and bride and groom into one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage and your family be.
Family Sand Ceremony 6
Four colors of sand are layered in a vase to symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the joining of the two lives into one entity.
The sculpture begins with a layer from each mother. This is to symbolize that the marriage is grounded by each of their families.
The next layers are the individual colors representing BRIDE and GROOM, which symbolizes that the foundation of the marriage is based on the strength of each other as individuals.
The final layer is BRIDE and GROOM’s colors combined to symbolize the joining of their lives as one in marriage.
Family Sand Ceremony 7
Each of you in attendance this evening were asked to be here because you hold a special place in Groom’s and Bride’s life.
You came to honor and witness their love and commitment. GROOM and BRIDE wanted to make each of you a tangible part of this ceremony therefore, as each of you arrived this evening and entered into this scared space you were asked to spoon a small amount of white sand into a container. They chose white sand because of the purity of your love and support to them and their family.
GROOM and BRIDE have chosen varying shades of blue sand for themselves and for Children’s names.
Each shade of blue represents each one of them. These blues stand for the peace and calm they feel when together. It stands for the ocean waters deep and full of mystery and beauty. Water that sustains all of life… Water a great conductor of energy… Water a simple element yet it can change and adapt to any form or environment.
At this time I ask you, GROOM and BRIDE to pour some of your sand into the container because your marriage is the foundation of your family.
Now, I ask that (Children’s names) join you in pouring their sand together with yours to create a beautiful flow of love and energy.
Lastly, I will fill the remainder of the container with more white sand. This white sand stands for Universal Love… A love that is eternal and never-ending.
(Family names) please hold hands. I ask all in attendance to join me in a prayer of blessing upon this beautiful family.
Family Sand Ceremony 8
BRIDE and GROOM, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other. Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand; one, representing you, BRIDE and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, GROOM, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
As you each hold your sand the separate containers of sand represent your lives to this moment; individual and unique. As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one family.
At this time, I would invite the parents of BRIDE and GROOM to come forward. These four vials of sand represent the bride and groom and each family.
You may now blend the sand together symbolizing the uniting of the two families into one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage and your families be.
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.
Rose Ceremony
July 29, 2008
Rose Ceremony 1
Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings – which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect; and a public showing of your commitment to each other.
You now have what remains the most honorable title which may exist between a man and a woman – the title of “husband” and “wife.”
In the past, the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing – it meant the words “I love you.”
So it is appropriate that for your first gift – as husband and wife – that gift would be a single rose.
Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife. (couple exchanges roses)
In some ways it seems like you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose – and now you are holding one small rose. In some ways, a marriage ceremony is like this. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life – one I hope you always remember – 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 elegant home – or a small and graceful one – that you both pick one very special location for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion you both may take a rose to that spot both as a recommitment to your marriage – and a recommitment that THIS will be a marriage based upon love.
In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words. It is easiest to hurt those who we most love. It is easiest to be hurt by those who we most love. It might be difficult some time to be able to express the words “I am sorry” or “I forgive you” or “I need you” or “I am hurting”. If this should happen, if you simply can not find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected – for that rose than says what matters most of all and should overpower all other things and all other words.
That rose says the words: “I still love you.” The other should accept this rose for the words which cannot be found, and remember the love and hope that you both share today.
Bride and Groom, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is 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.
Rose Ceremony 2
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.
Rose Ceremony 3
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.
Rose Ceremony 4
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. (Bride and Groom 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)
Rose Ceremony 5
It is now my privilege to be the first to address you as husband and wife. In the language of flowers, a red rose is the symbol of love. Will you please exchange your roses? In this exchange, you have given to each other your first gift as husband and wife. And it would be our hope that where you may make your home, there will be a specially appointed place in it for red roses. And on each anniversary of today you celebrate it, at least in part, by each of you bringing a rose to the appointed place, understanding that this rose is a restatement of love, and as an acknowledgement of the vows you have made.
In every marriage it is occasionally difficult to find words to resolve certain issues which may arise. If and when such issues might come to your marriage, if either of you will remember and bring to the appointed place a red rose, the other will see it and understand it as a statement of love and accept it, because love is the gateway to all answers.
Corinthians: “Love is patient, love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, and not quick to take offense. Love keeps no score of wrongs; it does not gloat over the other’s mistakes, but delights in the truth. There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, hope and its endurance. In a word, there are three great things that last forever: Faith, hope and love… and the greatest of these is love.”
Rose Ceremony 6
In the elegant language of flowers red roses are a symbol of love, the giving of a single red rose is a clear and unmistakable way of saying the words, “I love you.” For this reason it is fitting that the first gift you exchange as husband and wife would be the gift of a single red rose. Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife.
You both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life – one I hope you always remember – the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage. BRIDE and GROOM, I would ask that wherever you may make your home, that you choose a special location.
And at those times when words fail, that you leave a red rose at that spot you have both selected – a rose that will say what matters more than al other words… “I still love you”; The other should accept this rose for the words that cannot be found, and remember the love and hope that you both have shared today.
Rose Ceremony 7
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.
Parents Rose Ceremony 8
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.)
Parents Rose Ceremony 9
Marriage is the celebration of coming together of two lives and it is a celebration of two people in love.
The love that Groom and Bride feel for one another is a seed that their parents planted in their hearts years ago and today it has blossomed.
Today, as they embrace each other in their love, they also embrace the families, which have come together on this happy occasion.
As a sign of their love for their families, BRIDE and GROOM would like to offer these roses, to their mothers as symbols of their eternal love.
These Roses are a promise that no matter how far away you are that you are not forgotten and that you are always in their hearts.
Parents Rose Ceremony 10
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.
Those With Us In Spirit
July 29, 2008
Those With Us In Spirit 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.
Those With Us In Spirit 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.
Those With Us In Spirit 3
We now close our eyes and bring to mind any loved ones who could not be here today. Though they are absent physically, we invoke, through our thought and prayers, their loving presence. We pray that God might multiply beyond measure the blessings from these loved ones to this loving couple, and any children who might one day be a part of this union. Now, from our hearts, we ourselves visualize and sanctify all the blessings we would bestow on Bride and Groom in their lives as a couple and a family. And in our sincere desire to bless, we in turn, are blessed also. Blessed Be.
Presentation of Couple
July 29, 2008
Presentation of Couple 1
(Couple taking same last name)
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to present for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. GROOM LAST NAME.
Presentation of Couple 2
(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 3
(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. ____________.
Presentation of Couple 4
(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 5
(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 ______ & ______.
Pronouncement of Marriage
July 29, 2008
Pronouncement of Marriage 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!
Pronouncement of Marriage 2
BRIDE and GROOM, you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you husband and wife.
You have kissed a thousand times, maybe more. But today the feeling is new. No longer simply partners and best friends, you have become husband and wife and can now seal the agreement with a kiss. Today, your kiss is a promise.
You may kiss the bride.
Pronouncement of Marriage 3
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!
Pronouncement of Marriage 4
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.
You may now kiss the bride!
Pronouncement of Marriage 5
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.
Pronouncement of Marriage 6
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.
Pronouncement of Marriage 7
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.)
Pronouncement of Marriage 8
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!
Pronouncement of Marriage 9
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!
Pronouncement of Marriage 10
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.
Pronouncement of Marriage 11
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.
Pronouncement of Marriage 12
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.
Pronouncement of Marriage 13
Bride and Groom, in the presence of God, your family and friends today, you have spoken the words and performed the rites which unite your lives. It is my legal right as a minister and my greatest joy and privilege to declare you husband and wife.
You may now kiss the Bride.
Pronouncement of Marriage 14
Forasmuch as you, Bride and you, Groom, have openly declared your wishes to be united in marriage, and in the presence of these witnesses have pledged love to each other, and have confirmed the same by joining hands, exchanging rings and declaring your vows, I as a minister and legally authorized to do pronounce that you are now husband and wife.
You may now kiss the Bride.
Pronouncement of Marriage 16
By the authority vested in me by the State of California, I pronounce you to each other, husband and wife.
Pronouncement of Marriage 17
I now pronounce _____ and _____ husband and wife.
Pronouncement of Marriage 18
______ and _____, you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you husband and wife.
Pronouncement of Marriage 19
Since you have consented to join together in the bond of matrimony, and have pledged yourselves to each other in the presence of these loving friends, I now pronounce you partners in marriage.
Pronouncement of Marriage 20
In the presence of this good company,
By the power of your love,
Because you have exchanged vows of commmitment,
We recognize you as married.
Pronouncement of Marriage 21
With the sense of incomparable joy that you have found emotional sanctuary for your heart, that you have discovered your life’s true love, I now pronounce you married.
Pronouncement of Marriage 22
Now that ____, have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Pronouncement of Marriage 23
Inasmuch as ____, and ____, have consented together in marriage before this company; have pledged their faith and declared their unity by each giving and receiving a ring – and are now joined in mutual esteem and devotion; I pronounce that they are husband and wife together.
Pronouncement of Marriage 24
Forasmuch as ____ and ____ have consented together in holy matrimony, and have pledged their love and loyalty to each other, and have declared the same by the joining and the giving of rings, by the power vested in me, and as witnessed by friends and family, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Pronouncement of Marriage 25
____ and _____, bear witness to the love of God in this world, so that those to whom love is a stranger will find in you good and generous friends. By the power vested in me by God and man, I pronounce you wife and husband. What god has joined together, let no man put asunder.
Pronouncement of Marriage 26
_____ and _____, by their solemn promises, freely made before God and in the presence of this assembly, have joined themselves to one another for love and for life. Those whom God has joined together, let no one separate. Amen.
Re-Pronouncement of Marriage 27
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!
Re-Pronouncement of Marriage 28
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.
Handfasting
July 29, 2008
Handfasting 1
Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed ties between each other. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real, the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage.
With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be handfasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers.
The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul’s growth.
Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?
Bride and Groom say, “Yes, We Seek to Enter.”
In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East. Communication of the heart, mind, and body Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home The heat of the heart’s passion The light created by both To lighten the darkest of times.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West. The deep commitments of the lake The swift excitement of the river The refreshing cleansing of the rain The all encompassing passion of the sea.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North Firm foundation on which to build Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives A stable home to which you may always return.
Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union.
I bid you look into each others eyes.
Groom, Will you cause her pain?
Groom says, “I May.”
Is that your intent?
Groom says, “No.”
Bride, Will you cause him pain?
Bride says, “I may.”
Is that your intent?
Bride says, “No.”
Will you share each other’s pain and seek to ease it?
Bride and Groom say, “Yes.”
First cord is draped across bride and groom’s hands
And so the first binding is made. Join your hands
Bride, Will you share his laughter?
Bride says, “Yes.”
Groom, Will you share her laughter?
Groom says, “Yes.”
Will both of you look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?
Bride and Groom say, “Yes.”
Second cord is draped across bride and groom’s hands
And so the second binding is made.
Bride, Will you burden him?
Bride says, “I may.”
Is that you intent?
Bride says, “No.”
Groom, Will you burden her?
Groom says, “I May.”
Is that your intent?
Groom says, “No.”
Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?
Bride and Groom say, “Yes.”
Third cord is draped across bride and groom’s hands
And so the third binding is made.
Bride, will you share his dreams?
Bride says, “Yes.”
Groom, will you share her dreams?
Yes
*To Both*
Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?
Yes
Fourth cord is draped across bride and groom’s hands
And so the fourth binding is made.
Groom, will you cause her anger?
Groom says, “I May.”
Is that you intent?
No
Bride, will you cause him anger?
Bride says, “I may.”
Is that your intent?
Bride says, “No.”
*To Both*
Will you take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union?
Bride and Groom say, “We Will.”
Fifth chord is draped across bride and groom’s hands
And so the fifth binding is made.
Bride, Will you honor him?
Bride says, “I will.”
Groom, Will you honor her?
Groom says, “I will”
Will you seek to never give cause to break that honor?
Bride and Groom say, “We shall never do so.”
Sixth cord is draped across bride and groom’s hands
And so the sixth binding is made.
The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making of breaking of this union.
The cords are removed and placed on altar.
Handfasting 2
Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed ties between each other. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real, the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage.
Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?
Bride and Groom say, “We do.”
Blessing of the Hands
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief racks your mind.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will give you support and encourage you to chase your dreams. Together, everything you wish for can be realized.
Prepare the cords
Back in earlier years, the hands would be bound with whatever was available – vines, colorful cords, or scarf. Today we will use these cords to symbolize the binding, or promises.
The first promise
Groom, Will you be Bride’s faithful partner for life?
Groom says, “I will.”
Bride, will you be Groom’s faithful partner for life?
Bride says, “I will.”
Will you be each other’s constant friends and one true love?
Bride and Groom say, “We will.”
First cord is draped across Bride and Groom’s hands
And so the first binding is made.
The second promise
Bride, do you promise to love Groom without reservation?
Bride says, “I will.”
Groom, do you promise to love Bride without reservation?
Groom says, “I will.”
Will both of you stand by one another in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want?
Bride and Groom say, “We will.”
Second cord is draped across Bride and Groom’s hands
And so the second binding is made.
The third promise
Bride, will you stand together with Groom your times of joy and sorrow?
Bride says, “I will.”
Groom, will you stand together with Bride your times of joy and sorrow?
Groom says, “I will.”
Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?
Bride and Groom say, “We will.”
Third cord is draped across Bride and Groom’s hands
And so the third binding is made.
The forth promise
Groom will you always to be open and honest with Bride, for as long as you both shall live?
Groom says, “I will.”
Bride, will you always to be open and honest with Groom, for as long as you both shall live?
Bride says, “I will.”
Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes for this marriage?
Bride and Groom say, “We will.”
Fourth cord is draped across Bride and Groom’s hands
And so the forth binding is made.
The fifth promise
Bride, Will you honor this man?
Bride says, “I will.”
Groom, Will you honor this woman?
Groom says, “I will.”
Will you both seek to cherish and strengthen that honor?
Bride and Groom say, “We will.”
Sixth cord is draped across Bride and Groom’s hands
And so the fifth binding is made.
Binding of all promises
The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union.
The cords are removed and placed on altar
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.
