Components of a Wedding Ceremony
“The Breakdown” Processional is the start of the wedding ceremony and it involves the presentation of the bridal party and eventually the bride.
The general protocol for the processional allows first for the seating of the parents, and then bridesmaids walk down the aisle accompanied by groomsmen. Next, the maid of honor follows, then the flower girl, then the ring bearer (if used, occasionally as the Officiant I hold the ring for the couple), and then the bride enters and makes her way down the aisle.
Greeting, Opening Words and Welcome
Once all the key people are in position, I welcome the guests to the ceremony and thank them for coming. Often, I will ask the couple during the interview process if they desire a reading or brief history of how the couple met and became a couple.
Declaration of Consent (When someone gives the Bride away)
A very traditional component, wherein the Brides father would “give” the bride to her new husband. It is an important element to include in the ceremony, as it gives the escort a concrete moment when he/she can present the bride to the groom. This helps to eliminate any awkward moments or confusion, “I do” are the most common replies to my declaration of consent, the couples parents, wedding party and guests can also reply “we do.” Often, I am asked who can “give” the bride away- anyone can present the bride to the groom, grandparent, close family friend, etc.
Common phrases of consent are as follows and used frequently by me when performing a ceremony:
“Who has guided this woman throughout her life, nurtured her and loved her, cherished her and taught her to soar on her own wings, and who now guides her here today as she comes to join with another in marriage?”
Shorter versions:
Who brings this woman to join this man in marriage?
Who us it that brings this woman to this man on their wedding day?
Who brings this Bride to stand beside this Groom today?
Who gives this woman to be the bride of this man?
Will all the family and friends that are witnesses here today promise to guide and support, love and cherish this couple?
The exchange of wedding vows:
Vows are the emotionally binding part of the ceremony. This is where the couple will make promises to one another about the life they will lead together. I encourage couples to create personal wedding vows using a wedding vow book that can be found online and decide what’s best with this couple.
Exchange of Wedding Rings
The exchange of the wedding rings occurs after the couple had taken their wedding vows, and often leads to the pronouncement of the couple as husband and wife. The rings symbolize the unbroken circle of love that has no beginning and no end.
Pronouncement, Declaration of Marriage and the Kiss:
After the exchange of rings, I pronounce the couple as husband and wife. Declaring the Groom may now kiss the Bride, I introduce then to the guests as a couple.
Depending on couples, I sometimes can add a dash of humor to lighten things up when the Groom or Bride are nervous as they sometimes are, after all they are in front of a group of people and have had a lot of decision making and event planning to get here.
Often, I encourage couples to quote a poem, Scripture or promise to each other and written vows are always welcomed.
The Texas Twins Events team will work with you to ensure a beautiful and magical moment exceeds your expectations. Contact Reverend Wendy Wortham today by calling 682-229-6838 or visiting our website at www.texastwinsevents.com
