Planning a wedding is one of the most monumental milestones in a person’s life. When you stand before friends and family or even with just your spouse, whom do you want to bind you two together for eternity?
The Ceremony
A wedding ceremony is intimate, it can highlight the two individuals getting married, or it can be short and to the point. If you are not religious answering, this question may be difficult.
For a Christian couple, you use a Priest, a Hindu couple, use a Pandit, and a Jewish couple, you use a Rabbi, but what if you aren’t religious?
What if your spouse is of another faith?
Most religious leaders will not perform an interfaith marriage.
Who will perform your ceremony?
Who can Marry You?
In Florida, any ordained ministers, notary publics, judicial officers, captains of a ship if the captain is a notary, clerks of the circuit court, and “Quakers” or “Friends” can legally perform a marriage ceremony.
Can you Choose?
These days, it has become more common to go outside of the norm and choose someone to marry you.
Can a chosen friend or family member legally marry you?
The answer is yes, but they will have to become legally ordained first. Starting online, it is free, fast, and comfortable. Just visit getordained.org for the steps. If you choose to go this route, be aware of the additional requirements that may be involved.
For example, some states require additional documentation. It is also a good idea to keep in mind that some religious organizations will not recognize a marriage officiated by someone who is not ordained by faith.
Legally married is one thing, but your church may not acknowledge it. Make sure to do your research and double-check every aspect every step of the way.
Ideas
As I did my research, I stumbled upon some unique ideas I’d like to share with you all.
1. Community Vows:
Have your officiant include vows that your guest have to take. “Do you promise to encourage this marriage, to witness their lives together, to love and support them every step of the way?”
2. Include Your Pets:
Have your animals included in the ceremony, whether they walk down the aisle or have a special seat in the front row?
3. Ring Warming:
Allow each guest to touch your rings before they are exchanged. This allows everyone the opportunity to place blessings and wishes onto the couple by “warming their rings.”
4. Unity Candle:
Have each guest hold a candle start the flame on both ends of the bride and grooms’ side. Pass the flame down until it gets to the bride and groom. At this point, the couple will then light a unity candle to symbolize the two individuals’ joining. This is a beautiful idea ending in a room up lit by candlelight.
5. Add music:
You can get creative by adding music to your ceremony. Group singing, or maybe the couple would like to serenade each other.
Find the style that suits you and your spouse.
Regardless of who marries you, there should be a great deal of thought that goes into your nuptials. Some common ideas involve going traditional with a faith-based reading followed by blessings and prayers. Some couples want a more spiritual ceremony where God is not referenced at all.
The interfaith couple may want a little bit of the rituals of each religion to be highlighted. Pop- culture couples may wish to include symbolic elements reflecting a shared interest, for example, a favorite movie or book like Star Wars.
No matter what you choose, stay true to who you are as a couple. The buildup is leading to the moment meant to blend as one. Create and execute your vision for all the little moments in your life that will lead to one marvelous moment together.
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Every Moment Counts,
