Weddings are events that mark the union of two people. A wedding can take place on a day or over several days. Depending on the religion of the couple, the ceremony can be very elaborate or it may be a simple ceremony with only a few guests.
During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom make their official commitment to each other. They recite their vows and exchange wedding rings. Sometimes the bride and groom have the same vows, but they may also write their own. If they do, the guests who hear them should not be surprised.
The wedding can take several forms, but there are certain rituals that are common to all of them. Some of these include:
In many cultures, the wedding celebration can last for several days. These celebrations are often arranged by the parents of the bride and groom. This can be an expensive event because the parents foot the bill for an extravagant lifestyle during the celebration.
When you are planning a wedding, you must choose a date as soon as possible. Most weddings take place on a Saturday, but you can choose other days if you like. Choosing a date early on will give you time to prepare for the wedding.
It’s a good idea to have a point person for the wedding week. This person should be willing to deal with any last minute travel arrangements, vendor contacts, and the like. She or he should also be open to keeping a nephew in his seat.
Some cultures have special rituals, such as planting a tree or jumping a broom. Other ceremonies, such as handfasting, are not religious and are not included in the formal wedding ritual.
Protestant churches are not known for their elaborate ceremonies, but the service can be quite simple. Many of these churches incorporate readings into the ceremony, and the minister will also recite seven blessings over the couple. Guests can bring gifts to the altar during the offertory.
Another popular nondenominational wedding ritual is planting a tree. Nondenominational weddings are highly customizable, and they can be held at a number of different venues. At a reception, there may be a cake and punch. You can also include a unity candle, which is symbolic of the couple’s commitment.
Weddings can be very stressful, especially if you aren’t planning to have a wedding planner. To make sure you have enough time to plan, find out about your venue before the date. Several sites provide linens, chairs, and tables, and you can ask about rentals for audio and video equipment.
One of the most important things to consider when planning a wedding is the order of the ceremony. It can get overwhelming if you don’t have a clear understanding of the order. But remember that the purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate the marriage between the bride and groom, so the music, readings, and other rituals should all be in keeping with the ceremony’s theme.