Additions: 

(Remember to bring the items needed for each of these ceremony additions with you to the wedding!)

Blessing of Rings

The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows [Groom's name] and [Bride's name] have made to one another. Bless O God these rings, that [Bride's name] and [Groom's name], who give them, and who wear them, may ever abide in thy peace. Living together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their lives

Breaking of the Wine Glass 

"The breaking of the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony serves to remind of two very important aspects of a marriage. The bride and groom - and everyone - should consider these marriage vows as an IRREVOCABLE ACT - just as permanent and final as the breaking of this glass is unchangeable. But the breaking of the glass also is a warning of the FRAILTY of a marriage. That sometimes a single thoughtless act, breech of trust, or infidelity can damage a marriage in ways that are very difficult to undo - just as it would be so difficult to undo the breaking of this glass. Knowing that this marriage is permanent, the bride and groom should strive to show each other the love and respect befitting their spouse and love of their life."

The breaking of the wineglass is, among other things, a symbol of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem; a representation of the fragility of human relationships, and a reminder that marriage changes the lives of individuals forever.  Modern interpretations include the fragility of human relationships, the beginning of a new life, and the dismissal of prejudice and ignorance.  It is also the official signal to shout “Mazel Tov“!

Memorials

Before the ceremony begins, the officiant asks the guests to observe a moment of silence in memory of ____________ (name of deceased given along with relationship to bride or groom).

A long stem rose may also be placed in an empty chair as an option.

Jumping the Broom

The jumping of the broom is a symbol of the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new, or a symbol of a new beginning.

As we celebrate the joining together of these two lives and the need for support of the marriage from the entire community of family and friends, please join me in counting to three and shouting jump!

Rose Presentation Long stem presentation roses can be ordered from your florist.  They are usually red but can be any color.  Some couples also present roses to grandmothers or other special people in their lives.)

(As the couple starts the recessional, they both go to the bride’s mother to present a long stem rose and then to the groom’s mother and do the same.  Often the bride and groom will switch mothers and give them a hug, kiss, and whisper something from their heart into the mother’s ear.)

Butterfly Release   Purchase Butterflies 

As the Indian legend goes, if anyone desires a wish to come true they must capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.  Since they make no sound, they can’t tell the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit.  So by making the wish and releasing the butterfly, it will be taken to the heavens and be granted.  Today this couple has chosen to keep this tradition by performing this unique form of Indian celebration.  Please join them in their wish!

Unity Candle     

And now may the blessing of light be with you always.  Light within and light without. May the sun shine upon you and warm your heart until it glows like a great fire, so that others might see your love for one another and for the whole of creation.

Sand Ceremony

Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand into one, representing you, ____________ and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, ____________ 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.

Cord & Veil

The cord & veil are a part of the ceremony to symbolize unity, a large loop of rosary beads is placed in a figure eight shape around the necks of the couple after they have exchanged their vows. A veil is then placed over the couple.  The symbolism of the cord & veil is to show the union and protection of marriage.

At the end of the ceremony, the items are removed by the couple which placed them on the couple. The cord & veil are given to the bride as a memento of her becoming the mistress of the groom's heart and home and shows their promise to always be together side-by-side.

Blessing of the Coins

(The thirteen gold coins custom originated in Rome. The number thirteen
represents Christ and his 12 apostles. The coins are carried by a coin Bearer
who marches with the ring bearer during the processional and the recessional.
He holds them until asked for by the minister.
The Minister blesses the coins which represents wishes for Prosperity. The
groom them pours them into the brides cupped hands. The symbolism which may be explained by the minister is that the groom recognizes his responsibility
as a provider and pledges his ability to support and care for her. Acceptance
by the bride means taking that trust and confidence unconditionally with
total dedication and prudence. The solid gold coins become a family heirloom
and are passed down the generations. It also symbolizes that in hard times
the couple will never be broke, as long as they have the coins.)

(Minister reads)

The Blessing of the coins originated thousand of years ago in Rome.  The thirteen coins symbolize Christ and His twelve disciples.  The coins represent wishes for prosperity.

(Coin bearer gives bag to minister.)

We have God’s promise that our lives will prosper as we follow His Holy Word.  The groom now takes the bag of coins, and pours them into the bride’s cupped hands.  By so doing, the groom recognizes his responsibility to provide, support, and care for his new wife.  By receiving the coins, the bride pledges her unconditional trust and confidence with total dedication and prudence.  The gold coins now become a family keepsake and are passed down from generation to generation.  It also symbolizes that in hard times the couple will never be without.

Dove Release  TheDoveConnection.com

As you began your new journey as husband and wife, let this pair of doves symbolize the love and devotion that will grow through your years together.

The memory of these two creatures of nature, who bond together for life, will serve as inspiration as you both go forth – traveling a path started by two, and combined as one, with a never ending love for one another.

Readings:

“Love Chapter”

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

By Kenneth L. Patton

May these two find happiness in their union. May they live faithfully together, performing the vow and covenant they have made between them; and may they ever remain in sympathy and understanding: That their years may be rich in the joys of life, and their days good, and long upon the earth.

Prayer: “Our Father”

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

By David A. Johnson

Out of this tangled world, two souls have come together, drawn by mutual love and respect. May their days and years yet unborn deepen the joy of their choice and make it abidingly true.

Blessings:

Apache Wedding Blessing

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years, May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.

By Angeline E.M. Theisen

______________ and _______________, in presenting yourselves here today to be joined in holy union, you perform an act of faith. This faith can grow and mature and endure, but only if you both determine to make it so. A lasting and growing love is never automatic, nor guaranteed by any ceremony.
If you would have the foundation of your union be the love you have for each other, not just at this moment, but for all the days ahead, then cherish the hopes and dreams that you bring here today. Resolve that your love will never be blotted out by the commonplace nor obscured by the ordinary in life. Faults will appear where now you find contentment, and wonder can be crushed by the routine of daily living.
Devotion, joy and love can grow only if you nurture them together. Stand fast in that hope and confidence, believing in your shared future just as strongly as you believe in yourselves and in each other today. Only in this spirit, can you create a partnership that will strengthen and sustain you all the days of your lives. -

Colossians 3:12-17

12Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. Don’t worry about making a good impression on them, but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently. 13Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

14Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony. 15Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. And always be thankful.

16Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise; teach them to each other and sing them out in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing to the Lord with thankful hearts. 17And whatever you do or say let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, and come with him into the presence of God the Father to give him your thanks.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 - 12 (TLB)

9Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better.  10If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he’s in trouble. 11Also, on a cold night, two under the same blanket gain warmth from each other, but how can one be warm alone?  12And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Cherokee Prayer
"God in heaven above please protect the ones we love.
We honour all you created as we pledge our hearts and lives together. We honour mother-earth - and ask for our marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the seasons;
We honour fire - and ask that our union be warm and glowing with love in our hearts; We honour wind - and ask we sail though life safe and calm as in our father's arms; We honour water - to clean and soothe our relationship - that it may never thirsts for love; With all the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony and true happiness as we forever grow
young together. Amen."

By John Corrado

This is a moment of celebration. Let is also be a moment of dedication. The world does a good job of reminding us how fragile we are. Individuals are fragile; relationships are fragile too.
Every marriage needs the love, nurture and support of a network of friends and family. On this wedding day I ask you not only to be friends of ___________ or ____________ but friends of ___________ and ____________ together, friends of the relationship.  In the moment of silence that follows, I ask each of you, in your own way, to confer a silent prayer, blessing, wish or hope upon this couple.
[The officiant pauses for a moment of silence.]
Blessing:
May the love you have found grow in meaning and strength until its beauty is shown in a common devotion to all that is compassionate and life-giving. May the flow of your love help brighten the face of the earth. May the source of all love touch and bless us and grace our lives with color and courage.

By Michael Barlow-Sparkman

____________ and _____________, as a collection of words, this ceremony would count for little, were it not for the love and commitment which you pledge to one another. By virtue of being human, there is distance between you, which is both infinite and infinitesimal, at one and the same time.
Today you have joined in a covenant bridging that distance. Always remember that in reaching across any distance, you are faced with two choices: To circle the globe in one direction or to take one step in the other. May you ever seek the shorter distance, for love is as difficult - and as simple - as that.

By Fred F. Kelp
_________ and ___________, may the warmth of your love melt the snows of all your barriers, and may you truly be united as one, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Your parents, your families and your friends now recognize your commitment. Let us pray.
Most holy God, mother and father of all creation, may your blessings continue for _________ and ___________. May you encourage and help each of them to develop into a more complete person, by becoming a more united couple. May the loving spirit of Jesus grant them patience to mend their differences, wisdom and guidance in all their decisions. May the spirit of Jesus grant them grace in times of disappointment, and peace that comforts them all the days of their lives. We pray these things, believing in the power and the everlasting love of Jesus. Amen.

By Kenneth W. Phifer

____________ and _____________, you have now affirmed before your families and friends your love and your caring for each other. You have come from different backgrounds. You have walked different paths. You are different individuals. Your love has transcended these differences. In the years before you may the richness of the traditions that have nurtured you enhance and brighten your lives as you help to create and shape the future.

May the challenges of your life together be met with courage and optimism. May you learn from your failures and grow in your achievements. May life bless you with children, friends and family in a wide network of mutual support and enjoyment. May you face pain, toil and trouble with a stout but light heart. May you share with others the radiance of your seasons of joy and pleasure. May you always remember that laughter is the medicine of… (God).

May the spirit of love be ever a part of your lives so that the union we here celebrate this day be worthy of continued celebration tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.