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Wedding Ceremony Elements
Here are some of the common elements that may be included in your ceremonies. This is a typical listing of ceremony elements; however, not all of the elements are necessary and not every element used in ceremonies is included in this list.
You can adapt the ceremonies to suit your client’s needs and omit elements or change the order of the flow of the ceremony.
Click the links to go to the individual element page where you will find a list of various options for the corresponding element.
A list of element options in a Word .docx format is offered for free download on the bottom of each element page. You may find the Word document to be useful when putting together ceremonies as you can cut and paste from the Word document and mix and match the various elements to craft your customized ceremony.
You can adapt the ceremonies to suit your client’s needs and omit elements or change the order of the flow of the ceremony.
Click the links to go to the individual element page where you will find a list of various options for the corresponding element.
A list of element options in a Word .docx format is offered for free download on the bottom of each element page. You may find the Word document to be useful when putting together ceremonies as you can cut and paste from the Word document and mix and match the various elements to craft your customized ceremony.
You can use the examples for inspiration and adapt them to your own ceremonies or you can use them as is and put them together with other elements to construct a ceremony.
Each element page also shows a list of links for related articles from the Dearly Beloved Blog.
Each element page also shows a list of links for related articles from the Dearly Beloved Blog.
Greeting / Welcoming Words
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Officiant greets the gathering; this is the familiar, “We are gathered here today…” part of the ceremony. Go To > The Greeting page to view a list of Wedding Ceremony Greeting Options. There is also a free Word .docx editable document offered for download on the Greeting Page. |
Invocation / Opening Prayer / Reading
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A prayer said at the beginning of the ceremony to invoke the presence of God. Asking God to be there and bless the ceremony. Go To > The Invocation page to view a list of Wedding Ceremony Greeting Options. You may want to download the free Word .docx if you wish to make edits or copy and paste to create your own customized ceremony. Word File is offered for download at the bottom of the Invocation examples page. |
Presentation Of The Bride
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Or Presentation of the Bride and Groom also called Participation of Parents or The Giving in Marriage (optional)
Traditionally this is the “Presentation of the Bride” and the minister asks, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man” and the bride’s father says “I do”. In contemporary weddings the minister may ask both sets of parents “Who gives these individuals to be given in marriage”? The parents answer “We do”. Other scenarios may have a different relative, family representative or child of the bride or groom that “gives them away”. This element is optional and can be omitted. Go To > The Presentation Of The Bride page for a list of Wedding Ceremony Presentation of the Bride or Bride and Groom options. |
Charge To Bride And Groom
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The charge is directed to the bride and groom and advises them of their individual responsibilities and duties in the marriage. The officiant reminds the couple to balance the celebration with the proper reverence for the momentous occasion. The charge is in preparation of the vows they are about to take. Go To > Charge To The Bride And Groom page for a list of options for the Charge element of a Wedding Ceremony. |
The Pledge Or Betrothal
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A declaration of intent and free will made to the gathering and/or witnesses, as opposed to the vows which are the pledges or promises the bride and groom make to each other.
Wedding Betrothal Examples Part 1 Wedding Betrothal Examples Part 2 |
Wedding Vows
Bride and groom make promises to each other and pledge to keep the promises as long as they both shall live. Some couples may want to write their own vows. They may want assistance from the wedding officiant in writing the vows. The vows of the bride and groom don’t have to be the same.
Wedding Vows - List of 7 Wedding Vow Examples
Wedding Vows - List of 7 Wedding Vow Examples
Blessing Of The Rings And Exchange Of Rings
The minister says a prayer to bless the rings then the bride and groom pledge vows of faithfulness and fidelity as they exchange rings. The unending circle of a ring symbolizes faithfulness.
5 Tips For Avoiding Mishaps During The Giving Of The Rings
Blessing Of The Wedding Rings - 7 Examples
Blessing Of The Rings - More Examples
Wording For The Exchange Of Rings In A Wedding Ceremony
About The Exchanging Of The Rings In A Wedding
Unifying Rituals
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(optional)
Many couples choose to include a unifying ritual in their ceremony to symbolize the unification of the two of them into a new unified entity. Some rituals may include a symbolic “blending” of the families and the children may participate. Some of the common unifying rituals used are the Unity Candle, Sand Ceremony, Drinking From One Cup, Tree Planting or Gathering Elements From Surroundings. Tree Planting Ceremony More Tree Planting Ceremony Wording |
Wedding Prayer / Blessing
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This is a prayer asking God to bless the new marriage.
Examples Of The Wedding Prayer / Blessing More Wedding Prayer Examples |
Pronouncement As Husband And Wife
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The officiant makes the official proclamation that the bride and groom are now husband and wife. Usually this includes the officiant stating their authority, i.e. “by the authority vested in me by the state of ….” and also the familiar “you may kiss the bride” statement is made during the pronouncement.
Wedding Ceremony Pronouncement As Husband And Wife Examples |
Benediction
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Closing words to bring the ceremony to an end. This can be a blessing, prayer, poem or passage of scripture. Benediction Examples for Wedding Ceremonies |
Announcement As Newlyweds
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This is the announcement of the wedding couple with their new name, i.e. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, or if not, they may prefer the officiant say something like “I present to you the newly married couple, Jane and John". The guests stand and applaud, as the couple then lead the recessional out. Examples of Announcement as Newlyweds |