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Structure
of a Wedding Ceremony
All wedding
ceremonies have a linear
structure
that flows from
beginning to end, and, if well-done, builds emotion to the
high-point—the pronouncement that you are now husband and wife.
In addition to
the essential structure, which follows a logical
order—the opening, the exchange of vows and the pronouncement— there
are two other sections which, while they are usual, are entirely
optional:
- Significant elements
- Reflections on marriage by the celebrant
- Ring exchange
- Segments that add richness and meaning
- Readings (Poetry, prose or songs)
- Additional
rituals such as rose
ceremony, unity candle, wine ritual, water ritual, sand ceremony,
honey ritual, handfasting, and other symbolic rituals. These give
visual expression to an
important part of the ceremony and cultural and symbolic
touches meaningful in the context of your individual or shared heritage
- Music (the soundtrack of your ceremony)
The difference between
the ordinary and
the extraordinary
... is the little extra
Parts
of a Typical Wedding Ceremony
- Calling
together: focussing attention on the ceremony. It can include
the prelude music, the
processional, and welcoming and opening words by the celebrant or the
couple.
- Setting
the mood: provides a moment
for the bride and groom to
gain their composure, and the attention of everyone is focussed on the
ritual by readings, words by the celebrant , and/or symbolic acts
- The vows:
the heart of the ceremony during which the focus is totally on the
bride and groom
- Widening
the focus again: announcing to the guests that the couple is
now married.
- Closing
the ceremony on a high
point: presentation of the certificate, introduction of the
couple, the recessional (with upbeat music), bubbles and other
celebratory touches.
The choreography and stagecraft of the ceremony - who moves
where, when, and how the words are delivered - are as important as the
words themselves. I work with you to plan and stage your wedding,
using the ceremony venue to best advantage for great photographs. On
the day I direct the ceremony as well as officiate at it to ensure that
the movement, flow and timing match the style and the beauty of the
words. A pre-wedding rehearsal guarantees the ceremony goes
smoothly. If you choose a service level that does not include a
rehearsal the bridal party is small and the ceremony
simple to minimise the chance of things going wrong.
Even a very small ceremony - in this case just the bride and groom the
celebrant and the photographer (with two staff members from the Lodge
acting as witnesses) includes both lighter moments and formal
presentation of the certificate.
In this case we moved inside to the bar for the presentation of
the certificate with champagne at the ready and a light-hearted touch.
Photograph courtesy of
Your Privacy | Mission Statement
| Contact Me
Jennifer
Cram is a
secular humanist celebrant
in Brisbane
Queensland
Australia
Serving all of Brisbane, Redlands, Redcliffe, Pine Rivers,
Logan and Ipswich
Ceremonies
performed
in private homes, parks, gardens, hotels, clubs, restaurants, chapels,
function
centres, reception centres, wedding venues.
Day or evening
ceremonies 365 days a year
Her Celebrant
Services include:
Wedding
Ceremonies including Contemporary,
Traditional, Spiritual, Intimate, Cultural, Inter-cultural,
Buddhist, Celtic, Handfasting, Humanist, Irish, Mediaeval, Military,
Scottish,
Celtic, Chinese, Buddhist, Mediaeval; Surprise, Theme, True-Blue
Aussie, Visa, Green, and Pink Weddings;
Renewal of
Vows; Commitment
Ceremonies for gay, lesbian,
and straight couples; Naming Ceremonies;
House Warming;
Launching; Divorce
and Separation (End-of-Relationship) Ceremonies
Contact Details
Phone: (07)
3378 3005
International:
+ 61 7 3378 3005
Email:
Mail: P O Box
20, Indooroopilly QLD 4068, Australia
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