Feet Washing Ceremony

stephy0926

I am doing this at my wedding, I've seen it before and its the most beautiful and meaningful thing you can do. I think if you see it being "gross" and not "lowering yourself" to do this is a matter of the heart and a little prideful in your part. The ceremony is something you will always cherish and remember and is for you and your spouse, not the people. If you doing anything in your wedding for other people then don't even get married. 

Marzipan13

While I wouldn't do it myself (although I think the symbolism is beautiful, and love the tradition of Washing Feet on Holy Thursday Mass), I won't tell you not to do it.

If I may suggest, maybe wait until after the ceremony to wash each other's feet?  You can take more time (since I'm assuming you might feel rushed or nervous during the actual ceremony) and arrange your dress as necessary, as well as really take in the symbolism of your actions.  Not to mention,  you'll probably give your photographer more opportunity to take more beautiful pictures of such a meaningful moment.  

Because this act is so intimate, why not do it after the ceremony in (nearly) private?  That allows you to greet family members without them being all "ew", and you can take the time to prepare & clean up.  Again, just my suggestion!

Sugargirl1019

I'll play along since this thread can still be helpful (its an older one).

My FI was a GM in a wedding not too long ago in an outdoor wedding and they did this. It was beautiful with music in the background. They washed each others feet and it brought tears to my eyes. It was long, but I didn't really mind. It fit right in with the readings the minister was doing, and it added to the experience.

They wore sensible shoes for this - simple heels for her and cowboy boots for him. Easy to take off and put back on. They had a towel to dry the feet also.

bbbm4

Hey there! I am thinking of doing this at my wedding and just wondered how it went?

fitriafj

I came across this discussion in the midst of simple curiosity and I apologize ahead of time if I my sound hostile in any way that is not my intention and I hope I don't come across that way or offensive. Feet washing ceremony in a wedding is one of the most beautiful event to incorporate I the ceremony. I have been  through many marriage conference, seminars, etc. you name it Ive researched and sought the true mystery of marriage and because of my Faith and beliefs (I am a Christian) I discovered that it comes down to Service. That's love, that's partnership. One is not more dominant than the other. The feet washing is the ACT of what we profess in our vows. In Christianity marriage is often described similarly to the relationship of Christ and the church. Jesus washed the feet of the man that betrays him to show an act of humility, to show the true act of LOVE. Its a symbol of love which includes forgiveness, patience, kindness, etc.

As far as guests being uncomfortable, the ceremony SHOULD be the most important part in a wedding, and the guests are meant to be people in both the groom's and bride's lives that love them and will help hold them accountable in their marriage in the days, years to come since they witness the vows / promises they both made to each other. Ceremonies should be INTIMATE if a guest feels uncomfortable with the idea, how much do that person really mean to the both of you? This also can help w slashing the guest lists. Guests at weddings are loved ones meant to be witnesses of the union of you and your significant other.

Worrying about messiness? Its not that messy its really quick, and at the end of the day do we care more about the wedding or the marriage? Who cares if it gets a little messy you're not doing it in a swimming pool, don't let what others say discourage you from wanting to incorporate a very intimate special act. Not all may understand, guests may be uncomfortable but remember this day is about YOU  TWO not about the guest you CHOSE to be apart in witnessing this special day.

MobKaz

You have resurrected a zombie thread that began in April, 2013.  @artbyallie, can we close this?

artbyallie

Yep! Thanks, @MobKaz!