Prayer at reception

Brashley08 · May 2010

About 80% of the people at the reception will be in our faith, as Jehovah's Witnesses. Prayer is very important to us, especially before a meal. We would love for FI's uncle to give our prayer before we eat, but we have mixed feelings about it,
one on hand, it's OUR wedding, and WE want a prayer.
on the other hand, some of the people there (mostly my family) aren't religious. I've already asked them about it and they said they "wouldn't be offended" but I still dont want to make anyone feel awkward.

What would you do??

jacki_sue · May 2010

I would definitely have the prayer. It's important to you!

Plus, it's pretty common to pray before meals. I'd think that if someone knows you, they know your beliefs, and I'm sure they're almost expecting it.

And it's not like you're handing out tracts or anything. Go for it.

J

jacki_sue · May 2010

Also, this made me think of another question. Are you having appetizers? Because I'd want a prayer before the meal, too, but I'm not sure when to do it... before the sit down meal, or before the cocktail hour appetizers??!

Jeffie86 · May 2010

I say pray.

No doubt our pastor will say a prayer before we eat. Before the actual meal.

iamjoesgurl · May 2010

Don't let your guests' opinions sway you on this one. If you want to have prayer, you should have it. I doubt that anyone would be so offended that they would do anything as a result. If anything, it might be a good reminder that it is God that provides all of our needs (whether or not we believe in Him).

katanne9 · May 2010

I would definitely have the prayer. People who know you will understand what is important to you. By coming they are agreeing to be a part of this day with you.

I would have the prayer said before dinner. I don't think I've ever seen a prayer said before the appetizers, as it is usually unorganized and often the BP is off taking photos anyways. For dinner everyone is seated and will listen.

On_Cloud_Nine · May 2010

I definitely think you should have your prayer before dinner. It's important to the both of you. Your guests shouldn't mind, and if they do, then I'll be honest and say that's kind of silly. There's no harm to a non-believer in praying before a meal.

Jacki-Sue, I would just have someone say a prayer before the dinner. As pp mentioned, the cocktail hour is chaotic with people everywhere and not very organized. When everyone gathers for the meal would be the best time for the prayer. That's how my sister did it at her wedding, and it went over very well.

missrekaeagle · May 2010

We're having a prayer before dinner. I think your guests will be ok. If they don't believe in prayer, they probably won't pray anyway so they shouldn't be too offended.

DanielleB80 · May 2010

I agree with PP. If guests are family and friends they probably understand your beliefs and should not be offended or feel awkward.

We are having scripture readings and prayers. Everyone attending knows we plan on giving God all the respect on our special day!

FutureMrsMcDaniel · May 2010

If you want a prayer, then by all means have one!
I have never actually been to a reception that had a prayer before the dinner. Even when my minister cousin got married, so I'd never thought about it before.
Great idea though!

eaglenightshade · May 2010

we are having the priest who marries us say grace before dinner once everyone is seated.

Remember you are not asking anyone who doesn't want to pray to join in you are simply asking them to sit quietly while you pray.

Even if they do not believe in religion of any description a moment to think about the days events can't hurt, it's just words if they don't believe.

Aimee8314 · May 2010

I would definitely do it - especially since your family doesn't seem to be uncomfortable with it. Our families are not very religious; however, we've asked a very religious friend to perform our ceremony. He will also be praying over the meal (prior to people being released to the buffet). that will be after the cocktail hour.

CourtneyBC · May 2010

This was something my FI and I didn't even think twice about. We are definitely having a prayer. There aren't many people there (maybe five or six out of our total one hundred guests) who aren't regular church-goers, so it wasn't a difficult decision. Kudos to you for thinking about your guests' feelings, but I'm sure if they say it's not a big deal, it probably isn't. I say you should pray before your meal.

To the girl who asked about appetizers,etc.: We're doing ours after hors deurves(sp?), when everyone is seated for the meal but has not yet received it.

Prayer at reception

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