i wrote (found different ones on msg boards and rearranged them/combined them) out my ceremony wording the other day, and i was really happy with it!! i had my mom read it and she was really happy with it.
then .. i let my fiance read it. he said he hated it. particularly one of my most favorite parts : THE VOWS!!!!
he wants something more traditional, ya know, "to have and to hold from this day foreward .. " i cant even begin to describe how much i dislike those vows. haha. the ones i put on there are in bold below.
IMO, that fits our personalities and lives much better.
theres another paragraph/verse? that he hates (italic below), but i can deal with taking it out, but what should i replace it with?
(Background Music)
(Music changes to “Lucky“ by Jason Mraz)
(Wedding Party enter in pairs)
(Music changes to “Mama‘s Song“ by Carrie Underwood)
(BRIDE is escorted in)
(Music continues at a low volume throughout ceremony)
OFFICIANT: "Welcome everyone. On behalf of _________& _________, thank you for joining us to celebrate this joyous occasion on this beautiful afternoon."
“You come here today as individuals, to become one. Not to lose yourselves, but instead to promise a new life of unity and love.”
"Marriage is the promise of hope between two people who love each other sincerely, who honor each other as individuals, and who wish to unite their lives and share the future together."
"We rejoice with them that out of all the world, they have found each other. They have found ever growing love and understanding. They have learned that they can depend on each other and on the power of their love, and that through each other, they are becoming better people."
OFFICIANT: "On this happy day, surrounded by family and friends, we also honor those family members and friends who are no longer with us; but are carried in our hearts. Those we love we never lose, for they will always be treasured, loved, and forever in our memory.”
OFFICIANT: ”To the family and friends of _________ and _________; you have a special purpose. You form the community of support that surrounds them each and every day. As cherished family and friends, it is you to whom they’ll turn in the coming years, whether in joy or in sorrow. Always stand beside them, never between them. Offer them your love and support. Encourage them with your kindness and loving hearts, and honor this marriage into which they have come to be joined. When hard times come, and the loving support of friends and family is needed, _________and _________hope to be able to turn to you, just as they will turn to each other. They ask that you commit to them, as they are committing to one another. That just as they pledge to support and protect the other, you pledge to support and protect their relationship, today and always. Help them to keep their hearts open, full of forgiveness and compassion, of happiness and light.”
OFFICIANT: "_________ and _________, please face each other and take each other’s hands, so that you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief temporarily comes to you. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, the hands that will join your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it, support and encouragement to pursue your dreams, and comfort through difficult times.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.”
OFFICIANT: “Thank you for sharing your love with one another in the presence of your family and friends. No other human ties are more tender and no other vows more important than those you are about to take. Both of you come to this day with the deep realization that the contract of marriage is sacred as are all of its obligations and responsibilities".
“_________, Please repeat after me.”
OFFICIANT & GROOM: "In the presence of these witnesses, I, _________, take you, _________to be my best friend, my faithful partner and my one true love. I promise to encourage you and inspire you; and to love you truly through good times and bad. I will forever be there to laugh with you, to lift you up when you are down and to love you unconditionally through all of our adventures in this life together."
OFFICIANT: “_________, please repeat after me.”
OFFICIANT & BRIDE: "In the presence of these witnesses, I, _________, take you, _________ to be my best friend, my faithful partner and my one true love. I promise to encourage you and inspire you; and to love you truly through good times and bad. I will forever be there to laugh with you, to lift you up when you are down and to love you unconditionally through all of our adventures in this life together."
OFFICIANT: "In honor of the vows _________ and _________ have made today, they have chosen to exchange rings. These rings are adornments, carefully chosen for their beauty and simplicity. They will quietly sit upon their fingers, reminding them of the power of love and the pledge they are making to each other to be faithful and true, and to nurture their love so it will last a lifetime.”
[OFFICIANT receives rings from Best Man and Maid of Honor. Then hands ring to Groom.]
OFFICIANT: _________, please take _________’s ring, place it on her finger and repeat after me.”
OFFICIANT & GROOM: "I give you this ring as a reminder of the vows I have made this day, and a pledge to honor you for the rest of our lives together"
OFFICIANT: “_________, do you receive this ring in honor of these vows?
BRIDE: "I do."
(_________ places ring on _________’s finger)
[OFFICIANT hands ring to Bride.]
OFFICIANT: _________, please take _________’s ring, place it on his finger and repeat after me.”
OFFICIANT & _________: "I give you this ring as a reminder of the vows I have made this day, and a pledge to honor you for the rest of our lives together"
OFFICIANT: “_________, do you receive this ring in honor of these vows?
GROOM: "I do."
(_________ places ring on _________’s finger)
(“I Do” Colbie Caillat starts at 0:28, plays at hearable volume until 0:42, then volume is lowered)
OFFICIANT: "May these rings be your most treasured adornment, and may the love they symbolize be your most precious possession."
“_________ and _________, I would ask that you both remember to treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you together today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.”
"May the confidence, trust, and affection you have for each other on this day, sustain you as you go forth upon your journey of life together. May you dwell together in peace, true friendship, love, and joy."
[Couple face the guests]
OFFICIANT: "Today we have heard your promise to share your lives together in marriage. We recognize and respect the vows you have made before each one of us as a witness. There is a wonderful life ahead of you. Live it fully. Love its changes and choices. Let it amaze you and bring you great joy each and every day. In the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today, and with the power vested in me by the State of Missouri, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”
Bride & Groom KISS
OFFICIANT: “Ladies & gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. _________!!!!!!”
(Recessional : Music-”Marry Me [first dance mix]” by Train)