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Personalizing Your Ceremony

 

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Children in Weddings
  1. Including children in your wedding always adds a special touch. Generally, it’s best (or at least more predictable) to have children ages four and above, but it always depends on the child too.
  2. If the bride or groom already have children, vows can be written to include them in the ceremony. It’s a nice way for any children from previous marriages to feel accepted, loved and part of the new family.

    For an example of a wedding vow written especially for a child, check out USABride’s Interview with Diane Warner.
  3. Another way to include children from previous marriages is to have them take part in the candle lighting ceremony. After the bride and groom light their unity candle, the children can participate by lighting a candle too.

    Read more tips about children in weddings.
  4. Reader Tip: I have 2 children from my previous marriage and we wanted to include them in our ceremony to show that we are all in this together and that we are (will be) a family. Instead of a unity candle that just 2 people light, I found a large candle with 4 wicks that we can all light. I think the kids will understand the symbolism in this the best. (Soon to be, Mrs. Madsen)
Wedding Program
  1. Design your own wedding program. You can have them printed or you can make them at home on your computer - just buy a nice stock of paper and tie with a pretty ribbon. Inside, write the names of all the members of the wedding party and the music played. Be sure to include the names of your musicians and names of any readers and passages read.
  2. As part of your wedding program, you can include special poems about love or family or write a special message to your guests. Here's an example of a special dedication to a bride and groom's parents:

    "We would like to dedicate this ceremony to our parents. They have taught us our values, and shown us how to laugh, love and appreciate all that life has to offer. Their generosity, support, and love is unending."
Readings & Prayers
  1. Readings, prayers or passages always personalize a wedding ceremony. Ask special family members or friends to do a reading. Be sure to check with your Officiant and ask if you are allowed to use "non-religious" readings.
  2. Ask your Officiant to include the names of your parents or family in a special prayer. Many times family members that have recently passed away may be mentioned in a prayer, but it can also be used for anyone you want mentioned in a special way.
New Trends
  1. A new trend now is for the bride and groom to face each other when exchanging their wedding vows versus having their backs to the congregation. This allows your guests to feel they are much more a part of the ceremony.
  2. Instead of tossing birdseed or rice, try blowing bubbles or if you want to be a little bit more extravagant, try releasing doves or butterflies.
  3. More brides today are doing without aisle runners. It’s not always easy to put down the runner properly and there have been instances where the runner has gotten caught up underneath a wedding dress. Not a pretty sight!

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