Putting your ceremony together can be the ultimate expression of your love for each other - and for those around you. Here are some things to think about as you create a ceremony that is as unique as the two of you are.
First of all, what sort to music will you have? Vocal? Instrumental? Asking a friend or family member to be a soloist (or part of a small musical group) can be the ultimate compliment to them. First, you want them to be part of your wedding - your most special day. But you are also expressing confidence in their ability (and "showing them off"). Will you add any "special" music to the ceremony - during the lighting of the Unity Candle, during Communion (if you're having it), at any other "quiet" spots in the ceremony? And what hymns, if any, will you want the congregation to sing? These choices speak volumes about who you expect to be as a couple.
The next area, of course, is your vows. Will you use the standard vows or will you create your own? And do you want to memorize your vows or be led through them? My personal preference is for the traditional vows, because at each ceremony where the traditional vows are recited, every married person in attendance can silently repeat those words again, reaffirming their original marriage convenant. But creating your own vows also speaks to who you are now and who you will be as a married couple. Many couples want that extra special touch. Either way, will you say the vows yourselves or will you be led through them? Many couples these days are opting to memorize the vows and say them with no prompting, which is a beautiful sign of their love for one another.
What sort of special additions to the ceremony do you want to add? Will the bride have an aisle-runner during the processional to protect her dress? This is a very traditional part of the wedding and protects the bride's dress when she processes in. Will you light a Unity Candle? If so, you need to make decisions on whether just the mothers will light the tapers or both parents together. And after the unity candle has been lit, will you leave your tapers burning or extinguish them? Most clergy have specific ideas on this, so you may want to consult with them when planning this part of the ceremony.
Another interesting addition I have seen is the exchange of crosses. Most couples these day exchange rings (as opposed to the man just giving one to his bride). However, some couples, in response to their conviction that it is God who brought them together, are also having crosses blessed and then exchanging them during the ceremony, as well. Is this something you want to consider?
One more thought. When putting together your bulletin for the wedding ceremony, what will you add to it? Will you add a small thank you to your guests for joining you on your special day? Will you add your new address, so everyone knows where to find you after the wedding? Will you add a special verse or saying that typifies your relationship and/or your lover for each other?
With just a couple small decisions, your ceremony can be unique, beautiful and perfect - just like the two of you are.

Submitted By:
Mary E. Henry
Christian by Design