Say “I Do!” With Confidence Your Guide to Creating a Seamless Wedding Ceremony

When I consult with couples, the first thing I usually hear is: “ Help! I’ve never done this before! I don’t know how to write our wedding ceremony!”First - No worries!! No one expects you to know how to write a ceremony. That’s why you hire a professional officiant. I’m here to help you craft and create the perfect custom script for your day.

Wedding ceremonies are sacred occasions marking the beginning of your lives together. Whether religions, non-religious, or spiritual but not religious, the ceremony is a time to celebrate yourselves and your commitment to spend your lives together.

Religious ceremonies may be Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan or another faith. They may be a combination of faiths. Radiant Gatherings can also help you create interfaith ceremonies or find clergy such as a rabbi or a priest to collaborate with us on writing and performing your ceremony. We can also include unity ceremonies sacred within your faith or culture.

Secular weddings and spiritual but not religious weddings allow a wide variety of readings, unity ceremonies, expansive and creative ideas. Creating unity ceremonies, including children and family members may make up a unique wedding. Think about what’s important to you: nature, blessing the children or family in your life. Who do you want to walk you down the aisle? Is there a special place you’ve traveled as a couple that you want to include or cultural ceremonies from your life?

Basic Wedding Ceremony

The framework of a basic wedding starts with an introduction to your guests or if you’re eloping, an acknowledgment fo why you have come together.

If you want to offer a prayer or reading you can move into that part of the ceremony. This is a good time to include family and friends if you like to read or share the prayer.

Next, you may decide to include an address written for you as a couple, or to share part of your story.

You may decide to proceed immediately to your vows. It’s also time to choose how you want to say vows. Do you want to say “I do,” repeat after the officiant, write your own vows and share them, or a combination?
The ring ceremony generally follows the vow exchange and, again, you have many ways to present your rings to each other. The ring bearers also allow you as a couple, to acknowledge family members and those important to you as ring bearers - children, pets (I’ve even seen a rabbit). A good rule of thumb is to have the best man or woman to present the actual rings although the ring bearer can bring symbolic rings to the front of the ceremony.

Unity Ceremony

The unity ceremony may fit in the ceremony after the ring exchange. Many people don’t understand unity ceremonies, although they present a good opportunity to symbolize your relationship or to create traditions for your anniversary year after year. Unique examples of unity ceremonies are the Time Capsule Anniversary Box, Blessing of the Hands, Tree Planting, Handfasting, Oathing Stone, and Whisky Blending.

Handfasting is still a favorite unity ceremony

And what you’ve been waiting for….I now pronounce you….married!

And finally, what you’ve been waiting for…your pronouncement as married with a kiss and an introduction!!

Congratulations!!  May your love be a life-long source of excitement, contentment, affection, respect, and devotion for one another.

You’re married!