How Weddings Work: Pronouncement & Kiss

The Pronouncement is the usually-simple statement saying you are “husband and wife,” “partners for life,” or whatever you’d like to call your newly-married relationship. Some officiants/ministers add what makes them able to pronounce this: ordination from a certain religion, recognition by the state, etc. Make sure to talk to your officiant about your wishes. Yay! …

How Weddings Work: Introduction & Recessional

For the final step in your wedding ceremony, have you considered how you want to be introduced as a couple for the first time? It can be as simple as “Mr. & Mrs. John Doe,” or you can choose to mention both first names, as in “Mr. & Mrs. John & Jane Doe.” If you …

How Weddings Work: Handfasting

As mentioned in the I Do’s/Intent section, an ancient alternative that is regaining popularity is a Handfasting. Some religions see a Handfasting as a temporary and/or private ceremony, not a true wedding in the legal and religious sense. However, if the wording is crafted correctly, it can replace traditional I Do’s and still be legal. …

How Weddings Work: Ring Warming

For smaller weddings (under 50 guests), a Ring Warming can add a unique ritual to your ceremony that will have guests intrigued at the time, and talking about long after. The theory is that metal absorbs energy – be that heat from hands holding them, or from positive thoughts and prayers imbued into them. At …

How Weddings Work: Yoruban Tasting Ritual

As most people know, a marriage has its ups and downs. That’s why couples vow, “for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health.” Another way to highlight the acceptance of all that your marriage will encounter is to perform a Yoruban Tasting Ritual during your ceremony. The idea …