There are many reasons why people choose to get married. It may be for religious purposes or because it is a part of their culture. Some people also do it for financial reasons.
Whatever the reason, it is important to have a wedding budget and stick to it. It will save you money in the long run.
It’s a Celebration
Whether it is religious or secular, a wedding ceremony is the beginning of your new life together. It is a time to celebrate your love and commitment to each other, and it’s also an opportunity to gather your loved ones to share in the joy of your union.
A typical wedding ceremony begins with an opening blessing or invocation followed by your vows and the exchange of rings. Many couples add special ceremonial elements to their ceremony such as a unity ceremony (e.g. mixing different colors of sand or water to symbolize two becoming one) or a tree planting ceremony.
After the officiant pronounces you married, it is customary for the couple to kiss each other. The ceremony ends with closing remarks, blessings, and well wishes from your guests as the newlyweds exit through the recessional. You can then celebrate your marriage at the reception with friends and family. The reception schedule varies, but typically includes drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner and dancing.
It’s a Showcase
Traditionally, marriages were an important part of community life. In addition to changing the legal status of two people, they also created new relationships between their networks of family and friends. Marriage ceremonies often included rituals that reflected these connections, and some still do today.
During a wedding, couples make vows that symbolise their commitment to one another. These promises may be different from one culture to the next, but most include commitments of permanency and fidelity. Some religious wedding ceremonies also incorporate the belief that marriage is a divine sacrament.
As a result, wedding ceremonies are a great way for families and friends to express their beliefs and values. They are also an opportunity for brides and grooms to showcase their personalities. For example, couples who want to make a statement about their relationship might host their ceremony and reception at two different venues. It might save money and still allow them to invite as many guests as they would like.
It’s a Ceremony
The most important aspect of a wedding ceremony is the exchange of marriage vows. These may follow a specific format or be written by the couple and celebrant from scratch. The ceremony also typically includes a presentation of rings and other symbolic items, as well as the wearing of special wedding garments.
The bride and groom then sign the marriage certificate, which officially declares them married. The officiant will often offer a blessing for the couple and their future together.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom usually exit during the recessional, followed by their wedding party (including flower girls and ring bearers). If desired, couples can have designated guests or family members carry a basket filled with petals or rice to throw over their heads as they walk away. This is a lovely way to celebrate and honor those closest to the couple, as well as show their appreciation for their support throughout the process.
It’s a Bond
The wedding ceremony is a celebration of the commitment between two people to love and support each other in good times and bad, through thick and thin, until death do them part. For this reason, it is a very important ritual for couples who choose to marry in the church or according to their religious tradition.
The marriage is a major social transition for the couple. Depending on the culture, it may also change their status in the community. Often it involves moving to the spouse’s home and leaving one’s own family.
Another function of the wedding is to showcase the bride. The more lavish the celebration, the more she is valued in the eyes of the guests and by extension, the groom. The songs that the bride walks down the aisle to are another way of expressing this value. Popular choices include Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D and Bob Marley’s One Love. This is a very personal choice that is made by the couple.
