Popular Miscellaneous Ceremony Elements
Buddhist Water Bonding Ceremony
Surrounded by those you love and assured of their support,
I ask you, Bill and Jane, to join hands.
As in Buddhist ceremonies, please immerse your hands to symbolize
that your loves is as indivisible as water.
Surrounded by those you love and assured of their support,
I ask you, Bill and Jane, to join hands.
As in Buddhist ceremonies, please immerse your hands to symbolize
that your loves is as indivisible as water.
Buddhist Declaration of Intent
Minister: I now ask if you pledge to nourish yourselves and each other by living by the following five precepts. Will you, in every way you can, allow your deepest self to appear?
Jane & Bill: We will.
Minister: Will you take full responsibility for your own life in all its infinite dimensions?
Jane & Bill: We will.
Minister: Do you trust in the honesty and wisdom of your own bodies which, with your love and reverence, always show you the true way?
Jane & Bill: We do.
Minister: Are you committed to embrace all parts of yourselves, including your deepest fears and shadows, so that they can be transformed into light?
Jane & Bill: We are.
Minister: Will you keep your hearts open, even in the midst of great pain?
Jane & Bill: We will.
Minister: I now ask if you pledge to nourish yourselves and each other by living by the following five precepts. Will you, in every way you can, allow your deepest self to appear?
Jane & Bill: We will.
Minister: Will you take full responsibility for your own life in all its infinite dimensions?
Jane & Bill: We will.
Minister: Do you trust in the honesty and wisdom of your own bodies which, with your love and reverence, always show you the true way?
Jane & Bill: We do.
Minister: Are you committed to embrace all parts of yourselves, including your deepest fears and shadows, so that they can be transformed into light?
Jane & Bill: We are.
Minister: Will you keep your hearts open, even in the midst of great pain?
Jane & Bill: We will.
Seven Blessings Ceremony
This ceremony allows friends and family a special way to participate. Your friend’s, family and guests stand up and read each of these blessings … or write your own blessings.
~Person One: May the power of your love bring you health and well being throughout your lives. (Amen)
~Person Two: May you have wisdom in the ordering of your common life that you may each be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, and a companion in joy. (Amen)
~Person Three: May you have the grace, when you hurt each other, to recognize your faults, and to seek each other's forgiveness. (Amen)
~Person Four: May your life together be a vessel of divine love and a symbol of peace to our struggling world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guild, and joy conquer despair. (Amen)
~Person Five: May you be ever thoughtful and gentle, patient and forbearing, regardful of each other's feelings and opinions, and lenient to each other's infirmities. (Amen) ~Person Six: Despite whatever challenges and struggles lie upon your relationship path, may you always find life good and worth celebrating. (Amen)
~Person Seven: May you discover such deep fulfillment of your mutual affection that you may always be inspired to reach out in love and concern for others. (Amen)
This ceremony allows friends and family a special way to participate. Your friend’s, family and guests stand up and read each of these blessings … or write your own blessings.
~Person One: May the power of your love bring you health and well being throughout your lives. (Amen)
~Person Two: May you have wisdom in the ordering of your common life that you may each be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, and a companion in joy. (Amen)
~Person Three: May you have the grace, when you hurt each other, to recognize your faults, and to seek each other's forgiveness. (Amen)
~Person Four: May your life together be a vessel of divine love and a symbol of peace to our struggling world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guild, and joy conquer despair. (Amen)
~Person Five: May you be ever thoughtful and gentle, patient and forbearing, regardful of each other's feelings and opinions, and lenient to each other's infirmities. (Amen) ~Person Six: Despite whatever challenges and struggles lie upon your relationship path, may you always find life good and worth celebrating. (Amen)
~Person Seven: May you discover such deep fulfillment of your mutual affection that you may always be inspired to reach out in love and concern for others. (Amen)
Hand Washing Ceremony
Water may also be used in a ceremonial washing of hands to purify them, before uniting one's hands in marriage with another person. The ritual of purifying one's hands by washing them may be combined with the Hand ceremony.
Water may also be used in a ceremonial washing of hands to purify them, before uniting one's hands in marriage with another person. The ritual of purifying one's hands by washing them may be combined with the Hand ceremony.
Water Ceremony
In some Native American communities, drinking from a goblet of water sanctifies the union. Water is a basic element, without which there would be no life. A two spouted water jug designed for this purpose may be used. The Wedding Jar is then displayed in the home as a reminder of one's vows.
In some Native American communities, drinking from a goblet of water sanctifies the union. Water is a basic element, without which there would be no life. A two spouted water jug designed for this purpose may be used. The Wedding Jar is then displayed in the home as a reminder of one's vows.
Hand Blessing Ceremony - Version #1 -
(Version for couples planning to have of children)
[Bride], please hold [Groom's] hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.
These are the hands you will place with expectant joy upon your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you.
These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time. These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief engulfs your heart.
These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.
[Groom], please hold [Bride's] hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, knowing when it is time to let go.
These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you’ve both had a long hard day.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving.
These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child, that together you have created a new life.
These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.
God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May [Groom] and [Bride] see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.
Or
May these hands be blessed that we see before us this day. May they always be held by one another. May they have the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. May these hands continue building a relationship founded in love, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for perfection. May [Groom] and [Bride] see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.
(Version for couples planning to have of children)
[Bride], please hold [Groom's] hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.
These are the hands you will place with expectant joy upon your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you.
These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time. These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief engulfs your heart.
These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.
[Groom], please hold [Bride's] hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, knowing when it is time to let go.
These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you’ve both had a long hard day.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving.
These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child, that together you have created a new life.
These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.
God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May [Groom] and [Bride] see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.
Or
May these hands be blessed that we see before us this day. May they always be held by one another. May they have the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. May these hands continue building a relationship founded in love, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for perfection. May [Groom] and [Bride] see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.
Hand Blessing Ceremony - Version #2
(For couples not planning to have of children)
Bride], please hold [Groom's] hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief engulfs your heart.
These are the hands that when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.
[Groom], please hold [Bride's] hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you’ve both had a long hard day.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving.
These are the hands that when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.
God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May [Groom] and [Bride] see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.
Or
May these hands be blessed that we see before us this day. May they always be held by one another. May they have the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. May these hands continue building a relationship founded in love, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for perfection. May [Groom] and [Bride] see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.
(For couples not planning to have of children)
Bride], please hold [Groom's] hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief engulfs your heart.
These are the hands that when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.
[Groom], please hold [Bride's] hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you’ve both had a long hard day.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving.
These are the hands that when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.
God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May [Groom] and [Bride] see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.
Or
May these hands be blessed that we see before us this day. May they always be held by one another. May they have the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. May these hands continue building a relationship founded in love, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for perfection. May [Groom] and [Bride] see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.
Ribbon Ceremony (a Declaration of Support)
Could the keepers of the rings please bring them forward?
(John Smith holding one ring and Sam Jones holding another bring their rings up and hand to the minister when asked.)
Dear Jane, Dear Bill,
We are here to wish you all the best for your Love. And we are going to do this in a very special way: Here is a ribbon. This ribbon now goes from guest to guest, and so do these rings. And while these rings are moving from guest to guest, Each guest should B when holding these rings B Silently extend a wish or blessing to Jane and Bill for a loving, healthy, and happy marriage.
(The minister takes the spool of ribbon, and hands the cut end to Bill, who keeps holding on to the ribbon. The spool end of the ribbon is then passed through each of the guests, from row to row, all the way through all the guests, making its way back to the front - unraveling the ribbon as they go. Each guest holds a part of the one long ribbon. The spool end of the ribbon will make it back to the minister. Once the spool has returned, the minister cuts the spool end of the ribbon and hands it to Jane. Then the minister places both rings on the ribbon at the cut end which Bill is holding. The rings will then travel down the ribbon from person to person in attendance, so that everyone touches the rings and can extend their own silent wish for the wedding couple. When the rings come back, the rings come off of the ribbon.)
Jane and Bill, your vow to each other constitutes a very special bond between you, and through you, a very special bond between your families and friends. These rings are heavy with their wishes. This ribbon shall symbolize this strong connection, and this ribbon shall symbolize the support that you can expect from your families and friends in good times and in bad.
Having said that, I ask you all, dear guests, to support Jane and Bill whenever they need you.
Could the keepers of the rings please bring them forward?
(John Smith holding one ring and Sam Jones holding another bring their rings up and hand to the minister when asked.)
Dear Jane, Dear Bill,
We are here to wish you all the best for your Love. And we are going to do this in a very special way: Here is a ribbon. This ribbon now goes from guest to guest, and so do these rings. And while these rings are moving from guest to guest, Each guest should B when holding these rings B Silently extend a wish or blessing to Jane and Bill for a loving, healthy, and happy marriage.
(The minister takes the spool of ribbon, and hands the cut end to Bill, who keeps holding on to the ribbon. The spool end of the ribbon is then passed through each of the guests, from row to row, all the way through all the guests, making its way back to the front - unraveling the ribbon as they go. Each guest holds a part of the one long ribbon. The spool end of the ribbon will make it back to the minister. Once the spool has returned, the minister cuts the spool end of the ribbon and hands it to Jane. Then the minister places both rings on the ribbon at the cut end which Bill is holding. The rings will then travel down the ribbon from person to person in attendance, so that everyone touches the rings and can extend their own silent wish for the wedding couple. When the rings come back, the rings come off of the ribbon.)
Jane and Bill, your vow to each other constitutes a very special bond between you, and through you, a very special bond between your families and friends. These rings are heavy with their wishes. This ribbon shall symbolize this strong connection, and this ribbon shall symbolize the support that you can expect from your families and friends in good times and in bad.
Having said that, I ask you all, dear guests, to support Jane and Bill whenever they need you.
CANDLE LIGHTING / REMEMBRANCE OF LOVED ONE'S NOT PRESENT
At times such as these, our loved ones who reside in the Heaven world gather with us to bring their love and support and to share in our joy.
_____and _______ have asked that we take a moment to honor the memory of those loved ones who could only be here in spirit and in our hearts. We welcome their presence here with us today and celebrate their special places in our lives.
______ and _______ will now light the candle together to symbolize the presence of ______ father, ______________ and ________ grandparents, __________________________________.
_____and _______ have asked that we take a moment to honor the memory of those loved ones who could only be here in spirit and in our hearts. We welcome their presence here with us today and celebrate their special places in our lives.
______ and _______ will now light the candle together to symbolize the presence of ______ father, ______________ and ________ grandparents, __________________________________.
For more information or to arrange an appointment to discuss your needs call: 1-(902)-629-1385,
or email us at weddingsonpei@gmail
or email us at weddingsonpei@gmail
