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Wedding, Renewals & Love Ceremonies:
1. Marriage, Wedding and Ceremony:
A marriage is often declared by a wedding ceremony, which may be performed by an officiator, through a similar government-sanctioned secular officiator, or (in weddings that have no church or state affiliation). The act of marriage creates commitments and bonds between the individuals involved, and in many societies, their extended families.
A wedding is a ceremony that celebrates the beginning of a marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes but at the end of the day its still about love. In some countries, cultures and religions, the actual act of marriage begins during the wedding ceremony. In others, the legal act of marriage occurs at the time of signing a marriage license or other legal document, and the wedding is then an opportunity to perform a traditional ceremony and celebrate with friends and family.
Marriage according to Australian Law is the union of a man to a woman, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life. The institution of marriage recognises the social, cultural and legal significance of marriage and the marriage ceremony in the Australian community and the importance of strong and respectful family relationships. A strong family unit allows for the protection and education of children.
2. The Marriage Renewal and Love Commitment Ceremony:
This ceremony demonstrates a bond of love between two people. It does not involve any government. There are no legal benefits to having a Commitment Ceremony. People choose to have Commitment Ceremonies as a celebration of their love, and also as marriage renewal.
3. Types of Ceremonies:
- Traditional Classic
- Multi - Cultural
The stars of the wedding are the bride and groom and it's only natural to showcase their lives, and spotlight their love. The most poignant weddings will touch the hearts of those in attendance and make even the most distant relative and that friend of a friend of a friend feel as if they've known you all their lives. Even the smallest attention to detail and thinking outside the norm can make an otherwise predictable wedding into a distinct theme that reflects the couple's nature, and ensures that their special day makes an indelible impression on all.
Bringing culture to a wedding is not only a fantastic way to share something personal with the guests, but a sincere tribute to the families who have come together. Why not incorporate some aspects of culture into a classic white wedding. This can be as simple as having an ethnic menu instead of traditional menus, or serving sangria or sake for toasting instead of champagne, or yet, including polka, or bhangra in the musical repertoire. The smallest out of the ordinary gesture can set the mood for an entire once in a lifetime event. Here are some ideas:
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Cultural customs & traditions by country
African: The "jumping the broom". Tradition using Cowrie shells that represent purity and beauty.
Armenian: Uses the phrase "may you grow old on one pillow".
Chinese: Perform a traditional tea ceremony; the bride wears the colour red and the use of the Chinese character "xi".
Czech Republican: The bride wears a wreath of rosemary or roses and baby's breath.
Dutch: Guests write their special wish for the happy couple on leaves of a "wish tree".
French: The groom walks his mother down the aisle to the alter before being married.
German: Breaking dishes and pots, and then cleaning it up together for good luck.
Greek: crowns of gold or orange blossoms are bestowed by the best man for the bride and groom.
Indian : Sometimes a multi-day affair includes painting of the hands and feet of the bride garlands presented to guests of honour and lots of flower petals are sprinkled on the couple.
Irish: The traditional wedding claddagh ring, and depicts two hands holding a heart bearing a crown, a lucky horseshoe tied one with ribbon around her bouquet, a lucky four leaf clover, the heraldic harp can be used in the ceremony.
Italian: Giving of candy-coated Jordan almonds that represent the bittersweet nature of marriage.
Japanese: The "san-san-ku" ritual, of three exchange performed by the bride and groom. They take 3 sips of sake from each of 3 cups. The first 3 represent three couples, the bride and groom, and their parents. The second 3 represent three human flaws: hatred, passion, and ignorance. "Ku" or 9 is a lucky number in Japanese culture. And "do" means deliverance from the three flaws.
Korean: Ducks and geese are perfect symbols of fidelity.
Mexican/Pilipino/Spanish: The groom gives his bride a gift of 13 coins, or arras, representing Jesus and his 13 apostles.
Scottish: Bagpipes can be incorporated as well as the groom adorning his bride with a clan coloured sash.
Swedish: The bride carries coins in her shoes. One silver coin in her left show from her father, and one gold coin in her right from her mother.
Vietnamese: The mother-in-law bestows pink chalk upon the bride which symbolizes a rosy future for the couple.
Others Ceremonies:
- Interfaith
- Medieval
- Pagan
- Gothic
- Unique Environments and Themes - please ask.
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© Paul Forrest, Civil Marriage Celebrant, JP |
