In religious marriage services the presentation of the bride to the groom is usually when the minister says to the father “Who brings this woman to marry this man?”  Civil ceremonies are a little different and sometimes this part is skipped altogether or this is a perfect opportunity for the children from both parties to express their support of the union.  This part of the ceremony also lends itself to a symbolic act such as lighting candles.   

As a Civil Celebrant one of my main objectives in helping couples create their own individual ceremony is to involve the parents, friends and families so that they feel an integral part of the marriage ceremony.  I would say to all in attendance  “Do you the family and friends of Nick and Jane support their union of love, faith and hope and will you encourage them by lending them an ear when conflict arises and party hard with them during all stages of their life journey together as husband and wife.

Another example of a ceremony I have performed was when the bride and groom wished to acknowledge and honour the special role played by their parents in their lives to this point.  They greatly valued the advice and support that their parents had given them in enriching their day to day lives.

Brides / Grooms Parents:  We give our blessing to Nick and Jane and the commitment they are making today.  We love them dearly and encourage them to support one another to be the best that they can be.  We wish them happiness and joy as they enter marriage and the pleasure of getting to know each other for the rest of their lives.

Celebrant says to Groom’s parents: Paul & Sue “Do you present Nick to be married with Jane and so you receive Jane into your family.

Paul & Sue: We do.

Celebrant:  Jane, on behalf of Nick’s family please step forward and light this candle to support your acceptance and support from their family.

Celebrant says to Bride’s parents:  Bruce & Pat, do you present Jane to be married to Nick and do you receive Nick into your family?

Bruce & Pat:  We do.

Celebrant:  Nick, on behalf of Jane’s family please step forward and light this candle to support your acceptance and support from their family.

From these two candles the couple then light their own unity candle which will be a reminder of their marriage ceremony and the start of their new life as husband and wife.

 

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Candles could be placed on the Bridal Table and the Guests table’s with the bride and groom’s name and date of wedding with flowers encircling this centrepiece. 

 

Til next time,

Annie.

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