Comparison of Different Religious Wedding Rituals
Your Typical Christian Wedding includes
Venue
Usually inside a church
Hall may be used
Dress
A traditional white gown/ ball dress is worn by the bride. She usually has a vial and carries a bouquet of flowers in her hand.
The groom would wear a black and white tuxedo with either a bow or a tie.
Rituals
The Procession
Seating of the Parents
Having the support and involvement of parents and grandparents in the ceremony brings a special blessing to the couple and also expresses honor to the previous generations of marriage unions.
The processional music begins with the seating of the honored guests: o Seating of the Groom 's grandmother o Seating of the Bride 's grandmother o Seating of the Groom 's parents o Seating of the Bride 's mother
Bridal Processional Begins o Minister and Groom enter usually from stage right. If the Groomsmen are not escorting the Bridesmaids down the aisle to the altar, they also enter together with the Minister and Groom. o Bridesmaids enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time. If the Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter together. o Maid or Matron of Honor enters. If she is being escorted by the Best Man, they enter together. o Flower Girl and Ring Bearer enter.
Wedding March Begins
The Bride and her father enters. Typically the Bride 's mother will stand as a signal for all of the guests to stand. Sometimes the Minister will announce, "All rise for the Bride."
Opening Remarks - "The Call to Worship"
The Opening Prayer
Congregation is Seated
Giving Away of the Bride
Worship Song, Hymn or Solo
The Charge to Bride and Groom
The Pledge
Wedding Vows
Exchanging of the Rings
Lighting of the Unity Candle
The Pronouncement
Communion
Many times couples will incorporate Communion into the wedding ceremony, making Communion their very first act as a married couple.
The Closing Prayer
And finally: "You may now kiss the bride!"
Venue
Usually inside a church
Hall may be used
Dress
A traditional white gown/ ball dress is worn by the bride. She usually has a vial and carries a bouquet of flowers in her hand.
The groom would wear a black and white tuxedo with either a bow or a tie.
Rituals
The Procession
Seating of the Parents
Having the support and involvement of parents and grandparents in the ceremony brings a special blessing to the couple and also expresses honor to the previous generations of marriage unions.
The processional music begins with the seating of the honored guests: o Seating of the Groom 's grandmother o Seating of the Bride 's grandmother o Seating of the Groom 's parents o Seating of the Bride 's mother
Bridal Processional Begins o Minister and Groom enter usually from stage right. If the Groomsmen are not escorting the Bridesmaids down the aisle to the altar, they also enter together with the Minister and Groom. o Bridesmaids enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time. If the Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter together. o Maid or Matron of Honor enters. If she is being escorted by the Best Man, they enter together. o Flower Girl and Ring Bearer enter.
Wedding March Begins
The Bride and her father enters. Typically the Bride 's mother will stand as a signal for all of the guests to stand. Sometimes the Minister will announce, "All rise for the Bride."
Opening Remarks - "The Call to Worship"
The Opening Prayer
Congregation is Seated
Giving Away of the Bride
Worship Song, Hymn or Solo
The Charge to Bride and Groom
The Pledge
Wedding Vows
Exchanging of the Rings
Lighting of the Unity Candle
The Pronouncement
Communion
Many times couples will incorporate Communion into the wedding ceremony, making Communion their very first act as a married couple.
The Closing Prayer
And finally: "You may now kiss the bride!"
Bibliography: Spoken information: • Friends who are Christian and Muslim • Family members Websites: (From www.google.com) • http://www.wikipedia.com/main_page/english/weddings • http://www.aish.com/literacy/lifecycle/Guide_to_the_Jewish_Wedding.asp • http://christianity.about.com/od/christianweddingelements/ • http://www.weddingdetails.com/lore/muslim.cfm • http://www.whichwedding.co.uk/types/jewish.htm