All is ready. The ladies are lined up at the entrance. The processional music begins and the bridesmaids enter.
Wedding ceremonies vary greatly, but remain fundamentally very similar. The basics include the “I dos” and vows or statements between the couple.
Almost unnoticed, the groom and groomsmen enter from the front and assemble with the minister in front of the altar. As the bridesmaids reach the front, they form an attendant line. With the arrival of the Maid of Honor to her position, the ring bearer enters carrying a ring pillow. He stops beside the Groom next to the Best Man. The flower girls enter dropping rose petals and proceed down the aisle.
The procession sounds for the entry of the Bride. She and her Father proceed down the aisle. The entire audience stands and turns to see the Bride enter. As they reach the front, the Bride’s veil is lifted. Father kisses the Bride, and joins the couple’s hands. The Minister asks and Father responds, “I do.” He withdraws to his seat.
The Minister greets the wedding couple, and begins his wedding sermon. “Friends, family, and guests welcome to this sacred event. We have come to witness the joining of Groom’s Name and Bride’s Name in marriage. He reads from Biblical selections, poetry, or other suitable materials. He talks about the nature of marriage and the fundamental commitments between bride and groom. He stresses values of self sacrifice, giving, loyalty, and faithfulness.
The expressions of love and the values of family are often expressed in selected musical or vocal specials presented during the wedding ceremony.
The Minister continues to speak as he turns to the Groom. Calling the Groom by name, “Do you promise to provide for her in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad times? Do you pledge to protect her from all threats and dangers both from the outside world and from within your home? Do you commit yourself to love her and keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live? Do you, take Bride to be your lawfully wedded wife?” The Groom makes his pledge and responds, “I do.”
The Minister asks the Bride, “Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love him and respect him in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health; to protect her from all harm; and to be faithful to him for the rest of your life?” And the Bride responds, “I do”.
“Since you have committed yourselves to each other and pledged your faithfulness, please now repeat your vows.”
One phrase at a time is spoken by the Minister and repeated by the couple stating their promises to each other as they face one another and hold hands.
The Groom repeats his vows, “Bride’s Name, I love you. I give you my name, my treasures, my hopes, my life, all that I own and all that I am. I promise to provide for you and protect you. I promise to listen to you, care for you, encourage you, and keep myself only for you. I pledge my faithfulness and my love for the rest of my life. I love you.”
The Minister leads the Bride, “For the rest of my life, I love you and promise to always be faithful to you. I will always care for you, honor and respect you. I not take you to be my wedded husband.”
The wedding concludes following various enhancements, ring exchanges, candle ceremonies, and other readings or speeches. The Minister prays for God’s blessing on the marriage and pronounces the couple to be husband and wife. The kiss complete the wedding.
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