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Deciding on a Ceremony Format

Before you meet with your potential ministers, it's a good idea to put together at least a general idea for a ceremony. The first step is to decide what elements you want to include and in what order. Below is a list, in the typical order, of the basic elements of a ceremony.

1. Introduction
2. Giving in Marriage
3. Charge to the Couple
4. Prayer
5. Intent
6. Personal Vows
7. Reading and/or Music
8. Ring Blessing
9. Ring Vows and Exchange
10. Reading
11. Prayer
12. Music
13. Unity Candle (can be done with #12), Sand Ceremony, Rose Ceremony and/or hand fasting.
14. Pronouncement
15. Benediction
16. Presentation of the Couple

Of course this doesn't include everything you could possibly put into a ceremony or the exact order you have to put things. That's the great thing about putting together your ceremony, you get to pick the format. Below you'll find some explanations for each element describing what they are.

1. *Introduction: This is just a welcoming to everyone in attendance and thanking them for their presence.
2. Giving in Marriage: This is traditionally the giving of the bride by her parents but can be done with the couple and their families.
3. *Charge to the Couple: This can be message to the couple about love and marriage. It can include their history together or a personal statement about them
4. Prayer: This is pretty self explanatory
5. *Intent: This is the part where the couple is reminded of the solemn vows they are about to take to each other
6. *Personal Vows: These are usually the "I take you…" or the "I do" vows. They are the vows where the couple promises to love, honor and cherish each other forever.
7. Reading and/or Music: Another self explanatory section
8. Ring Blessing: The minister takes the rings and blesses them for a long and happy marriage.
9. *Ring Vows & Exchange: These are the "Take these rings as a symbol…" vows. This is also the point where the rings are read.
10. Reading: Self explanatory
11. Prayer: Self explanatory
12. Music: Self explanatory. This is also a good time to the unity candle (below).
13. Unity Candle, Rose Ceremony, Sand Ceremony and/or Hand fasting: This is a short ritual to visualize the joining of two families into one.
14. *Pronouncement: Officially pronouncing the couple married.
15. Benediction: Blessing of the couple and their guests ("May the Lord bless you and keep you.")
16. *Presentation of the Couple: Formally announcing the couple to the congregation as Husband and Wife.

* denotes the elements found in a basic/civil service.