It’s easier than you think!
1.Meetings with the Pastor.
Pastor Rich usually meets with each couple at least three times. The first meeting is simply a get-to-know-you time as well as an introduction to our wedding planning notebook. The second session focuses on marital communication, and the third meeting is for finalizing the ceremony. During each of these meetings time is set aside for ceremony questions and planning.
2. The Organist.
Usually couples sit down with our organist, Tudor Bota, to plan the music for their wedding. He’ll play his favorites for you and let you decide. You can also come with your suggestions and requests. You may reach Tudor at tudorbota@yahoo.com.
3. A Soloist?
Special music adds a lot to the service. We can set that up for you, or you may wish to contact someone yourself. We do suggest choosing a soloist who has some experience singing at weddings.
4. A Hymn?
Do you want to sing a hymn at the start of the service? Some people choose a hymn(s) about love. Others just sing their favorite hymn(s). Here are some suggestions from our Chalice Hymnal:
#2: “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”
#517: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
#53: “Morning Has Broken”
#499: “When Love is Found” (tune: The River is Wide)
5. A Poem?
Would you like a poetry reading for your service? You can google “wedding poems” for suggestions.
6. Bible Readings.
We recommend two to three Scripture passages for your service. Here are some suggestions: (go to bible.oremus.org for the NRSV translation)
Genesis 2:18-24
Ruth 1:16-17
Song of Solomon 2:8-10, 14, 16, or 8:6-7
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Matthew 7:21, 24-29
Matthew 19:3-6
Matthew 22:35-40
John 2:1-11
John 15:9-12, 12-16
Romans 8:35-39
Romans 12:1-2, 9-18
I Corinthians 13
Ephesians 5:21-33 or 25-33
Colossians 3:12-17
l John 3:18-24
I John 4:7-12
7. Here are the traditional wedding vows & ring exchange:
I, ____________, take you, ____________, to be my wedded wife/husband,
to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse,
for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live.
Here are the usual words for the ring exchange:
_______, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love and faithfulness,
and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
You may write your own wedding vows and ring exchange. You may amend what’s printed above. You can also say something to each other in your own words, and then use the traditional vows.
So as you can see, your basic task in planning the ceremony is selecting readings & music. We’ll do the rest!