Ceremony

		Wedding Ceremony

11/06/09

jaco@wedbyjaco.com

What is the difference between a Christian and Civil / Non-Religious Ceremony

With a Christian Ceremony I do open in Prayer, share a Sermon / Motivational about relationship from the Bible, Do a prayer of Blessing and Close the ceremony with a blessing. I do not focus on any specific Christian denominations doctrine or dogma. The main focus is relationship, between the couple and most of all your relationship with God.

If you are from different denominations e.g. Dutch Reformed, Pentecostal, Charismatic, Catholic, Presbyterian etc. According to my understanding this is not different religions.

If your denomination proclaim that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who gave His life for the redemption of our sins and has risen from the dead, then we believe the same.

a Christian Ceremony is normally no longer than 40 minutes. That includes the walking in, whole ceremony, signing of register and the walking out.

a Civil / Non Religious Ceremony is normally done if the couple is from different religions, e.g. Christian and Muslim, or Atheist.

With a Christian getting married to a Jewish person I love to add some Jewish tradition. One of my most valued possessions is my Tallit ( Prayer Shawl ). The Jewish Wedding Traditions is amazing!

For more in about this visit: http://www.judaica-guide.com/jewish_wedding/

Example of Christian Wedding Ceremony:

This is just a guideline to work from.

1. Groom waits for the Bride in front, on the Right hand side of the Church / Chapel with his Best Man

2. When the Bride enters the Chapel / Church / place of ceremony , the guests normally stand up, but I suggest that the guests remain seated, then they can see the bride better, but this is really the choice of the couple.

3. The moment the Bride reaches the front she hooks into the Groom's arm. It is the couples choice if they want to face the Marriage Officer or stand in such a way that the guests can see their faces. I open in prayer. The guests take their seats.

4. Short Sermon / Motivational -I love to use humor! Its a wedding celebration! Not a Funeral. I have the highest respect for the Word of God and will not be disrespectful to it in any way. God's Word never change but the way we give the message can be fresh and relevant and fun! My hearts desire is that your Guests will walk out there and say: That was great! But also have something to ponder upon.

5. The Vows - You can choose or write your own vows. It is of utmost importance that you identify with what you are promising each other. This is a COVENANT that are entering into.

6. The Rings - los choose a nice ring vow.

6 a After the giving of the rings, it is a good time to do the ceremony of the Candles or sand / beads if you are interested.

6 b During / after the giving of the rings it is a good time to have some one sing to you, if you are interested. I normally suggest that you stay away from the guests singing any Hymns. People do not sing on weddings, at least not the white people. Africans are much more relaxed and spontaneous when it comes to this.

My African Friends you are more than welcome to sing and ululate and make a lot of noise!!

7. Prayer of Blessing - My suggestion is that he couple do not kneel down. It will take you longer to kneel down and stand up, than the length of my prayer. Most of the time the Brides dress do not permit a comfortable kneeling. But it still remains your choice.

8. Declaration of Marriage

8. You may now kiss the Bride !! I will find a reason why the first kiss was not good enough! You will kiss again and again ! lol

9. After the kiss I introduce you to the guests as Mr and Mrs ....

10. Signing of Register. - depending on the venue, I suggest that the guests remain seated while we sign the register. After the last witness have signed I go back to the microphone, close the ceremony with a blessing and ask the guests to exit and get the pebbles, sorry, I mean petals ready to throw you with!

NB: Please remember that you need two persons to sign as witnesses. Make sure that they know their ID numbers or passport numbers for non-South African, or have it at hand.

This site was last updated 11/06/09