
Commercial kits such as the one pictured here are readily available on the internet, but I confess to a preference for more creative capsules.
The exact wording for a time capsule ritual included in a ceremony would entirely depend upon the circumstances. Will the items already be in the container and it's just a matter of sealing it? Will people come forward to add items to the container? Will the container be ritually presented to the couple or already be present on a table? As you can see the options for crafting a Time Capsule Wedding Ritual are limitless.
I officiated a wedding earlier this year where the bride's father, an accomplished craftsman, gave them a gorgeous wooden box engraved with the couples names and wedding date he had made himself.
We arranged ahead of time for key individuals to bring something meaningful to place in the box. Each person wrapped their item so the bride and groom would not know what it was and included a letter to the future. We placed this ritual towards the end of the ceremony between a Declaration of Support and the Blessing of the Marriage.
Today, (Bride and Groom), who began on separate paths, have been joined as one. You, their family and friends are a community of support for (Bride and Groom). Each of you, by your presence here today, is being called upon to uphold them in loving each other. I ask that you always stand beside them, never between them. Offer them your love and your support and refrain from judgment. Encourage them when encouragement is needed and listen carefully when they seek your advice. In these ways, you can honor this marriage. Therefore I ask, now that you have heard (Bride and Groom) exchange their marriage vows, do you, their family and friends, promise from this day forward, to encourage them and love them, and to help guide and support them in being steadfast in the promises they have made?” If you agree, please say, “We do.” ~ We do.
Truly blessed is the couple who come to the marriage altar with the approval and blessings of their families and friends. At this time I would like to invite (Names) to come forward and place their tokens of support for (Bride and Groom) into this time capsule, lovingly prepared by (Bride's) father.
A phenomenal tenor sang a beautiful song he had written for the occasion while their friends and family filled the time capsule. Once the last item was placed in the box, I continued...
(Bride and Groom), happiness is having something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to. May you be ever grateful for the presence of this precious person who has chosen to make a life with you, and look with anticipation on the day you will open this box together, your tenth wedding anniversary, (date)!