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RELIGIOUS CEREMONY: Typically more formal, but can be conducted
informally as well. They include religious elements, rituals and/or traditions
within a single denomination. ECUMENICAL CEREMONY: Blends the religious elements, rituals and/or
traditions from two or more denominations. Also referred to as multi-faith,
inter-faith or interdenominational.
NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY: Conveys a religious tone but does not
refer to the specific traditions of any particular denomination.
SPIRITUAL CEREMONY: Evokes a sacred or divine feeling within the
context of the union. Spirituality is based on individual experience and
therefore means different things to each of us. Inspiring and beautiful
readings are included, but remain universal and are not necessarily connected
with any particular religion.
MULTI-CULTURAL CEREMONY: Combines traditions within a couple’s
respective cultures and heritage. The ceremony may be civil, spiritual or
highly religious.
CIVIL / SECULAR CEREMONY: Celebrates love and commitment every bit as
much as religious ceremonies but includes no religious elements, rituals or
traditions. Secular invocations and poetry typically replace prayers and
scripture readings.
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The liturgy (wording and
selected elements) of the ceremony and the attitude of the
wedding party determine the tone of a ceremony more than
does the attire. You are less likely to attend a casual-tone
wedding when the groom is in white tie and tails but it is
possible.
CASUAL: A wedding in
which there has probably not been a rehearsal. The bride and
groom are comfortable with the idea that the ceremony may
not be flawless. The officiant can "lighten-up" and perhaps
adlib a bit. Guests may be standing around rather than
seated. Nicknames may be used during the exchange of vows.
SEMI-FORMAL:
Exactly what it sounds like--somewhere in between a casual
and formal wedding. It may not require a rehearsal unless
there are a fair number of attendants who would prefer to
know where to go on the big day and in what order.
FORMAL: Typically
requires a rehearsal. The guests are seated and ushers may
even be used. The officiant will restrict wording to the
liturgy and use full names for the bride and groom. Shoes
are optional however, I once officiated a formal wedding
where the bride was barefoot. It was beautiful!
HIGH-FORMAL: Absolutely
requires a rehearsal. All standards of traditional etiquette
are applied and everyone has on shoes. I'm still waiting to
officiate one of these.
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Style and Tone
