Style and Tone

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In This Section

Sample Weddings
Exchange of Vows
Blessing of Rings
Exchange of Rings
Readings
Unity Rituals
Additional Rituals
Blessings
Style and Tone
Order of Service
Initial Consultation

 

 

Each wedding has a different feel and flow. Some are extremely casual intimate gatherings and others are large elaborate formal affairs.  The style of the wedding refers to its degree of religiosity and the tone refers to the level of formality.

The size of your wedding does not dictate either style or tone. Odds are a 400 guest wedding will be more formal than a 14 guest wedding, but that is by no means a rule.

Your wedding should reflect who you are. If you are not formal people by nature but feel obligated to invite hundreds of people than by all means have a casual or semi-formal wedding ceremony.

 

Ceremony Style

 

Ceremony Tone

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

Email: brevardminister@cfl.rr.com                  Phone: 321-255-9086

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