When first imagining your ceremony, you might not know where to start. Besides saying some version of “I do” there are many elements that can come together to create the ceremony that best honors and reflects you.
Some questions to ask yourself: What do you want your personal experience of the ceremony to be like? What do you want to project to those in attendence? Perhaps you want something fun and lighthearted, personal and intimate. Or perhaps you prefer something more sacred, solemn, traditional and ceremonial. Whatever speaks to you the most is the right answer.
Another way of beginning to brainstorm all that your ceremony can be, is by thinking about the many components you may choose to include as part of your ceremony. Here are a few to get you thinking:
- Welcome
- Invocation
- The Honoring of Loved Ones
- Rituals
- Prayers
- Readings
- Sharing by Family and Friends
- Music
- Community Declaration of Support
- Address by the Officiant
- Vows
- Ring Exchange
- Prouncement
- Kiss!
- Benediction
Which of the above make the cut is wholely up to you. Everything is possible!
Please note that out of respect for my own personal beliefs, I will not officiate at ceremonies that involve the use of NYC carriage horses or the release of doves, butterflies or balloons. I will, however, be happy to work with you in including your companion animal as part of the ceremony!
