The Wedding Ceremony Planner
Description
"Erased any jitters I had and replaced them with the perfect plan...I will recommend it to both officiants and couples alike."-customer review
The only guide you need to a plan a meaningful, personal ceremony for your wedding day!
In the chaos of planning a wedding, it can be hard to visualize how your ceremony will go. Do you want something traditional or completely unique? Will you be married by a religious leader or by a close friend or relative? Especially if you want to design a personalized ceremony, you and your officiant will need help.
For engaged couples and officiants of all levels of experience, The Wedding Ceremony Planner offers a wealth of information to help you decide which rituals are meaningful to you without forgetting any of the details.
Inside, you'll find:
- 10 complete sample ceremonies
- options for ceremony elements
- often-overlooked logistics
- tips and tricks for the perfect I Do's
- access to free downloads of samples and templates
The Wedding Ceremony Planner is a comprehensive resource for customizing your wedding ceremony, with samples and templates to help you design the perfect, resonant union.
Also great for:
- Engagement gifts
- Bridal shower gifts
- Officiant gifts
More details
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Judith Johnson holds a doctorate in social psychology and is an ordained ecumenical minister, honoring all religious and spiritual traditions. She has officiated at hundreds of weddings over the past 14 years.
Content
Acknowledgments
Preface
Part One
Your Wedding Ceremony: The People, the Place, and Special Considerations
Chapter 1 Creating Your Wedding, Your Way
What Is a Spiritual Wedding?
Your Dream Wedding
Remember to Take Charge
Choosing an Officiant
A Note to Officiants
Couple/Ceremony Information Sheet-Sample
A Personal Perspective
Chapter 2 Setting the Tone for Your Wedding
What to Consider in Designing the Ceremony
The Couple
The Guest List
The Wedding Party
Traditions
Chapter 3 Planning the Ceremony Location
Finding Your Wedding Ceremony Location
Identifying Your Needs and Desires
Researching Possible Sites
Agreeing on Terms for Use of Your Chosen Site
Optimizing Your Ceremony's Location
Balance and Fit
Special Considerations for Outdoor Weddings
Easily Accessible and User-Friendly
Factors to Consider in Designing the Ceremony Site
Ceremony Site Layout Worksheet-Sample
The Wedding Party
Props
Chairs
Music
Chapter 4 Special Considerations
"Handle with Care" Relationships
Who Does What, When, Where, Why, and How
Wedding Contact Information Sheet-Sample
Just Before the Ceremony Checklist-Sample
The Wedding Program
The Wedding Rehearsal
Wedding Rehearsal Checklist-Sample
A Note about Ushers
Part Two
Designing Your Ceremony
Chapter 5 The Ceremony Text
Designing the Ceremony Text Worksheet-Sample
Ceremony Overview
In the Beginning
The Seating of the Guests
The Processional
Processional Cues and Sequencing Worksheet-Sample
Opening Prayer
Gathering Words
Remembrances and Acknowledgments
In the Middle
Readings and Songs
Charge for the Couple
The Declaration of Support
Marriage Address
Symbolic Rituals
Unity Candle Ceremony
Tree Planting Ceremony
Sand Ceremony
Water Ceremony
In the End
Wedding Vows
Ring Exchange
Prelude by the Officiant
Ring Exchange by the Couple
Final Blessing and Pronouncement
Benediction
The Recessional
Recessional Cues and Sequencing Worksheet-Sample
Chapter 6 Incorporating Personal Beliefs and Circumstances
For a Smaller Wedding
The Friendship Circle
When Your Ceremony Involves Children
Incorporating Religious Traditions
Jewish Wedding Rituals
Explanation of Jewish Traditions
Blessing and Drinking the Wine
The Seven Blessings
Prayers from the Old Testament
Symbolic Gestures
Incorporating Ethnic Traditions
Greek Crowning Ceremony and Common Cup
The Polish Ritual of Symbolic Gifts
The Wrapping of the Mantilla
Part Three
Putting It All Together
Chapter 7 Sample Ceremonies
Ceremony One: Spiritual and Heartfelt
Ceremony Two: Short and Sophisticated
Ceremony Three: Celebrating Our Oneness While Honoring Our Differences
Ceremony Four: Inspired by Nature
Ceremony Five: Short, Spontaneous, and Intimate
Ceremony Six: A Marriage with Children
Ceremony Seven: Non-denominational Christian with Scriptural Readings
Ceremony Eight: Joyful Family Togetherness
A Note about Commitment Ceremonies
Ceremony Nine: A Heartfelt Commitment Ceremony
Ceremony Ten: Renewal of Marriage Vows
Chapter 8 Checklists and Worksheets
Couple/Ceremony Information Sheet
Ceremony Site Layout Worksheet
Wedding Contact Information Sheet
Just Before the Ceremony Checklist
Wedding Rehearsal Checklist
Designing the Ceremony Text Worksheet
Processional Cues and Sequencing Worksheet
Recessional Cues and Sequencing Worksheet
A Final Thought
About the Author
