Franklin Dean
A wedding ceremony traditionally ends with the officiant's closing remarks, which are made after the couple's first kiss. The officiant may present the couple with their new titles, such as Mr. and Mrs. or husband and wife, before asking them to seal their union with a kiss. However, some officiants skip the closing remarks to avoid an awkward lull after the kiss, instead instructing the couple to turn and face the aisle, ready for their grand exit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To build energy in the room and give the couple a moment to head up the aisle for the grand finale |
| Timing | After the kiss and guest applause |
| Content | A thank you to the guests on behalf of the couple, an introduction of the couple, and other announcements such as the couple's plans after the ceremony |
| Delivery | Fun and lighthearted to get guests excited for the finale |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of closing remarks
The first kiss shared between the newlyweds is a significant moment in a wedding ceremony, often regarded as the climax of the event. However, it is not the end, and closing remarks are essential to maintain the momentum and ensure a grand finale.
Closing remarks serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they allow the officiant to make essential announcements or introductions, such as presenting the couple for the first time as a married duo. This can be done traditionally, as "Mr. and Mrs.", or with a modern twist, incorporating their first names or chosen titles. The officiant can also share the couple's wedding hashtag, direct guests to the next part of the celebration, or simply express gratitude on behalf of the couple.
Additionally, closing remarks create a brief pause that gives the couple time to prepare for their grand exit. During this moment, they can turn outward to face the aisle, providing guests and photographers with a delightful visual of their beaming faces. The remarks also enable the couple to retrieve their flowers, ensuring they are ready for the recessional.
Moreover, closing remarks can enhance the overall experience for the guests. They can be crafted to be engaging and fun, eliciting enthusiastic cheers and applause. This interactive element includes the guests in the celebration, making them feel valued and contributing to their enjoyment.
In conclusion, closing remarks are a vital component of a wedding ceremony. They provide direction, build anticipation, and create a seamless flow from the kiss to the recessional. By incorporating thoughtful and well-timed remarks, officiants can elevate the entire experience, ensuring the wedding concludes on a high note.
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The role of the officiant
The officiant will usually be a religious figure, such as a priest, pastor, rabbi, or imam, who is authorised to perform the wedding ceremony. In some cases, a friend or family member can officiate the wedding, making the ceremony more personal and special for the couple. However, they must be ordained or registered to do so, and this varies depending on the location of the wedding.
In the planning stages, the officiant will work with the couple to prepare the ceremony, including the script, and will often meet with them several months in advance to ensure everything is in order. It is the officiant's responsibility to ensure the couple has the necessary marriage license and has completed any pre-marital requirements, such as classes or counselling.
During the ceremony, the officiant stands with the couple at the altar and guides the proceedings. They may open with a story about the couple and some jokes, before moving on to the more traditional elements, such as asking the couple to declare their intent and exchanging vows. The officiant will also usually prompt the couple to kiss and may make a grand finale announcement to end the ceremony, presenting the couple to the guests.
The officiant should also be mindful of their attire, ensuring it is appropriate for their role and does not clash with the wedding party. They may also wish to make notes or use cue cards to ensure they do not miss any important elements of the ceremony. Overall, the officiant plays a crucial role in ensuring the wedding ceremony is both meaningful and legally binding.
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The couple's next steps
The Grand Finale
The first kiss is often considered the end of the wedding ceremony, but some couples and officiants opt for a grand finale to conclude the ceremony with a bang. This involves orchestrating a memorable exit, such as having the couple walk up the aisle to cheers and applause from the guests. The officiant plays a crucial role in ensuring this moment flows smoothly.
The Recessional
After the first kiss, the couple may turn and head up the aisle to the recessional song. If there is a bouquet, the bride will need to retrieve it before exiting. The couple's bridal party usually follows them, and then the front rows are dismissed.
Announcements and Blessings
Some couples choose to have the officiant or DJ make announcements after the kiss, such as presenting the couple for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. or sharing a blessing. However, some couples opt to forgo these announcements to maintain the energy of the moment, instead choosing to have ushers or banquet staff direct guests to the next location.
Breaking the Glass or Jumping the Broom
In a Jewish wedding ceremony, the couple may break a glass after the first kiss. In Celtic, African American, or other cultural traditions, the couple may perform a broom-jumping ritual.
Post-Kiss Poses
The couple may want to consider their post-kiss poses for photographs. This could include a simple embrace, placing hands on each other's waists, or wrapping arms around each other. For military couples, a sword salute can perfectly frame the first kiss photo opportunity.
The Couple's Exit
The couple's exit from the ceremony is often accompanied by exit music, with guests standing as the newlyweds walk away. This marks the end of the wedding ceremony, and guests will typically proceed to the cocktail hour or reception area.
The couple can tailor these next steps to their preferences, cultural traditions, and the flow of their wedding ceremony.
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The guests' role
The guests play a crucial role in the success of a wedding ceremony, from their entrance to the grand finale. Here are some key aspects of their role:
Welcoming the Guests
The ushers, who are often close friends or family members, are responsible for welcoming guests as they arrive and escorting them to their seats before the wedding ceremony begins. This ensures that guests feel welcomed and helps to create a smooth and seamless start to the event.
Active Participation
Guests are not just passive observers at a wedding; they are expected to actively participate and engage in the ceremony. This includes standing when appropriate, such as when the couple is presented as Mr. and Mrs. or during the recessional. Guests also play a vital role in creating a joyous atmosphere by clapping and cheering enthusiastically after the first kiss, building energy in the room, and celebrating the newlywed couple.
Respect and Consideration
Guests should be mindful of the couple's wishes and cultural traditions. For example, guests may need to be directed to a separate room or area for cocktail hour or other activities. It is important for guests to follow instructions and move between areas as directed to ensure the smooth flow of the wedding.
Capturing the Moment
Guests often take on the role of amateur photographers, capturing special moments through their phones or cameras. The first kiss is one such moment that guests eagerly anticipate and may want to immortalize through photographs. However, it is important for guests to be respectful and not obstruct the view of others or create distractions during key moments.
Emotional Support
The wedding guests are there to provide emotional support and celebrate the union of the couple. Their presence signifies the importance of the occasion and adds to the joy and happiness of the newlyweds.
In summary, the guests at a wedding play a multifaceted role. They are not only spectators but active participants who contribute to the smooth flow of the event, create a joyous atmosphere, capture special moments, and provide emotional support to the newlywed couple.
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The grand finale
The first kiss shared between the newlyweds is a pivotal moment in the wedding ceremony. However, contrary to popular belief, the ceremony should not end with the kiss. Instead, it should be followed by closing remarks and a grand finale to ensure the wedding concludes on a high note.
The officiant's closing remarks should be short and sweet, avoiding lengthy details that may dampen the celebratory atmosphere. They should include a thank you to the guests on behalf of the couple and, optionally, a mention of the couple's wedding hashtag. The officiant may also present the couple with their new titles, such as "Mr. and Mrs.", or simply introduce them by their names, depending on the couple's preference.
Finally, the officiant should announce the couple's next steps, such as taking photos or joining the reception, to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the energy of the ceremony. With the couple heading up the aisle to the cheers and applause of their guests, the wedding ceremony concludes on a high note, creating a memorable finale.
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Frequently asked questions
It's not necessary, but it can help to build energy in the room and create a grand finale.
Closing remarks are short and sweet statements that maintain the celebratory atmosphere and direct guests on what to do next.
"I now present you Mr. and Mrs. Groom's First and Last Name", "You may now share your first married kiss", "Now you're invited to... Thank you for celebrating with us today!"
The officiant, DJ, or master of ceremonies often makes the closing remarks.
Closing remarks are typically made right after the first kiss, before the recessional, and while the couple is preparing to head up the aisle.
