Lyla Dejesus
Seventh-day Adventists believe in the importance of marriage and family. Adventist weddings are similar to many other Christian weddings, but they do have some unique features. For example, Adventists do not typically exchange wedding rings during the ceremony as they do not believe in wearing jewellery. While there are no strict rules for decorating the church, decor should be modest and not overwhelming. Candles are often used, and a unity candle is lit by the couple. The wedding ceremony will reflect fundamental acts and beliefs of the church, and music must be chosen to glorify, praise and honour God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding Rings | Traditionally, Seventh-day Adventists do not exchange wedding rings during the ceremony. However, some couples may choose to exchange wedding watches as this type of jewelry is considered acceptable. |
| Pre-marital Counseling | Pre-marital counseling is not required but is encouraged. Adventist couples usually do a few sessions with an Adventist counselor or pastor. |
| Interfaith Weddings | Interfaith weddings are not forbidden, but the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual discourages ministers from performing them. |
| Wedding Decorations | Decorations should be attractive but not overwhelming. Fresh or synthetic flowers can be used, and candles are also sometimes included. |
| Wedding Attire | Modest dress is important to Seventh-day Adventists. While there are no strict rules, the bride's dress should not emphasize cleavage, and bridesmaids' dresses should not be too revealing. |
| Wedding Music | Music should be chosen to give glory, praise, and honor to God and must be approved by the wedding coordinator. Couples may also use their personal cultural music, but it must be reviewed first to ensure it aligns with the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. |
| Wedding Fees | The Aspen Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in Conifer, CO, charges a $75 fee for the use of the sanctuary and a $150 custodial deposit, which will be refunded if the facility is left clean. |
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Interfaith marriages
Seventh-day Adventists consider marriage to be a sacred, lifelong commitment, and while there are no distinct Adventist rules, they uphold Bible-based principles and guidelines. Adventist weddings are similar to other Christian weddings, but they can vary based on the couple's culture and customs.
Adventist ministers are cautioned against performing interfaith marriages, and the Church Manual "strongly discourages" such weddings due to the potential challenges and complications that can arise from differences in religion and values. However, it is not forbidden or prohibited, and some pastors choose to perform them. The Church Manual states that if an Adventist marries someone who is not a member of the church, the couple should understand that an Adventist minister is not expected to perform the ceremony.
There are happy interfaith couples involving a Seventh-day Adventist, but some Adventists may not be spiritually strong enough for it. The Church Manual instructs that if an individual enters into an interfaith marriage, the church should demonstrate love and concern to encourage the couple toward unity in Christ.
For interfaith couples, premarital counselling can be beneficial in addressing the unique challenges they may face. It can help them understand each other's perspectives, convictions, and worldviews, fostering unity and a closer bond.
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Wedding attire
While Seventh-day Adventist weddings are similar to other Christian weddings, the specific attire can vary based on the couple's culture and customs. The denomination does not have any official rules or guidelines regarding wedding attire, but there are some considerations that Adventists may take into account when choosing their wedding attire.
One consideration is the Adventist belief that marriage is a sacred relationship. This may influence the choice of attire, with some Adventists opting for more modest or conservative styles that reflect the seriousness and spirituality of the occasion.
Another factor is the Adventist interpretation of the Bible's teachings on jewellery. Some Adventists interpret passages such as Revelation 17:3,4 and Isaiah 3:16-21 as discouraging the wearing of jewellery, including wedding rings. As a result, some Adventists may choose not to wear any jewellery on their wedding day, or they may opt for simple, understated pieces. However, it is worth noting that not all Adventists interpret the Bible in this way, and some may choose to wear wedding bands and other forms of jewellery.
In addition, Adventists may also consider the cultural and family expectations of the couple and their community. For example, in some cultures, it is traditional for brides to wear white dresses, while in others, colourful or patterned outfits may be more common. Similarly, grooms' attire can vary from formal suits to traditional cultural clothing.
Finally, the location and theme of the wedding may also influence the attire. For example, if the wedding is held outdoors or in a more casual setting, the couple and their guests may dress more casually, while a formal church wedding may call for more elegant and sophisticated attire. Ultimately, the choice of wedding attire for Seventh-day Adventists is a personal decision that takes into account their beliefs, values, and cultural background.
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Wedding decor
When it comes to wedding decor for a Seventh-day Adventist wedding, there are no strict rules, but the decor should be attractive and not too overwhelming. Here are some ideas and considerations to keep in mind:
Flowers and Greenery
Fresh or synthetic flowers can be used to add a touch of elegance and colour to the ceremony. These can be arranged in vases or placed along the aisles or altar for a romantic and natural ambiance.
Candles
Candles are often incorporated into Adventist wedding ceremonies. They can be used to line the centre aisle, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere as the parents of the bride and groom, as well as the wedding party, make their entrance. A large, decorative candle holder is often placed at the front, where the bride and groom light the unity candle during the ceremony.
Aisle Runner
A fabric runner can be rolled out by the ushers, creating a path for the wedding party to walk down. This adds a touch of elegance and can complement the colour scheme or theme of the wedding.
Modest and Symbolic Decor
In keeping with the modest dress code of Seventh-day Adventists, the wedding decor should also reflect simplicity and modesty. Avoid overly extravagant displays, and instead, opt for subtle and meaningful decorations. For instance, if the couple wishes to express their cultural identity, they may choose to incorporate their country's flag colours into the decor or include symbolic elements that represent their cultural heritage.
Music and Entertainment
While not strictly decor, music plays an essential role in setting the ambiance for the wedding. Couples may choose to include personal cultural music, an organist, or singers during the entrance of the wedding party or throughout the ceremony. However, the music should be reviewed beforehand to ensure it aligns with the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is not of a crude or sexual nature.
Reception Decor
The reception is a celebratory part of the wedding, often filled with good food, laughter, music, and speeches. While there are no specific rules for reception decor, it is important to maintain a modest and elegant atmosphere. Adventists tend to forgo alcoholic drinks, but sparkling cider can be offered for toasts.
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Wedding music
Adventist weddings are similar to many other Christian weddings. The service is usually spiritually-oriented, reflecting the belief that marriage is both a personal and spiritual commitment. The reception is a time for celebration, with music, games, speeches, and good food.
Music is an important aspect of a wedding, and there are many ways to incorporate it into your special day. Wedding music can be used to create a certain atmosphere, whether that's during the ceremony, at the wedding breakfast, or throughout the reception.
Hymns are a popular choice for the ceremony, and there are many traditional hymns that are well-suited for a Seventh-day Adventist wedding. These hymns can be sung by the guests, adding a sense of participation and personalisation to the service. Some popular choices include "All Things Bright and Beautiful," "Be Still for the Presence of the Lord," and "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind."
If you're looking for something more modern, there are also many contemporary wedding songs that can be used. These can be played as background music during the wedding breakfast or as part of a karaoke duet for the newlyweds. For example, there are several Taylor Swift songs that have been deemed perfect for a wedding.
Music can also be incorporated into special dances, such as a mother-son dance, which can be a heartwarming moment with the right song.
Ultimately, the choice of music is up to the couple and should reflect their personal tastes and the atmosphere they want to create for their wedding day.
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Premarital counselling
While there is no specified duration for a Seventh-day Adventist wedding, the church regards marriage as a sacred institution and encourages couples to undergo premarital counselling. This typically involves several sessions with an Adventist counsellor or pastor, and aims to prepare couples for the challenges they will encounter in married life.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual states that "the main purpose of premarital education/counselling is to prepare couples for the challenges they will encounter in married life". This preparation is seen as crucial, as marriage is considered a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, established by God at creation.
The premarital counselling process typically involves several sessions with a qualified counsellor or minister. In 1984, the Annual Council of the Seventh-day Adventist Church voted to adopt a plan for premarital education, encouraging ministers to provide guidance to couples requesting to be married. This guidance is often provided by the minister who will perform the wedding ceremony, ensuring a consistent and personalised approach.
The number of counselling sessions can vary, but it typically includes six sessions before the wedding and one after. These sessions may cover a range of topics, including biblical principles, intimacy, communication, conflict resolution, and financial planning. The goal is to help couples develop a deeper understanding of each other and strengthen their relationship, so they can navigate the challenges of married life together.
In addition to counselling sessions, the Seventh-day Adventist Church provides resources for pre-marriage preparation. This includes materials such as study guides, cassettes, background reading, and tests. These resources are designed to complement the counselling process and provide couples with a comprehensive understanding of marriage from a biblical perspective.
The Adventist Church also recognises the importance of addressing cultural and individual differences in premarital counselling. While the church upholds Bible-based principles and guidelines for marriage, it acknowledges that wedding traditions and customs can vary based on the couple's cultural background. Therefore, the counselling process is tailored to meet the unique needs of each couple, ensuring a personalised and meaningful experience.
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