George Boyle
A wedding blessing is a meaningful moment in a wedding ceremony where friends, family, or clergy bless the newlyweds in their life together. Wedding blessings can be religious or non-religious, and are often personalised to the couple. They can be designed to have a similar feel to a wedding, with hymns, readings, flowers and bells, or they can be more low-key and intimate. This article will explore how to plan a wedding blessing, including how to incorporate your beliefs and values, and how to make it personal to you as a couple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religious | A blessing of the Church gives the couple a deeper understanding of God's wish for them |
| Readings | Readings can be chosen to follow the blessing of the marriage |
| Hymns | Hymns can be included to give the blessing a similar feel to a wedding |
| Flowers | Flowers can be used to decorate the church |
| Bells | Bells can be rung to give the blessing a similar feel to a wedding |
| Intimate | The blessing can be an intimate, low-key service |
| Location | The blessing can take place in any church of your choice, as long as the church and vicar are free |
| Timing | The blessing usually takes place right before the bride and groom are announced as husband and wife |
What You'll Learn
Readings and vows
Wedding blessings are an integral part of the wedding ceremony and reception, allowing friends, family or clergy to bless the newlyweds in their life together. A good wedding blessing wishes love and prosperity to the couple, incorporates a religious or meaningful tradition and uses their names for added personalisation.
When it comes to readings and vows, it's important to think about how you want to go about it and what fits your couple style. You might want to include a blessing of the rings, for example:
> Bless, O Lord, this ring to be a sign of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The celebrant then joins the right hands of the couple and says: "Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder". The congregation responds with "Amen".
You can have a blessing in any church of your choice, so long as the church and the vicar are free on your preferred date. You can design the blessing to have a similar feel to a wedding with hymns, readings, flowers and even bells, or it can be an intimate, low-key service.
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Hymns and music
The cost of a wedding blessing is usually determined by the church's local rate. This includes any additional costs such as flowers, bells, and the use of an organist.
When selecting hymns and music for your wedding blessing, consider the overall theme and atmosphere you wish to create. Choose hymns and music that reflect your personal style and taste, whether it's traditional, contemporary, or a mix of both.
If you're having a religious wedding blessing, you may want to include hymns and music that are meaningful to your faith. Consult with your officiant or clergy member to ensure that your selections align with the religious aspects of your ceremony.
You can also involve your wedding party or close friends and family in the musical selections. Perhaps someone close to you plays an instrument or sings and would be willing to perform during your wedding blessing. Including your loved ones in this way can add a special, personalised touch to your celebration.
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Flowers and decorations
If you choose to have flowers at your wedding blessing, you can select your favourite blooms or opt for flowers that are in season, which may be more cost-effective. You can also use flowers to decorate the venue, creating a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. Consider using flowers to line the aisle, or create a floral arch for a stunning backdrop.
When it comes to decorations, you can get creative and choose items that reflect your style and theme. For a more intimate and low-key blessing, you might opt for simple decorations such as fairy lights, candles, or bunting. If you're having a larger celebration, you might want to consider more elaborate decorations, such as hanging installations or statement centrepieces.
Don't forget to consider the space you're working with and how you can transform it to create the atmosphere you desire. Whether you're having a small gathering in a church or a larger celebration in a garden, flowers and decorations can help set the tone and create a memorable experience for you and your guests.
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Venue and date
When it comes to the venue and date of your wedding blessing, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to start your venue search early to maximise availability and secure your desired date. Wedding venues tend to get booked up to a year in advance or more, so it's best to begin your search and schedule site visits as soon as possible. If you have a flexible date range, your venue's availability will be the deciding factor in setting your wedding date.
When choosing a venue, it's essential to ensure that it aligns with the vision you have for your wedding blessing. For example, a rustic theme may not work in a luxury hotel, whereas a park, barn, or ranch could be perfect for a more relaxed setting. Consider the size of your guest list and choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your expected number of guests.
If you're planning a religious wedding blessing, you can choose any church of your choice as long as the church and the vicar are free on your preferred date. Keep in mind that there may be some costs associated with the venue, such as flowers, bells, and the use of an organist, which would be charged at the church's local rate.
When it comes to setting the stage for your wedding blessing, you can share a bit about the author of the blessing and how the words reflect your hopes and dreams for the couple. From barns to ballrooms, there are various reception venues to choose from that can be tailored to your unique style and preferences.
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Wedding blessings and their meaning
Wedding blessings are an integral part of the wedding ceremony and reception. They are moments that allow friends, family or clergy to bless the newlyweds in their life together. A good wedding blessing wishes love and prosperity to the couple, incorporates a religious or meaningful tradition and uses their names for added personalisation.
The blessing of the marriage is an important part of the ceremony that you don't want to miss out on. It's important to fully recognise what it is and what it means, and how it coincides with your religious and cultural beliefs. The blessing of the marriage usually takes place right before the bride and groom are announced as husband and wife. The Rite begins as prescribed for celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, using the Collect and Lessons appointed in the Marriage service.
The blessing of the marriage can be designed to have a similar feel to a wedding with hymns, readings, flowers and even bells, or it can be an intimate, low-key service. It is not a legal service, but there may be some costs, such as flowers, bells and the use of an organist. You can have a blessing in any church of your choice, as long as the church and the vicar are free on your preferred date.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding blessing is a ceremony that can be designed to have a similar feel to a wedding with hymns, readings, flowers and even bells, or it can be an intimate, low-key service.
No, it is not a legal service. However, there may be some costs, such as flowers, bells and use of an organist.
Yes, you can have a blessing in any church of your choice, as long as the church and the vicar are free on your preferred date.
