Gospel At Weddings: To Invite Or Not?

Many couples choose to incorporate religious elements into their wedding ceremonies, such as meaningful hymns, readings from religious texts, or cultural traditions. For Christian weddings, the invitation is the first opportunity for the couple to share their religious hopes and dreams for their married life with their guests. The invitation also sets the tone for the wedding and prepares guests for what to expect.

Some couples may opt to include Bible verses or religious quotes on their invitations, while others may choose to use specific wording that references God or Christ. Ultimately, the decision to include a gospel invitation in a wedding ceremony is a personal one and should reflect the values and beliefs of the couple.

The importance of gospel invitations

Sharing Values and Faith

Gospel invitations are an opportunity for couples to share their religious values and faith with their friends and family. By incorporating Bible verses, religious quotes, or specific wording, the invitation conveys the importance of their Christian beliefs and sets the tone for the wedding celebration. This approach helps guests understand the couple's values and prepares them for a religious event.

Uniting Lives in Christ

Christian weddings are not just a legal union but a spiritual union in Christ. Gospel invitations emphasise this unique aspect by inviting guests to witness the couple uniting their lives together in Christ. This recognition of Christ's role in their marriage is a powerful testament to their shared faith.

Personalisation and Meaning

Adding gospel elements to wedding invitations allows couples to personalise their special day. By selecting meaningful Bible verses or quotes, they can showcase their unique relationship with God and each other. This personal touch adds depth and significance to the invitation and the wedding ceremony itself.

Guidance and Direction

Gospel invitations also serve as a reminder to the congregation about the purpose of the gathering. It provides direction and emphasises the importance of their faith journey. The invitation creates a sense of urgency and encourages guests to respond to the message, fostering a deeper connection to their beliefs.

Honoring Traditions

Incorporating gospel elements into wedding invitations honours Christian traditions. By referencing God or Christ, using specific religious wording, or including Bible verses, couples pay respect to the long-standing customs of their faith. This blend of tradition and modern celebration creates a meaningful and memorable event.

Bible verses for wedding invitations

A wedding is a special occasion to celebrate the union of two people. For many, faith plays a significant role in their relationship, and incorporating Bible verses about love and marriage on their wedding invitations is a meaningful way to highlight their religious beliefs. Here are some Bible verses that would be perfect for a wedding invitation:

• "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
• "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:2
• "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13
• "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." - Colossians 3:14
• "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8
• "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, for fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us." - 1 John 4:18-19
• "Do everything in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:14
• "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine." - Song of Solomon 2:16
• "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away." - Song of Solomon 8:7
• "I have found the one whom my soul loves." - Song of Solomon 3:4
• "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." - Ephesians 5:25
• "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." - John 15:12
• "God has poured out His love into our hearts." - Romans 5:5
• "Love yesterday, today, and forever." - Jeremiah 31:3
• "So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." - Matthew 19:6
• "I hold you in my heart, for we have shared together God's blessings." - Philippians 1:7

These verses capture the essence of love, patience, humility, and the enduring nature of true love. They are a beautiful way to set the tone for the wedding celebration and showcase the couple's faith.

Christian invitation wording

The wedding invitation is the first opportunity for a Christian couple to share their religious hopes and dreams for their marriage with their guests. It is important to set the tone for the wedding and prepare guests for what to expect.

Request 'The Honour of Their Presence'

This indicates to your guests that the ceremony will be a formal religious one in a church.

> Anne Smith Charles and David Charles request the honour of your presence at the wedding ceremony in which their daughter Mary Claire and David Lawrence will become united as one in Christ on [date] at [time] [venue].

Faithful Language

The Christian wedding is a religious ceremony uniting two people in Christ.

> [Bride and Groom] together with [hosts] invite you to share in their joy as they are united in the Lord Jesus Christ on [date] at [venue].

> We invite you to worship with us as we join together in the Lord Jesus Christ and ask for His presence in our new life together in marriage on [date] at [venue].

> In the spirit of Christian joy [Bride and Groom] will vow their lives to one another on [date]. We invite you to join us in asking God’s blessing upon this holy union at [time] [venue].

Bible Verses or Religious Quotes

The inclusion of a meaningful Bible verse or religious quote can add a personal touch to a traditional Christian wedding invitation.

> "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away." — 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

> "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." — Ephesians 4:2

> "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:13

> "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sin." — 1 Peter 4:8

> "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us." — 1 John 4:18-19

> "God has brought two people together to create one shared life."

> "Together with Christ, we are as one."

> "Our lives have been blessed by love for one another and by our faith in the Lord."

> "Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in love and faith."

Honouring the couple's parents

Wedding Programs and Invitations

Wedding programs and invitations can be a great place to honour the couple's parents. They can be listed as hosts of the wedding or included in a list of wedding party members. A surprise note dedicated to the parents can also be included in the program, expressing gratitude and love.

Processional

The processional is another opportunity for parents to be involved. They can walk down the aisle before the processional begins, as guests are being seated. Alternatively, they can join the wedding party processional, walking in with the music as the ceremony starts. A more formal option is for the couple to be escorted down the aisle by their parents.

Greeting

After the processional, the couple can share a greeting with their parents at the end of the aisle before joining hands with each other in front of the officiant. This can include a hug, handshake, or any other form of embrace.

VIP Seating

Traditionally, the parents of the couple are seated in reserved seats in the front row. This can be made extra special by including a small gift for the parents on their seats, such as a card or engraved handkerchief.

Ceremony Script

The wedding officiant can highlight the parents' role in the couple's relationship by sharing their story of how the couple met and how the parents introduced, encouraged, or supported their relationship. The officiant can also honour any parents who are no longer alive.

Wedding Readings or Prayers

The couple can ask their parents to recite wedding readings or prayers, especially if the parents are from a different cultural or religious background. This can be a meaningful way to honour the family's culture or religion.

Unity Ceremonies

Parents can be involved in unity ceremonies such as handfasting, wine blending, tea ceremonies, or unity candles. For example, in a handfasting ceremony, the parents can provide the ropes used to tie the couple's hands.

Ring Holders

The couple's parents can hold onto the wedding rings before the ceremony, warming the rings with their love and blessings.

Marriage Licence

In most places, a marriage licence needs to be signed by two witnesses. The couple can ask their parents to be those witnesses, making them a part of the official ceremony.

Recessional

The couple's parents can join the recessional as they exit the ceremony, either behind, in front, or in the middle of the wedding party. This also ensures that the parents are not stuck waiting behind guests to exit.

Receiving Line

A receiving line is a wedding tradition where the couple and wedding party form a line to receive guests. The couple can include their parents in this line, especially if the parents contributed financially to the wedding. This way, the parents can also help greet and thank guests, as well as remind the couple of the names of extended family members.

Gospel and the invitation

The Gospel and the invitation are two sides of the same coin. One cannot be fully understood without the other. The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. It is the foundation of our faith, and it is through the Gospel that we are saved. The invitation, then, is the act of sharing this good news with others and calling them to accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

In the context of a wedding ceremony, the invitation takes on a slightly different but no less important meaning. It is an opportunity for the couple to share their faith with their friends and family and to set the tone for the celebration. The invitation can be a powerful witness to the love of God and the transforming power of the Gospel.

When considering whether to include a gospel invitation in a wedding ceremony, it is essential to keep in mind the purpose and impact of such an invitation. A gospel invitation is not just about words on a card; it is about creating a space for people to encounter God and respond to His call. It is a reminder of why we gather and what true change looks like.

Including a gospel invitation in a wedding ceremony can be done in several ways. One way is through the use of Bible verses or religious quotes on the invitation card. These scriptures can add a personal touch and convey the values and beliefs of the couple. Another way is through the wording of the invitation itself, using phrases such as "request the honour of your presence" or "invite you to share in their joy."

"God has blessed us with love and friendship. We, [names of the couple], invite you to witness as we exchange marriage vows and celebrate with us [date and time] in [location]."

"Together with their families, [names of the couple] invite you to join them in the celebration of their love [date and time] at [location]. Reception and merriment to follow."

"[Names of the couple] together with [names of parents] invite you to share in their joy as they are united in the Lord Jesus Christ on [date] at [venue]."

In conclusion, including a gospel invitation in a wedding ceremony is a meaningful way to incorporate one's faith into such a significant event. It is an opportunity to share the good news of the Gospel and to invite others to experience the love and grace of God. Through thoughtful consideration of the invitation's wording and the inclusion of meaningful scriptures, a gospel invitation can be a powerful witness to the transforming power of faith.

Frequently asked questions