Post-Wedding Bliss: The Christian Newlywed Guide

A Christian wedding ceremony is a declaration of love and commitment made in front of God, friends, and family. The ceremony is typically conducted by a minister or priest in a church or other religious setting. The focal point of the ceremony is Christ, with every part of the service—from the music to the vows to the message—reflecting the couple's commitment to Christ. The ceremony is concluded with the exchange of vows and rings, followed by the pronouncement of the couple as newlyweds and their first kiss. The newlyweds then exit the church, followed by the wedding party and guests, and proceed to the reception.

The wedding reception

After the Christian wedding ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests proceed to the wedding reception. This is a time for celebration, with dinner, dancing, and other festivities.

The reception is also an opportunity for the couple to interact with their guests and thank them for their attendance and well-wishes. It is a time for the couple to relax and enjoy the company of their loved ones, as well as create lasting memories together.

At the reception, the couple will often be introduced for the first time as a married couple and will share their first dance together. This is a special moment that symbolizes the beginning of their new life together. The first dance is usually followed by other dances, including dances with parents and the wedding party.

The reception also includes a meal, which can range from a simple buffet to a formal, multi-course dinner. The food served reflects the couple's cultural background, personal preferences, and the overall theme or tone of the wedding.

Throughout the reception, guests may be invited to participate in various activities, such as signing a guest book, taking photos, or enjoying entertainment such as music or games. The couple may also choose to incorporate other traditions or rituals that are meaningful to them, such as a unity candle or sand ceremony, toasting, or cutting the wedding cake.

The wedding cake is a central part of the reception. Cutting the cake together is a long-standing tradition symbolizing the couple's shared life. The cake is often elaborately decorated and may be a focal point of the reception venue.

The reception is a time for joy, celebration, and the coming together of two families. It is an opportunity for the couple to express their gratitude and share their happiness with those who matter to them.

The first dance

The dance itself can be a simple sway, with arms wrapped around each other, allowing for a relaxed chat after the ceremony. However, some couples opt for a choreographed routine, with dance styles including the Waltz, the Slow Dance, the Foxtrot, the Swing, the Rumba, the Salsa, the Mambo, or even a Hip-Hop routine. The song choice will often dictate the dance style, and couples may choose to take dance lessons to perfect their routine.

The wedding cake

History

The contemporary wedding cake has evolved from several different ethnic traditions. One of the earliest traditions began in Ancient Rome, where a cake of wheat or barley was broken over the bride's head to bring good fortune to the couple. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the "bride's pie" was served at most weddings. This was a savoury pie filled with oysters, lamb testicles, pine kernels, and cocks' combs. The bride's pie would eventually evolve into the bride's cake, which was typically a plum or fruit cake.

Colour

The colour white is significant in wedding ceremonies, with white icing symbolising wealth, social importance, and purity. In the Victorian era, white sugar was extremely expensive, so a white cake demonstrated the family's affluence and high social standing.

Tiers

The tiers of a wedding cake represent prosperity and are a status symbol. The more tiers, the higher the social standing of the couple. The first wedding cake to feature completely edible tiers was served at the 1882 wedding of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany.

Cake-Cutting

The cake-cutting ceremony symbolises the first activity done as a couple. Historically, the bride would cut the cake alone to symbolise the loss of her virginity. Today, the cake-cutting is often used as a signal to older guests that the day's activities have been completed.

Feeding Each Other

The bride and groom feeding each other a small bite of cake symbolises a commitment to provide for one another and a show of love and affection.

Superstitions

There are several superstitions associated with wedding cakes. One superstition says that sleeping with a slice of wedding cake under your pillow will lead you to dream of your future spouse. Another tradition involves freezing the top tier of the wedding cake and eating it together on your first wedding anniversary.

The wedding ceremony

A Christian wedding ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful event that brings two people together in holy matrimony. Here is a detailed outline of the wedding ceremony:

The Processional

The processional marks the beginning of the wedding ceremony, with the minister entering first, followed by the groom, groomsmen, parents and grandparents of the couple, bridesmaids, ring bearer, flower girl, and finally, the bride. The bride is traditionally escorted by her father, but some may opt for both parents or a parent figure. This is a joyous moment as the wedding party makes their way down the aisle to the altar.

Opening Remarks and Prayer

Once everyone is in place, the minister delivers the opening remarks, welcoming the guests and giving thanks for their presence. This is followed by an opening prayer or wedding invocation, where the minister calls for God's presence and blessing upon the ceremony.

Giving Away of the Bride

This is a significant moment where the bride's parents or parent figures symbolically give away their daughter to the groom. While traditionally symbolizing the bride as a gift to the groom, this act now holds a sentimental value, representing the parents' emotional transition as their child becomes one with their partner.

Worship Song, Hymn, or Solo

The wedding party moves to the stage, and a worship song, hymn, instrumental piece, or solo is performed. This choice of music is an expression of worship and the couple's feelings and ideas.

Charge to the Bride and Groom

The minister gives a charge to the bride and groom, reminding them of their duties and roles in the marriage. This prepares them for the sacred vows they are about to make.

Pledge or "Betrothal"

The bride and groom face each other and declare their intention to marry of their own free will. This is a powerful moment as they publicly affirm their commitment to each other.

Exchange of Vows

The exchange of vows is the central and most sacred part of the Christian wedding ceremony. The couple makes mutual promises to love, honour, and support each other through all life's challenges, with God as their witness. This is often an emotional moment, especially if the couple chooses to write their own personalised vows.

Exchange of Rings

The couple exchanges wedding bands as a symbol of their promise to stay faithful and committed to each other. The ring represents eternity, and by wearing these bands, they signify their lifelong commitment.

Lighting of the Unity Candle

The lighting of the unity candle is a special tradition that symbolises the union of two hearts and lives. It adds a deep layer of meaning to the ceremony, often followed by the couple's first act of Communion as a married couple.

Pronouncement and First Kiss

The minister declares the couple husband and wife, and guests are reminded to respect this sacred union. The minister then instructs the groom to kiss his bride, marking the official start of their married life together.

Presentation of the Couple

The minister introduces the newlyweds to the guests for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. This is a celebratory moment, often accompanied by applause and cheers from the congregation.

Recessional

The wedding party exits the platform, usually in reverse order of the processional. The newlyweds lead the way, followed by the maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, and finally, the minister. The recessional marks the conclusion of a beautiful and meaningful Christian wedding ceremony.

The exchange of vows

During the exchange, the couple faces each other, holding hands, and the priest asks a series of questions, to which the couple responds with their vows. The traditional Christian wedding vows include phrases such as:

> "I, [name], take you, [name], to be my [wife/husband]; to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."

The vows can vary slightly between different Christian denominations, such as Roman Catholics and Protestants. Some couples may also choose to memorise or personalise their vows, making specific promises to one another beyond the traditional ones.

After the exchange of vows, the couple usually exchanges wedding rings, symbolising their commitment and the unending nature of their love. The rings are often accompanied by additional vows, where the couple confirms the symbolism of the circular shape, representing the unending nature of their love.

Frequently asked questions