The Perfect Sda Wedding: Traditions And Customs Explained

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a set of guidelines for weddings, which are considered a sacred moment in the history of a couple. The ceremony usually reflects the fundamental beliefs of the church, including modest dress and no dancing or alcohol at the reception. While the church discourages interfaith marriages, it is not prohibited. Adventist couples can choose to write their own vows or repeat after the pastor, who often provide premarital counselling to help couples establish a Christian foundation for their marriage.

Modest dress

While veils are not required for the bride, she may choose to wear one. However, it is important to ensure that the veil does not detract from the modest dress code.

Adventists believe in modest dress, and this belief is reflected in the attire chosen for the wedding party. It is important to respect and adhere to these values when planning and attending a Seventh-day Adventist wedding.

SDA church decor

When it comes to SDA church decor for a wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to note that there are no extreme rules for decorating an SDA church for a wedding. However, the decor should be attractive and not too overwhelming. Fresh or synthetic flowers can be used, and ushers can roll out a runner for the wedding party to walk on. Candles are also sometimes included in the ceremony, with a large decorative candle holder often placed at the front of the church for the lighting of the unity candle by the bride and groom.

• A floral-filled lucite cross as a focal point for the ceremony.
• Oversized planters with greenery and white flowers, balanced by smaller boxed arrangements.
• A single strand of floral garland draped across the church door, with tall candles framed the altar.
• A colourful, whimsical tree installation to bring the altar area to life.
• A simple bench to complement the church's architecture.
• Bold blooms and wispy flowers to frame the church entryway.
• Tall arrangements of lush greenery lining the church's aisle.
• Large arrangements of white blooms with sprigs of pampas grass.
• Wrapping the church railings with magnolia leaves for a natural look.
• Dried floral bundles to add a pop of colour while keeping things simple.
• Ornate lanterns lining the church aisles, especially for a rustic or countryside vibe.
• Hanging floral installations, such as wreaths made of eucalyptus, boxwood, and larkspur, with pops of colour from peonies and ranunculus.
• A simple entryway arrangement, such as greenery and roses, to make it look like it's naturally growing up the church steps.
• Mini bouquets of seeded eucalyptus and white roses tied to the church pews.
• A rose gold sign adorned with blooms to welcome guests and match the church's exterior.
• Adorning the church gates with flowers to introduce the wedding's colour palette.
• Embracing eucalyptus for a natural look, especially if the church has a lot of wood tones.
• Creating a masterpiece on the church floor using flower petals.
• Installing a lush floral arch to make a statement at the church entryway.
• Using baby's breath for a simple pop of white, marking the pews for a lovely church ceremony.
• Installing a wall of greenery to enhance the decor while preserving the historical significance of the church.
• Making a statement with giant palm leaves, especially for a tropical or beachside wedding theme.
• Filling the altar with candles for a romantic touch.
• Creating a floral backdrop with greenery and simple white blooms to complement the church's architecture and gold adornments.
• Decorating the floor with scattered greenery to add a pop of colour and life.
• Using simple installments of greenery or a few blooms to frame and enhance the church's window views.
• Adding statement floral arrangements on either side of the altar.
• Incorporating long-stemmed blooms, such as white gladiolus and eucalyptus, to enhance the church's decor.

Additionally, the SDA church will often provide certain decor items and equipment. For example, the Calimesa SDA Church provides the following:

• 4 Adjustable Plant Stands
• 4 Two-Arm 7-candle Candelabra
• 1 Arch 15-candle Candelabra
• 1 Unity Candelabra (adjustable L or S)
• 2 Cluster (tree-shaped) 29-candle Candelabra
• Aisle Candelabra (12 candles)
• Wooden Arch (painted white)
• Petal Tapers/Candle Insert (8")
• Metal Tapers/Candle Insert (15")
• Tables (48" Round - seats 6)
• Tables (8' Rectangular - seats 10)
• White metal tapers with dripless wax inserts

SDA wedding rings

The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church has traditionally frowned upon the wearing of jewellery, especially for women, and this includes wedding rings. This is because Adventists believe that the Bible preaches modesty and focusing on the spiritual, and that jewellery and costly ornaments can gain too much importance in a person's life. The Bible also advises women to dress simply and without costly gold or pearl ornaments.

However, in 1986, the North American Division of the SDA church approved a new doctrinal position allowing the wearing of simple wedding bands, as they are seen by some as a symbol of faithfulness to marriage vows. This was partly to accommodate European Adventists, who were accustomed to wearing wedding rings, and also to allow those who were only half-converted to join the church. Since then, SDA members have been formally allowed to wear modest wedding rings.

Despite this change, the SDA church continues to discourage the wearing of jewellery, including wedding rings, and some members still choose not to wear them. SDA weddings also tend to be quite different from typical weddings, with no dancing or alcohol at the reception, and no music that includes the word "God".

SDA wedding vows

The wedding ceremony of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) reflects the fundamental beliefs of the church. SDA couples can choose to write their own vows or repeat after the pastor officiating the ceremony. The pastor may ask to see the vows before the actual ceremony to ensure they are in keeping with the church's principles.

Sample One

I, [groom's name], take you, [bride's name], to be my wedded wife. With deepest joy, I receive you into my life that together we may be one. As is Christ to His body, the church, so I will be to you a loving and faithful husband. Always will I perform my headship over you, even as Christ does over me, knowing that His Lordship is one of the holiest desires for my life. I promise you my deepest love, my fullest devotion, and my tenderest care. I promise to live first unto God rather than others or even you. I promise that I will lead our lives into a life of faith and hope in Christ Jesus. Ever honouring God's guidance by His spirit through the Word, and so throughout life, no matter what may lie ahead of us, I pledge to you my life as a loving and faithful husband.

I, [bride's name], take you, [groom's name], to be my wedded husband. With deepest joy, I come into my new life with you. As you have pledged to me your life and love, so I too happily give you my life, and in confidence, submit myself to your headship as to the Lord. As is the church in her relationship to Christ, so I will be to you. [Groom's name], I will live first unto our God and then unto you, loving you, obeying you, caring for you, and ever seeking to please you. God has prepared me for you, and so I will ever strengthen, help, comfort, and encourage you. Therefore, throughout life, no matter what may be ahead of us, I pledge to you my life as an obedient and faithful wife.

Sample Two

I, [groom's name], take you, [bride's name], to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness.

I, [bride's name], take you, [groom's name], to be my wedded 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. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness.

Sample Three

I, [groom's name], in faith, honesty, and love, take you, [bride's name], to be my wedded wife, to share with you God's plan for our lives together united in Christ. And with God's help, to strengthen and guide me, I will be a strong spiritual leader for us in our life, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, in joys and in sorrows, until death do we part. I give you all that I have, myself, and my love. (All these things I pledge to thee) In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. With this ring, I seal my vow of love to you, [bride's name], and pray that I may fulfil God's place in our home, in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I, [bride's name], take you, [groom's name], to be my wedded 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. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness.

Sample Four

I, [groom's name], take you, [bride's name], to be my wife, before God, who brought us together; to love and cherish you even as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it, to lead you and share all of life's experiences with you by following God through them. That through His grace, [bride's name], we might grow together into the likeness of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.

And with this ring, I, [bride's name], take you, [groom's name], to be my husband, before God, who brought us together, to love you, cherish you, to submit myself unto you in all things, and to follow you through all of life's experiences as you follow God. That through His grace, we might grow together into the likeness of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.

Sample Five

I, [groom's name], take you, [bride's name], to be my wedded wife, 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, or the Lord comes for His own, and hereto I pledge you my faithfulness.

I, [bride's name], take you, [groom's name], to be my wedded 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, or the Lord comes for His own, and hereto I pledge you my faithfulness.

SDA wedding music

Music is an important part of a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) wedding. In fact, one of the criteria for a true SDA wedding is having "special music" at the reception.

There are several songs that are considered suitable for SDA weddings. One source mentions "In This Very Room" as a song that is appropriate for an SDA wedding. There are also several SDA songs by the AGAPE Church, including "S.D.A Wedding-Song", which can be downloaded or streamed online. Additionally, Boomplay features a 49-minute compilation of "Best SDA Music – Best Wedding Songs Mix" by Best SDA Music, released in 2021.

While there is no explicit list of songs that are considered appropriate for SDA weddings, it is clear that music plays a significant role in these celebrations. Couples planning an SDA wedding can choose from a variety of options to create a meaningful and enjoyable musical experience for their special day.

Frequently asked questions