George Boyle
Mormon weddings are centred on the belief that marriage is eternal and that families can be together forever. The wedding ceremony is typically held in a temple, a building dedicated to the sacred worship of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). The ceremony includes blessings and promises made to the couple and their family. The reception is an important part of the celebration, where guests can bring gifts and celebrate the newly married couple. The reception can take place before or after the honeymoon, and sometimes there is more than one reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding attire | Temple wedding clothing is bright white and symbolic of purity. Brides may wear bonnets and veils, and grooms may wear suits or tuxedos. |
| Wedding gifts | Gifts are given at the reception and may be collected by appointed individuals or children. |
| Wedding food and drinks | There is no set wedding food, but alcohol, coffee, and tea are typically not served. Buffets, dessert bars, and family-style meals are common. |
| Wedding timeline | The timeline can vary depending on the time of day and the couple's preferences. A pre-party can be held before the first dance, followed by a reception line, dinner, toasts, games, dancing, and bouquet toss. |
| Wedding location | Mormon weddings can take place in temples or non-temple locations, depending on the couple's preferences and the inclusion of family and friends. |
| Wedding beliefs | Mormons believe that marriage is eternal and that couples are sealed together as husband and wife on earth and in Heaven eternally. |
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What You'll Learn
- The wedding reception is alcohol-free, so get creative with other ways to keep the energy up
- The reception may include dancing, games, photo booths, and group dances
- There is no set wedding food, but there is also no alcohol, coffee or tea
- The groom often changes his attire for the wedding reception
- The bride and groom become sealed, meaning they are sealed together as husband and wife on earth and in Heaven eternally
The wedding reception is alcohol-free, so get creative with other ways to keep the energy up
While there is no set wedding food at a Mormon reception, alcohol, coffee, and tea are not served. But that doesn't mean you can't keep the energy up at your wedding reception!
Firstly, remember that a lively atmosphere doesn't depend on alcohol, but on the shared joy of the celebration. One way to keep the energy up is to incorporate interactive games and activities into your wedding reception. For instance, if you're planning an outdoor wedding, you could set up lawn games like cornhole or bocce ball. Alternatively, if your reception is more intimate, you could play trivia with all the questions centered around your love story. You could also set up a themed photo booth to engage your guests and create lasting memories.
If you're looking for other ways to keep your guests entertained, you could include dancing, throwing the bouquet and/or garter, or other games. You could also create a signature mocktail with your caterers, which will be just as festive as a regular cocktail when served in a pretty glass with a fun garnish. You could even create a signature non-alcoholic drink that reflects your love story, such as a Cajun and southern-inspired drink or a gourmet mocktail.
In the evening, you could plan more intimate activities such as a romantic swim or hot tub soak, gathering around a cozy bonfire, or enjoying a guided stargazing session.
Remember, there are endless possibilities for crafting a unique and unforgettable experience at your wedding, and your guests will be swept up in the experience without the need for alcohol as a distraction.
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The reception may include dancing, games, photo booths, and group dances
Dancing, games, photo booths, and group dances are all popular features of wedding receptions. If you're planning a Mormon wedding reception, here are some ideas and considerations to keep your guests entertained and create lasting memories:
Dancing
Dancing is a time-honored tradition at wedding receptions, bringing everyone together to celebrate the newlywed couple. Couples may choose to include special dances such as the first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, or even fun group dances like line dances. If you want to encourage your guests to join in the dancing, you can suggest a "Dance for Luck" where guests dance to the bride and groom without being categorised. To keep the energy high, it's essential to choose family-friendly music with uplifting or popular tunes that appeal to all generations.
Games
If you prefer a reception without dancing, there are plenty of alternative games and activities to consider. Interactive games, such as a scavenger hunt, trivia about the couple, or the shoe game, can be enjoyable for everyone. You can also set up lawn games like huge Jenga or bags if your venue has the space. For guests who prefer quieter activities, placing crossword puzzles or Mad Libs on the tables can be a thoughtful touch.
Photo Booths
Photo booths have become a popular feature at wedding receptions, offering guests a fun way to capture memorable moments. They can be professionally organised or DIY, with props and silly faces adding to the entertainment. Some companies even offer a scrapbook with copies of the photos for the couple to cherish.
Group Dances
In addition to special dances, group dances can be a fun way to involve all your guests. These can include line dances or other cultural or traditional dances that reflect the couple's personalities and backgrounds.
Remember, the key is to create a joyful and lively atmosphere that aligns with the values of family, community, and wholesome entertainment in Mormon wedding receptions.
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There is no set wedding food, but there is also no alcohol, coffee or tea
For those who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), faith plays a significant role in many aspects of their wedding, especially the ceremony. An important part of a Mormon wedding is the temple sealing, which symbolises the couple's union in heaven for eternity, not just on earth.
When it comes to the wedding reception, there is no set wedding food. The menu items are chosen based on the couple's preferences. However, there are certain restrictions on what can be served. Alcohol, coffee, and tea are notably absent, as adherents of the LDS faith abstain from consuming these beverages. This is based on their interpretation of the Word of Wisdom, which is a code of health and revelation from God, advising on how to live a healthy life.
While there may not be alcohol, coffee, or tea at a Mormon wedding reception, there is still a wide variety of delicious food and desserts for guests to enjoy. The reception is a time for celebration, and guests can participate in various activities such as dancing, wedding games, and traditions like throwing the bouquet. To keep the reception formal, there may be a pre-party where guests can arrive, sign the guestbook, and get seated before the couple makes their entrance. The reception is also when gifts from the registry are given to the couple, often collected by a designated individual or a few appointed individuals.
It is important to understand the traditions surrounding a Mormon wedding if you are planning one or attending as a guest, as they incorporate their faith into many aspects of the celebration.
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The groom often changes his attire for the wedding reception
In the Mormon faith, marriage is considered to be for life on earth and eternity, including the afterlife. A temple sealing is an important part of a Mormon wedding ceremony, where the couple is "sealed" together as husband and wife. The wedding attire for the ceremony in the temple is bright white, symbolic of purity. The couple may also wear green aprons with a fig leaf pattern, symbolising Adam and Eve.
Following the ceremony, the couple changes into their wedding attire before exiting the temple. This usually includes a suit for the groom and a modest wedding dress for the bride.
Now, for the wedding reception, the groom often changes his attire. This change in attire adds a touch of excitement and surprise to the wedding and can also improve the overall quality of the wedding photos. The groom's attire for the ceremony is usually formal and elegant, with a classic black tuxedo or a well-fitted suit in a deep, rich colour. A timeless bow tie or necktie completes the ensemble.
For the reception, the groom can make a simple yet impactful change, such as swapping out his suit jacket. By choosing a jacket that matches the theme or colour scheme, the groom can adapt his attire to the wedding's style. For example, a tweed or herringbone jacket for a rustic, outdoor wedding, or a light-coloured linen or seersucker jacket for a beach wedding. The groom can also choose a fun suit in a trendy colour or a white dinner coat to make a statement while maintaining formality. If the reception venue is more casual, the groom can even go tie-less and dress it down a bit.
The reception is a great time for the groom to showcase his personal style and make bolder choices. It is an opportunity to reflect family heritage or simply loosen up and relax.
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The bride and groom become sealed, meaning they are sealed together as husband and wife on earth and in Heaven eternally
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), a wedding is a sacred experience that is centred on the belief that marriage is eternal. The temple sealing ceremony is the highest and most sacred form of marriage in the LDS faith, representing the couple's spiritual commitment to each other and to God. During the ceremony, the bride and groom become "sealed", meaning they are sealed together as husband and wife on earth and in Heaven eternally. This is distinct from many other ceremonies, where the officiant might say "til death do you part". Instead, in a Mormon wedding, the officiant will say "for time and all eternity".
The sealing ceremony is a sacred experience for the newly married couple, and photos or videos are not permitted. To witness the sealing, guests must hold a special "temple recommend". Following the ceremony, the couple changes into their wedding attire before exiting the temple. This can include a suit for the groom and a modest wedding dress for the bride. The couple's wedding party often wears the same attire throughout the day.
The wedding reception can be held on the same day or on a separate day, and there may even be multiple receptions. The reception can be held at a variety of venues, from barns to ballrooms, and there is no specific traditional food or drinks served. However, in line with LDS beliefs, alcohol, coffee, and tea are typically not served. There is usually a wide variety of food and treats, including buffets, dessert bars, and family-style meals that fit the couple's tastes and cultural backgrounds.
The reception often includes dancing, a time-honoured tradition that brings everyone together. Couples may opt for a first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, or even fun group dances. The music is typically family-friendly and avoids explicit content. Entertainment can also include interactive games, trivia about the couple, or performances by talented friends or family members. To keep the energy up, couples may get creative with organised activities or photo booths.
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Frequently asked questions
The time of your wedding reception will depend on whether you're holding a morning, afternoon or evening wedding, including a wedding luncheon or breakfast, or even having the reception on a separate day. For example, a morning wedding could be followed by a wedding luncheon, while an afternoon wedding could be followed by an early evening reception.
There are a few things to consider when deciding on a time for your Mormon wedding reception. Firstly, you'll want to make sure that you allow enough time for decorating the reception venue, which can take three to four hours. You'll also need to consider the time of day that will be most convenient for your guests, especially if they are travelling from far away.
Yes, it's important to remember that Mormon wedding receptions are typically alcohol-free, so you may want to consider offering other forms of entertainment such as dancing, games, or a photo booth. You may also want to include a pre-party before the reception, where guests can arrive, sign the guestbook, and get seated. This can also be a good time to serve appetizers and drinks.
