Planning

Detroit Weddings

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Planning Your Wedding Ceremony

(Also read Basic Parts of a Wedding Ceremony.)

Guests

A wedding ceremony is an important milestone in your life. Often the family and friends attend this important ceremony expecting only to be spectators. However, a ceremony can be created where the guests are transformed into participants. They can be called upon as a whole group to give their promise to support the couple. Or individuals can act as representatives of the group by offering good wishes or blessings for the couple’s happy future, or by reading appropriate poems or prayers. Children are often an attractive addition to this ritual, especially if they are the children of the bride or groom, about to become part of a newly blended family.

Readings, Prayers and Music

Sometimes the bride or groom or a family member will have written a special poem to be included. Often one of the family members is asked to present a reading, quotation or prayer during the service. Or Elaine will read the chosen selections. Sometimes family or friends will share a story, perhaps funny or charming, that depicts the affection of the families and what brought the bride and groom to this important day. A musically talented friend or family member may also be asked to sing or perform a short musical piece. Elaine will work with the musicians to coordinate the use of appropriate music for the prelude, processional, recessional and during the ceremony. Types of music you might consider include; string quartet, flute, violin, piano or keyboard, harp, dulcimer, guitar, vocalist, or pre-recorded (CDs or tapes).

Homily

Drawing on her life experiences as a spouse in a loving relationship of 42 years, Elaine can offer a short homily that includes some brief thoughts about marriage relationships. These words are written ahead of time and approved by the bride and groom for inclusion in the ceremony. Elaine believes that if you are familiar with the script of your wedding service before hand, you will be more relaxed and confident at the time of the actual ceremony.

Friends and Family

Since none of us comes to the moment of making a marriage commitment without the input and interaction of family and friends, it is important that they are considered in the planning of the ceremony. Since you have shared your growing-up, your exploring of the world, your joys and your sorrows, over the years with families and friends, it only makes sense that they share in this solemn and defining moment when two separate families unite to form a new branch on the ancestral tree.

Vows

You can write your own vows to uniquely convey your feelings for your marriage partner. To get started you might research the many good wedding vow books available at stores and libraries. For the most part, you will want to write vows that convey in traditional terms, the dimensions of your love and the life-long character of the commitment you are making. Elaine can help you write your vows, or she can write them for you, as you desire.

Rings

From the times of the earliest formalized wedding ceremonies, rings have been the symbol of the marriage promise. The precious metal symbolizes the value of love. And the circular shape is the ultimate symbol of the endless supply of love that sustains your relationship. If you are exchanging rings, Elaine will write appropriate ring vows for you.

Pronouncement

Elaine will cite her authority under the laws of the state where she is recognized as an ordained minister, to declare you to be husband and wife. Then you are given permission to kiss to seal your vows.

Rituals

As a newly married couple, you may want to receive a blessing, or light a candle to symbolize your new unity, or perform another gesture affirming their new life. Sometimes a couple will memorialize deceased loved ones, or honor their parents by presenting them with special flowers. Special music often is a part of these unique rituals. Family mementos may be presented if there are children joining in the service with their bridal-couple parents. Hand fasting, an old Celtic tradition can also be incorporated, whereby the couple’s hands are bound with a silken cord or ribbon and special words are spoken. Some other rituals include the Water Libation, Blessing of the Hands, Sand Blending, Unity Candle, and Loving Cup (wine sharing). Many rituals come from the heritage or cultural background of one or both, bride and groom.

Benediction

Elaine will close the ceremony with a short blessing or poem of good wishes for the newly married couple. After this you will be introduced to the guests in the form you desire, such as “Ed and Nancy Walsh”, “Mr. and Mrs. Edward Walsh” or "husband and wife". Elaine will suggest several alternatives for you to choose from.

Attire

Attire worn by the wedding officiant is an important part of helping to set the tone for the wedding ceremony. Elaine is prepared to wear a traditional judicial/ ministerial-style robe, a business suit, long dress, short dress or more casual clothing, according to your wishes. Since each ceremony is different, Elaine is prepared to make suggestions.

Remembrances

When the ceremony is over, Elaine will ask your witnesses to sign all copies of the marriage license. She will ensure that the official copy is mailed to the county records department, and that your personal copy is delivered into responsible hands. Elaine will also provide you with an elegant marriage certificate printed on parchment paper, suitable for framing. You will also receive a copy of your wedding ceremony script printed on designer paper.

A wedding officiant may also be referred to as a: celebrant, clergy, officiator, officiate, official, pastor, preacher, wedding minister, minister, magistrate, justice of the peace, JP, priest, judge, facilitator, counselor and rabbi. Rev. Elaine Radloff is a Michigan wedding officiant, MI wedding officiant, (a non-denominational minister) who can officiate your ceremony if you are getting married in Michigan, are having a wedding in Michigan, are having a MI wedding or are wanting to get married in Michigan. Rev. Elaine will write and perform a wedding ceremony (marriage ceremony) or vows renewal (vow renewals) ceremony with as much of your input as you would like. Elaine performs indoor weddings and outdoor weddings in Michigan. Printed ceremony programs are also available. A sample wedding ceremony is included in a packet mailed to you. Also please remember that getting married online, getting married on the web, or getting married on the Internet, is not legal. Rev. Elaine Radloff will marry you in person and sign your marriage license so it is a legal marriage, a legal wedding.