Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, filled with anticipation for that special day when you officially unite with your beloved. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the wedding celebration has a unique and beautiful structure, often centered around a sacred temple sealing. Unlike traditional Christian ceremonies that might feature a pastor guiding specific vows and readings, the focus for Latter-day Saints is on the eternal covenant made within the temple walls, a deeply personal and private experience.
This means that what many might consider the "main" wedding ceremony, with its accompanying formal wording, actually takes place inside a temple, accessible only to worthy members. Outside of the temple, families and friends gather for a joyous celebration, which might include a ring ceremony, a reception, or an open house. These gatherings are where you have the flexibility to craft meaningful moments and share your joy with a wider circle.
So, while there isn’t a prescribed "lds wedding ceremony wording" for a public event in the same way a minister would lead a traditional service, there are countless beautiful ways to structure your public celebration. This article aims to guide you through understanding these unique traditions and offer heartfelt ideas for what you can say and share during your special day with family and friends.
Understanding LDS Wedding Traditions and Public Celebrations
The core of an LDS wedding is the temple sealing, an ordinance performed by delegated priesthood authority, which binds a husband and wife for time and all eternity. This sacred ceremony takes place in one of the Church’s temples, a consecrated house of the Lord. The sealing ceremony itself is brief, reverent, and deeply spiritual, focused on the covenants being made with God. Because of its sacred nature and the covenants involved, only worthy members of the Church are permitted to attend this ordinance. This distinct approach often leads to questions from those unfamiliar with the faith about how Latter-day Saints celebrate their marriage publicly.
Following the temple sealing, the couple will typically emerge from the temple, often to cheers and congratulations from family and friends gathered outside. This is a moment of immense joy and marks the beginning of their life together as an eternally sealed couple. It is at this point, or later during a reception, that the broader celebration takes place, welcoming all loved ones, regardless of their faith or temple recommend status.
These post-temple gatherings are not considered a legal or religious "ceremony" in the traditional sense, but rather a celebratory reception or a ring ceremony where the couple can share their commitment and joy with everyone. There’s no specific script or formal "lds wedding ceremony wording" for these events, which gives couples wonderful freedom to personalize their celebration to reflect their personalities and love story.
At these events, you might see anything from a simple reception with food and mingling to a more structured program featuring music, speeches, and an exchange of rings. The atmosphere is generally one of happiness, unity, and gratitude for family and friends. It’s a chance to acknowledge those who have supported the couple and to share the excitement of their new beginning.
Ultimately, the focus of these public celebrations is on sharing the happiness of the couple’s eternal union and strengthening family bonds. The lack of a strict format allows for creativity and a truly personal touch, ensuring the celebration is memorable and heartfelt for all who attend.
Ideas for Your LDS Wedding Celebration Wording
While there’s no set "lds wedding ceremony wording" for a public event, many couples choose to incorporate meaningful words and elements into their post-temple celebrations, such as a ring ceremony or a reception program. Here are some ideas for wording various parts of your special day, helping you craft a celebration that feels uniquely yours and spiritually uplifting:
- **Welcome Remarks:** A warm greeting to all guests, thanking them for coming to celebrate your eternal union. You might say something like, “We are so grateful you could join us today to celebrate our sealing in the temple and the beginning of our eternal journey together. Your presence means the world to us.”
- **Introduction of the Couple:** A family member or friend can briefly introduce the newlyweds, perhaps sharing a short anecdote about their relationship or expressing joy for their union.
- **Parents’ Blessing or Advice:** Parents of the bride and groom might offer a short blessing, words of wisdom, or heartfelt advice for the couple’s new life together, focusing on principles of faith, love, and service.
- **Ring Exchange (Optional):** If you choose to exchange rings publicly, you can say simple, loving words to each other, such as, “With this ring, I promise my eternal love and devotion to you, forever.” or “This ring is a symbol of my temple covenants and my commitment to you always.”
- **Special Musical Number Introduction:** If a musical number is performed, a brief introduction can set the tone, explaining the significance of the song to the couple.
- **Scripture Reading or Uplifting Quote:** A cherished scripture verse or an inspiring quote about marriage, love, or eternal families can be read aloud, adding a spiritual dimension.
- **Words of Gratitude:** The couple can express their thanks to specific individuals, like parents, siblings, or friends, for their support and love throughout their lives and during the wedding planning.
- **A Dedicatory Prayer:** Often, a father, grandfather, or another priesthood holder will offer a beautiful prayer dedicating the couple’s marriage, home, and future together to the Lord.
- **Blessing on the Refreshments/Meal:** A simple blessing can be offered before any food is served, expressing gratitude for the nourishment and the opportunity to gather.
- **Closing Remarks:** The couple, or someone representing them, can offer final words of thanks and invite guests to continue enjoying the celebration or to depart safely.
- **Acknowledging Loved Ones from Afar:** A special mention for family and friends who traveled a great distance to be part of your day, acknowledging their effort and love.
- **Words Before Cake Cutting:** A sweet and simple statement before cutting the cake, like “As we share this first slice of cake, we symbolize the sweetness and joy we look forward to sharing throughout our eternal lives.”
An LDS wedding celebration, while distinct from traditional ceremonies, is a beautiful reflection of eternal love, family unity, and faith. It is a time for heartfelt expressions, shared joy, and gratitude for the sacred covenants made. The freedom to personalize your public gathering allows you to create a truly memorable event that resonates with your unique journey and commitment.
Ultimately, whether through spoken words, music, or shared moments, the celebration surrounding your temple sealing becomes a testament to your eternal love and the joy of embarking on your forever together. It is a day to cherish, surrounded by those who mean the most to you, as you step forward into a future filled with promise and eternal possibilities.
