Halifax Wedding - Ceremony

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Halifax Wedding - Ceremony

Topic: Ceremony Planning, Location, Second Marriages

Timeframe: ASAP

Ceremony Planning

While couples have long expressed their unique sense of celebration and tradition in planning and staging the wedding reception, more and more couples are bringing the same sense of individuality and creativity to the wedding ceremony itself. Whether in a church or in a castle, traditional or non-traditional, the ceremony of marriage has enjoyed a renaissance in recent times.

Choosing a Setting and Style

In a formal wedding, you will conform to strict, traditional marriage rites and rituals. A formal wedding is generally held in a place of worship and is larger in the number of attendants and the number of guests. It is also more elaborate in attire, invitations, reception arrangements, flowers, decorations, and special touches than a semi-formal or informal wedding.

A semi-formal wedding generally follows the traditions. Arrangements, however, are less elaborate and allow for more flexibility than a formal wedding. Semi-formal wedding ceremonies may take place in a church, hotel, or private club.

An informal wedding can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Only your imagination and budget limit you. Informal weddings are usually smaller in both wedding party size and number of guests invited. An informal wedding may be held in a church, club, hotel, park, public garden, private residence, or anywhere you choose. Be sure to check on permits if you are considering a public park, garden, or historical site for your ceremony.

Ceremony Location

If you plan on marrying at your place of worship, you should consult with the clergy as soon as possible. Your clergy may assist you in selecting a date, advise you on required premarital counseling, and provide information on the ceremony itself. Ask about:

• Fees and donations expected for the use of facilities and services provided.

• Services and equipment available: music, decorations, parking, clean up, etc.

• The standard church service and amount of freedom allowed for personalization.

• Ceremony music, readings, and help with writing special vows, if permitted.

• Church capacity and local fire laws.

• Restrictions around music, photography, flowers, throwing of rice or birdseed.

• Use of the church facilities for the bridal party to dress.

If you are not currently a member of a church but wish to be married in one, you have several options. If you have the time and desire, you may join a church. If your family belongs to a church, ask their clergy if they would be willing to perform the ceremony. Ask friends and relatives if they know of clergy who will perform ceremonies for non-members. You may also call churches directly. Some will offer to marry you, others will not. Premarital counseling is almost always a condition of acceptance on the part of the clergy. Unitarian and other congregations may offer more flexibility.

Interfaith couples may wish to consider an ecumenical ceremony in which a clergy from each faith is present.

You may also have your clergy perform the ceremony at the site of the reception or at an outdoor location. Be sure to discuss this early because some religions restrict or prohibit this type of ceremony. You should contact the reception site to see what equipment (portable altar, kneelers, and chuppah) they have available. There may be additional charges for the use of these items, or they may have to be rented from a rental service. Should you plan an outdoor ceremony, be certain to have an alternate site readily available in case of bad weather. Rental agencies can provide tents.

If you prefer a civil ceremony, you should contact local judges and/or district magistrates. Some perform wedding ceremonies only at their offices. Be sure to inquire about requirements and fees. Check listings in the Blue

Atlantic Wedding Showcase * 411-154 Willowdale Drive * Dartmouth, NS B2V 2W4 * 902-462-2969
info@atlanticweddingshowcase.com