Many religions have rules and traditions surrounding the wedding ceremony, though most leave room for the addition of creative touches like personalized wedding vows, home-grown rituals, or ceremonial elements from other faiths. Check with your officiant to see if there are any rules you must follow before deciding on a certain tradition. On the other hand, you may be simply "shopping around" for rites and traditions that suit your unique style and personal philosophy!
Here is a list of religious wedding traditions from a few faiths to get you started:
Protestant Weddings
- After the processional, the service begins with a greeting and call to worship by the minister.
- Readings, a short sermon, and the lighting of a unity candle are often a part of the ceremony.
- The ceremony concludes with a prayer of thanksgiving, the benediction and finally, the recessional.
Roman Catholic Weddings
- Before getting married, the couple must attend marriage counseling, called "pre-cana programs."
- The Bride and Groom get married at her parish.
- The ceremony must include the nuptial blessing, prayers and at least three readings.
- As the vows are being exchanged, the entire congregation stands.
- Mass is often included in the ceremony.
Jewish Weddings
- The ceremony must take place under a Chuppah. This symbolizes a husband bringing his wife into their home.
- Memorable elements include the blessing of the wine, the reading of the Ketubah and the breaking of the glass.
Muslim Weddings
- The ceremony is really just the signing of the wedding contract. It lasts only for about five minutes.
- The public celebration can last for days afterwards.
- The celebration begins with a Walima, which is a feast where chicken, fish and rice are served.
- Toward the end of the festivities, the bride is often lifted like royalty and "displayed" for the crowd to see.
Buddhist Weddings
- Ceremonies are usually designed by the couple and are quite simple.
- An O jujo, a 21-bead strand, is used to offer prayers and incense to Buddha
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