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There are a number of choices available to the bride and
groom about how each stage of their wedding ceremony is carried
out.
It is worth taking time to consider the options available, and
we have also provided some suggestions of points to bear in mind
when planning the day.
Arrival
Your wedding party should be assembled at your marriage venue at
least 10 minutes before your ceremony is due to start.
This will allow time for you photographer or videographer to
record your arrival and enable the registration staff to confirm
last minute details.
The ceremony will be conducted by a celebrant and recorded in
the marriage register by a registrar.
Entrance of the bride
The bride can enter the ceremony room by herself, accompanied by
a family member, with the groom after guests, or with the groom
before guests.
The bride can be escorted by her father or any other family
member, friend or special person in her life.
Declaration of intention to marry
The bride and groom will be asked to confirm their intention to
marry each other and make the pledges by which they commit
themselves to each other.
It is at this point that the celebrant will ask if any person
present knows of any lawful impediment why the marriage should not
take place.
If the bride has chosen to be "given away", the celebrant will
ask who presents her in marriage.
Vows of marriage
The bride and groom separately declare their freedom to marry
each other and then make their vows of marriage.
Exchanging of rings or love tokens
Tradition provides that the ceremony may include the giving or
receiving of a ring or rings.
It is a moment that is very individual and personal to each
couple. They can be presented by the best man or other special
person i.e. child, friend or relative.
The bride and groom may also wish to give each other love tokens
or perhaps gifts to other family members.
Signing of the register
In addition to the bride and groom two guests who act as
witnesses to the ceremony will formally sign the entry in the
marriage register.
The entry will then be completed by the celebrant and the
registrar and a copy (or copies) provided for the new husband and
wife.
Photography and videography
Both photography and videography are welcomed throughout the
ceremony.
The celebrant conducting the ceremony will be pleased to suggest
suitable moments.
These moments may include the arrival of the bride, exchange of
rings, kiss and the signing of the register.
Music
Music can form an important part of your ceremony. A CD of
Kentish Wedding music is available but you may also supply your own
CD of favourite music.
Music can be played to accompany the entrance of the bride,
whilst the marriage register is being signed and as the newly
married couple exit from the marriage suite.
Music should normally be of a secular nature although music that
contains an incidental reference to religion may be
permissible.
Poetry and message of celebration
Poetry can play an important part within the marriage
ceremony.
Another popular choice is to include within the ceremony a
message of celebration from either a member of the bride or groom's
family or perhaps a close friend.
The message does not need to be very long but usually reflects
the love and commitment that the bride and groom have for each
other.
As part of their Kentish wedding ceremony pack brides and grooms
receive a booklet of suggested poems and messages of
celebration.
Poetry and messages should normally be of a secular nature
although those that contain an incidental reference to religion may
be permissible.
Commemorative marriage certificate
A commemorative marriage certificate specially designed for a
Kentish wedding may be presented to the bride and groom at the end
of their ceremony.
This is a perfect reminder of memories to treasure, and could be
framed or used as an introduction at the beginning of your wedding
album.
View the commemorative marriage
certificate. |