AFFIRMATION OF THE COMMUNITY FOR A WEDDING CEREMONY
(addition)

The Affirmation of the Community is the parents, families, and/or guests chance to say "yes" to all they are witnessing. It is their opportunity to offer their blessings and support to the marriage.
 
For each selection in this section, we provide alternatives to match the kind of ceremony you're looking for. For example, within the major categories of Secular, Spiritual, and Religious, we provide Traditional, Modern, and Romantic selections from which you can choose. Secular selections have no references to God or any specific deities, while Spiritual and Religious selections may mention God, spirituality, specific deities, or some combination of those topics.

The Affirmation of the Community is an Element that you can add to the Classic Ceremonies. Please remember that you can use these selections "as is" or change the wording in whatever way you wish to better suit your ceremony. Also, at the bottom of the page we provide links to other selections from around the web. Feel free to visit and choose wording from those links as well.
AFFIRMATION OF THE COMMUNITY: EXAMPLES
(SECULAR TRADITIONAL)
1. Celebrant: Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?
Guests: We will.

(SECULAR TRADITIONAL)
2. Celebrant: Will you who witness this exchange of vows between __________________ and ____________________ so order your lives that they will be surrounded by constant love; strengthened by your wisest counsel (when it is requested); encouraged by your thoughtful concern; and instructed by your good example?
Guests: We will.

(SECULAR MODERN)
3. Celebrant: We are privileged to witness a special event in the lives of _________________ and ___________________. They are making their covenant in our presence and indicating their intention to move through life together. We are now given the opportunity to indicate our support and affirmation of their decision. I invite you to indicate your support by answering the following questions:
Do you commit yourself to providing all the encouragement and support possible to help _________________ and ___________________ in their marriage?
Guests: I do.
And do you agree to do all in your power to assist _________________ and __________________ in the struggles which are bound to be encountered?
Guests: I do.
And, do you give yourself to the ideal of living out a life of commitment, that ________________ and ___________________ may see in you that toward which they too should strive?
Guests: I do.

(SECULAR MODERN)
4. Celebrant: The marriage of ________________ and _________________ has called us together because this union touches each one of us. A new family will be established in our midst, and we celebrate that new relationship with the bride and groom. Will you who are family and friends of this couple affirm your continuing support and love to ____________________ and __________________ as they grow in their marriage?
Guests: We will.
Celebrant: Will you offer to them the best of your care and counsel in their times of struggle and your celebration with them in their times of joy?
Guests: We will.
Celebrant: Will you wholeheartedly accept each of them in this community and share with them the tasks of making the world a neighborhood of human care and support?
Guests: We will.

(SPIRITUAL/RELIGIOUS ROMANTIC - BLESSING BY THE PARENTS AND/OR THE WEDDING PARTY)
5. May you dwell in God's presence forever; may true and constant love preserve you.

(RELIGIOUS TRADITIONAL)
6. Celebrant: The marriage of ___________________ and __________________unites two families and creates a new one. They ask for your blessing.
Parents or other family representatives: We rejoice in your union, and pray God's blessing upon you.
Celebrant: Will all of you, by God's grace, do everything in your power to uphold and care for these two persons in their marriage?
Guests: We will.


AFFIRMATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY: FROM AROUND THE WEB
Affirmation of the Community
Community Pledge of Support