PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE: EXAMPLES
(SECULAR TRADITIONAL)
1. Celebrant: Who is it that brings this woman to this man?
[The father, children, relatives, etc. may give the bride away. He/they answer: I do. This person then stands back and the groom takes the bride's hand].
(SECULAR TRADITIONAL)
2. Celebrant: Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
The person who gives the woman: I do. Or Her mother and I do.
(SECULAR TRADITIONAL)
3. Celebrant: Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?
People: We will.
Celebrant: Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
The person who gives the woman: I do.
(SECULAR MODERN)
4. Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, _______________ and _______________ have come here today to be joined as one in marriage. Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but, as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing. _______________, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?
Bride: Yes, it is true.
Celebrant: With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?
Father: She comes with me, her father, and is accompanied by all her family's blessings.
(SECULAR MODERN)
5. Celebrant: Who stands with this woman to symbolize the traditions and family out of which she comes?
The Father, Both Parents, Entire Family or Friend: I do or We do.
Celebrant: Who stands with this man to symbolize the traditions and family out of which he comes?
The Father, Both Parents, Entire Family or Friend: I do or We do.
(SECULAR MODERN)
6. [The Celebrant invites parents or family representatives to stand behind the bride and groom]
Celebrant: The union of ______________ and ________________ brings together two family traditions, two systems of roots, in the hope that a new family tree may become strong and fruitful. Theirs is a personal choice and a decision for which they are primarily responsible. Yet their life will be enriched by the support of the families from which each comes.
Celebrant: Will you (parents or family representatives) encourage ________________ and ________________ in their marriage?
Parents or Family Representatives: We Will.
Celebrant: Do you celebrate with them the decision they have made to choose each other?
Parents or Family Representatives: We do.
Celebrant: Will you continue to stand beside them, yet not between?
Parents or Family Representatives: We will.
(SECULAR MODERN - TO BE ADDED BY THE BRIDE AFTER HER FATHER "GIVES HER AWAY")
7. By the way Dad, thanks for being such a great father all these years. You were a wonderful example of a loving man, and a hard act to follow, I might add. And Mom, thanks for always taking such good care of me. I wouldn't be here without all the wonderful love you showered on me.
(SECULAR MODERN - TO BE ADDED BY THE BRIDE ADDRESSING GROOM'S PARENTS)
8. And, Mr. & Mrs. ____________, thanks for bringing (Groom's Name) into the world, for giving him all the love that turned him into the man who's irresistible to me. Thank you for loving him first. I promise to keep up your good work.
(SECULAR MODERN - TO BE ADDED BY THE GROOM ADDRESSING THE BRIDE'S PARENTS)
9. Thanks for being such great parents. Without your love, I know she wouldn't be the wonderful person I'm marrying today.
PRESENTATIONS OF THE BRIDE: FROM AROUND THE WEB