Tag: Til Death do us part

Rethinking Wedding Traditions

The marriage ceremony is a “passing of the torch” (through this ritual of vowing to love, honor and cherish) from one generation to the next. It reaffirms the importance of preserving those things that make our relationships with our spouses healthy, strong, and supportive. Marriage is a statement of our hope and determination to continue that chain of sharing, and the hope it represents, into the future – so that our spiritual (or physical) descendants will someday have their own opportunity to join with us in making the same affirmations. That said, it is important to recognize that as our culture changes, so too must our traditions. Therefore, no marriage tradition is so sacred that it can’t be rethought or even entirely omitted.

wedding_bandsAs a minister, I am (obviously) called on from time to time to officiate at weddings.  In helping a couple plan their wedding and begin their new life together it is important to help them recognize that as our culture changes, so too must our traditions, if they are to remain relevant and meaningful.  Therefore, no tradition is so sacred that it can’t be rethought or even entirely omitted.

Along these lines, the New York Times recently published an article entitled “What Wedding Traditions Should Be Tossed?”  Which brought together the thoughts of a number of experts on various aspects of marriage and relationship.  These authors’ suggestions are all worth considering when helping a couple work through their plans to marry – and for the ceremony itself.  I thought I’d highlight some of the suggestions that I find most helpful in my role as the officiant and spiritual guide, and I’ve added a couple of additional suggestions of my own…

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