The Meanings of Wedding Symbols The act of marriage is full of symbolism. It marks the essential e ssential union between male and female to create a nurture new life. The symbolism of wedding customs is shown in the wedding ring, joining of hands, and the presence of small children around the bride. The children are a form of sympathetic magic, and symbolize future children. The custom of throwing grain, rice, or confetti is another fertility symbol. Even the wedding cake can be seen as a fertility symbol, as food is often used as a sexual symbol. The custom of breaking a glass or other small object at the wedding reception has sexual overtones, too, as it symbolizes the consummation of the marriage. Wedding Cake The tradition of a wedding cake goes back to Roman times ti mes when a cake of meal was crumbled over the bride’s head to provide good luck. The wedding cake symbolizes good fortune and fertility. It also brings good luck to everyone who eats it. The wedding cake should be made with an abundance of good quality ingredients to symbolize a long-lasting, rich, and happy marriage.
The bride cuts the first slice of cake to provide good fortune in the marriage. Nowadays, her groom helps in this task, to ensure that he shares the good fortune. This also shows they will share all their worldly goods in the future. There are a number of pleasant traditions surrounding the wedding cake. One is that the bride puts aside a slice of cake to ensure that her husband remains faithful. A tier of the cake can be put aside for later use as a christening cake. This ensures future children. Any unmarried women at the wedding should take a piece of cake home with them and place it under their pillows. This may produce dreams in which they see their own future partners.
Wedding Gowns Bridal outfits are extremely important; none more so than the wedding dress. Wedding dresses date back to ancient Egypt, where the bride wore a dress of sheer silk that clung to her body and concealed nothing. Since then, more and more layers were gradually added, mainly for modesty reasons.
Queen Victoria broke with tradition by wearing a white wedding dress. Up until then, royal brides had always worn silver. Of course, after her wedding, every bride wanted to be married in white, as it symbolized purity and innocence. Nowadays, the bride is free to wear any color she chooses. It makes good sense for her to wear the color that is most becoming to her. An old rhyme from Warwickshire, England rather facetiously discusses different color possibilities: Married in white, you have chosen all right, Married in green, ashamed to be seen, Married in grey, you’ll go far away, Married in red, you’ll wish yourself dead, Married in blue, your lover is true, Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow, Married in black, you’ll wish yourself back, Married in pink, of you he’ll think, Married in brown, you’ll live out of town. There are several variations of this rhyme. As well as the dress, the bride bride had to wear “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Because there is one more line to this verse ( And a silver sixpence in your shoe ), ), many brides place a coin in their left shoe to ensure that the marriage ma rriage will be prosperous. Something old” is ideally an object that belonged to a happily married old woman. Her husband had to be alive, as the magic did not work if she was widowed. This is an example of “sympathetic “sympathetic magic.” magic.” The The idea is that some of the good fortune that the old woman had experienced in her marriage would be passed on to the new bride. Something new” is usually the wedding gown itself. However, it can be anything at all. Something borrowed” originally origina lly meant something golden. Consequently, it was usually a precious piece of jewelry loaned
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by a relative. The gold object symbolized the sun, the source of all life, and wearing the borrowed object signified a union between the sun and the bride. Something blue” is to honor the moon, the protector of all women. There are also a number of superstitions attached to the wedding gown. It used to be considered bad luck for the bride to make her own wedding dress. It was also considered to be tempting fate for the bride to try on the wedding dress before her wedding day. Another superstition is that the bride should not look at herself in a mirror once she is completely dressed, before leaving for the church.
Bridal Veil There are several suggestions as to the origin of the bridal veil. The most popular belief is that the traditional bridal veil was worn to conceal the bride’s beauty from any evil spirits who might try to steal her away. Consequently, the veil could not be lifted up until after the marriage had been solemnized. Another possibility is that the veil protected the bride from accidentally encountering the evil eye, eye, which would be disastrous for the success of the marriage. The bridal veil may even have come from the East, where a man could not look at the bride’s face until after she was married. Some folklorists suggest that the veil signifies the bride’s submission to her husband, but others say it indicates the opposite. The Greeks and Romans used a bridal canopy that was held over the bride and groom to keep the evil eye away. It is possible that the bridal veil is descended from that.
No matter what the origin, the bridal veil is still popular. Some brides like to wear the bridal veil of a friend or relative who is happily married. This is another a nother example of sympathetic magic.
Bridal Bouquet Flowers symbolize sex and fecundity. Consequently, the bridal bouquet symbolizes joyful lovemaking and fertility. The ribbons around the flowers are believed to bring good luck. There should also be knots, known as “lover’s knots,” at the end of each ribbon. These symbolize unity and wholeness. Throwing the bouquet is a recent innovation. Whoever ca tches it will be the next bride.
Flower Buttonholes A boutonniere, or buttonhole, is a flower flower or small bouquet worn in the buttonhole of a lapel. Boutonnieres were originally originally given to wedding guests to wish them luck.
Wedding Ring The wedding ring is a perfect circle, with no beginning and no end. It symbolizes union, eternity, and completeness. No one knows where wedding rings originated. In ancient Egypt, married women wore grass bracelets around th eir wrists. This told other people that the woman was was taken, and also signified that she accepted her husband’s power and protection. The Romans introduced rings of precious metals, such as silver, gold, and platinum. As well as showing that the woman was married, it also showed that the husband was prepared prepar ed to trust her with valuable possessions.
The wedding ring has been worn on different fingers at various times. In ancient Greece, the index finger was normally used. In India, it was the thumb. The fourth finger was used for some time, until the third finger of the left hand became generally accepted. This dates back to an ancient Egyptian belief that a vein connected this finger directly with the heart. Once the ring was placed on this finger, the love was sealed in and could never escape. During Victorian times, it was common for the bridesmaids to push a piece of wedding cake through the wedding ring nine times. This meant she would meet her husband, and get married, within one year. One of the most touching stories about wedding rings I have heard involves William of Orange (1650-1702). When he died, he was wearing (on a ribbon tied around his neck) the wedding ring that he had presented to his wife, Princess Mary (1662-1694) in 1677. A lock of her hair was entwined around the ring.
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Rice Throwing Rice throwing is an ancient custom. It possibly began in the Orient, where rice is a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and health. Consequently, throwing rice over the happy co uple was an effective way to wish these qualities on the marriage.
The ancient Romans threw nuts and sweets of various kinds at the bride. The Anglo-Saxons tossed wheat and barley on the floor of the church for the bride to walk on. Another possible source of this ancient ancient custom is the belief that evil spirits were attracted to weddings. They were envious and jealous of the bride. However, they were also hungry and ate the rice, which kept them away from the bride.
Honeymoon The word “honeymoon” comes from the ancient an cient Teuton practice of drinking mead, a wine made from honey, for a month (or one moon’s cycle) after the wedding. Apparently, Attila the Hun drank so much mead on his honeymoon that he suffocated and died.
The honeymoon itself goes back tot he time when a groom captured his bride by force and had to keep well away until the bride’s relatives had ceased looking for her. It was a diplomatic move on the new husband’s part to bring gifts for his in-laws when he brought his wife home.
Carrying the Bride Across the Threshold The origins of this practice are no longer known. However, it is possibly related to the old practice of marriage by capture. Another possibility is that by carrying carrying the bride over the threshold, threshold, she cannot stumble, as stumbling is considered considered a bad omen. Horseshoe A horseshoe is considered a protective protective amulet against the evil eye. This probably derives from the fact that the horseshoe protects the horse. However, the crescent shape of a horseshoe reminded people of the moon, and this encouraged other symbolism. Horseshoes can be hung with their prongs pointing either up or down. Masculine energy is produced if the prongs point upward, and female energy if they point down. Either way provides good luck.
There is a tradition of presenting a horseshoe, either real or decorative, to newly married couples. This gift is to wish them luck and protect their home. The legend behind this concerns a blacksmith who later became Archbishop of Canterbury. St. Dunstan was working one day when a cloaked figure arrived and asked the smith if he would re-shoe him, rather than his horse. St. Dunstan knew Satan had cloven heels that needed shoes. Obviously, his strange visitor had to be Satan. He tortured Satan with a red-hot poker until he agreed never to enter a house that displayed a horseshoe.
Wedding Ceremony Traditions Filipino Weddings reflect the strong traditions of family famil y (& extended family) and symbolism. Thus, Filipino wedding ceremonies typically involve many people, and the wedding rituals typically "speak" to the couple personally. Beyond the usual bridal party, the Filipino wedding involves people who are also significant in the couple's life: the Principal Sponsors and the Secondary Sponsors. The Principal Sponsors (aka Ninang and Ninong) : These are women and men whom the bride and groom respect & admire. They are, as in the early days da ys of the Church, sponsors of the couple attesting to their readiness for marriage and freedom to marry. These are often aunts and uncles or close friends of the family. In the Philippines, they are the official witnesses of the state and they sign the marriage license. Worldwide, their participation is symbolic s ymbolic of the wisdom & support they shall offer the new couple. The number of sponsors can vary from a single couple to many couples. The Principal sponsors are part of the bridal procession. At the nuptial blessing, they may also be invited to come up with the celebrant and to extend their right hands to join in the prayer of blessing. In doing so, they are fulfilling their roles as sponsors.
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Return to top of this section | this page The Secondary Sponsors: Sponsors : These are women and men whom the couple chooses to involve in their ceremony because of their affinity or friendship with them. They The y are typically relatives or close friends. There are four sets of Secondary Sponsors:
The Coin Sponsors - those who will present the Unity Coins / Arras. Often, they will also provide the Unity Coins. Coins. Alternately, the coins may be brought to the altar by a coin bearer who is a child (relative or friend). The Wedding Coins (also known as: Arras [ah-rahs] or Arrhae [ar-rah-heh]) have traditionally symbolized the prosperity that would be shared by the new couple, and the groom's promise to provide for the welfare of the new family. *However, today's couples embrace life & face the world together in a more mutually supportive way than ever before. b efore. So, the Wedding Coins have come to symbolize the couple's commitment to mutually contributing to their relationship, their children, and their community. Prayers for: Wedding Coins The Veil Sponsors - those who will place a white veil over the shoulders of the couple. The Couple's Veil (white) has come to be a symbol of purity. Its original meaning was the symbol of the presence of the Lord, as the cloud was a symbol of His presence. It is placed over the shoulders of the couple to symbolize their union and being "clothed as one" in unity. Prayers for: Couple's Veil & Cord The Cord Sponsors - those who will place a knotted cord over the heads of the couple, to lay on their shoulders. The Cord is a symbol of the couple's bond; that indeed they are no longer two but one in their new life as a couple. Prayers for: Couple's Veil & Cord The Candle Sponsors - those who will light the candles on the altar. The candles symbolize the Light of Christ, the same light they received at Baptism and now receive again to lead them in their new life as a couple. Some couples choose to have their mothers or fathers light the candles in this ritual. Prayers for: Candles Return to top of this section | this page In order for the congregation to understand the meaning of the actions and the various symbols: a. the celebrant may preface the action before calling on the secondary sponsors. b. have another person read a commentary explaining the actions c. the couple may print a short explanation in their program. Sequence of symbols in the Wedding Ceremony Lighting of the candles usually takes place before the readings. The candles may also be lit at the beginning of the ceremony. Prayers for: Candles The sharing/exchange of the Wedding Coins / Arrhae takes place immediately after the exchange of rings. The T he Wedding Coins are blessed, and then the celebrant gives it to the couple to share or pass from one to the other. Prayers for: Wedding Coins The Couple's Veil is placed over the shoulders of the couple as they kneel side-b y-side. This is usually done immediately after the exchange of arrhae and before the General Intercession. Prayers for: Couple's Veil & Cord The placing of the Cord follows after the veil is in place. Prayers for: Couple's Veil & Cord *If the bride and groom want to be part of the Offertory, either as gift bearers or as those receiving the gifts from the bearers and handing them to the celebrant, then the veil and cord are placed after that. Once the veil and cord are in place, they are to remain kneeling until after Communion. IF the bride and groom would like to participate in the Sign of Peace the veil and cord can be removed after the nuptial blessing.
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Return to top of this section | this page Blessing of the Wedding Coins / Arras / Arrhae: Arrhae : Blessing of the Wedding Coins / Arras / Arrhae #1 (name of Coin Bearer) will present the pillow with the coins. (celebrant): Originally, there was an understanding of husband as "bread winner" and wife as "home maker" so the coins were given and received not in a spirit of reciprocity but in a give/take relationship. Nowadays the coins are a reminder of good stewardship for all couples; that they will mutually support each other, their children and the world around them. (As the couple exchange the coins): One says: (name of spouse), take these coins as a pledge of our commitment to share God's gifts. The other says: (name of spouse), I accept and treasure your gift. Let us together always share God's blessings. Return to top of o fthis section | this page Blessing of the Wedding Coins / Arras / Arrhae #2 (name of Coin Bearer) will present the pillow with the coins. (celebrant): Lord, bless these coins. Grant (names of couple) not only o nly material possessions, but abundant spiritual strength, which these coins symbolize, so that they use them to bless others and to attain eternal life. Hold the coins in your hands as a sign that your blessings will no longer be held separately, but together. And may you always show that whatever gift you may have in this life is not ultimately yours but the Lords. (One of the couple) lets the coins fall into the hands of the other) One says: (name of spouse), accept these coins as a pledge of my total dedication and constant con stant concern for your welfare. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Return to top of this section | this page Blessing of the Wedding Coins / Arras / Arrhae #3 (name of Coin Bearer) will present the pillow with the coins. (celebrant): May God bless these coins / arras as a sign of mutual support and responsibility. (One of the couple): I give you these coins as a pledge of my dedication to you, the care of our home, and the welfare of our children. (The other): I accept them and in the same way pledge my dedication to you, the care of our home, and the welfare of our children. Return to top of this section | this page Wedding Ceremony Prayers for Couple's Veil & Cord : Prayer for Couple's Veil & Cord #1 (reader / celebrant reads as Veil Sponsors place veil over couple's shoulders):
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(couple's names), at Baptism you were clothed with the th e white garments symbolizing the new life of purity and joy in the Lord, to which the Risen Christ has called you. We clothe you again with this precocious garment as you enter into the new phase of your life with God. Wear it unstained and let the joy of the spirit shine forth to you and your children whom the Lord's loving design will bring into your life. (reader / celebrant reads as Cord Sponsors place cord over couple's shoulders): This cord symbolizes the love of God which brings your hearts and souls together. May your love grow stronger and bind you closer together through years, from here to eternity. We ask this from the Father, through Christ our Lord. ALL: Amen. Return to top of o fthis section | this page Prayer for Couple's Veil & Cord #2 (reader / celebrant reads as Veil Sponsors place veil over couple's shoulders): Let this veil be a s ymbol of the faithful love you have for each other. (reader / celebrant reads as Cord Sponsors place cord over couple's shoulders): May this cord remind you to face your life together courageously and to be mutual in support of each other in carrying out your duties and responsibilities as a couple. ALL: Amen. Return to top of this section | this page Prayer for Couple's Veil & Cord #3 (reader / celebrant reads as Veil Sponsors place veil over couple's shoulders): The Veil covers this couple today reminding them and us that Christ covers us in his love. Their new home will be a place where God dwells because this couple chooses to be under the mantel of his love. (reader / celebrant reads as Cord Sponsors place cord over couple's shoulders): The Cord, looped and crossed in the middle is wrapped around the bride and groom to symbolize the Blessed Trinity; The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, who are one and the same. The cord symbolizes this same union and the infinite nature of marriage. ALL: Amen. Return to top of this section | this page Prayer for Couple's Veil & Cord #4 (reader / celebrant reads as Veil Sponsors place veil over couple's shoulders): Lord, with this veil, which represents this couple's union and mutual surrender to each other, may you always protect (names of couple) from any harm and strengthen them to provide continuous co ntinuous moral and spiritual support to each other and their children. May they remain loyal helpmates to each other as they carry life �s burden with joy. (reader / celebrant reads as Cord Sponsors place cord over couple's shoulders): Lord, with this cord, may the bond of love and friendship uniting (names of couple) grow stronger over the years. May they remain united to you all their lives knowing, loving and serving in each other and the community. ALL: Amen. Return to top of this section | this page Prayer for Couple's Veil & Cord #5 (reader / celebrant reads as Veil Sponsors place veil over couple's shoulders): (names of couple), (names of Veil Sponsors) will now place a veil over you. Let this be a symbol of the faithful love you have for each other. Through the passing of the years, let the veil remind you that you belong to each other and to no one
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else, and that the love you have for each other becomes more beautiful in self -surrender that is total and pure. (reader / celebrant reads as Cord Sponsors place cord over couple's shoulders): (names of couple), (names of Veil Sponsors) will lay the cord on you to remind you of your responsibility to hold each other with the tenderness that Christ has for His Church. Keep the bond of your love steadfast so that you can support one another throughout your lives. Return to top of this section | this page Wedding Ceremony Prayers for Candles / Unity Candle : Prayer for candle lighting #1 (couple's names), will now light center Unity Candle. You will take the flame from the candles which your (names of candle lighters) have lighted. You will see that this center candle is larger than the other two because it is the new family that has been formed today as you repeated your vows and will be a blending of all the love, l ove, traditions and experiences you have both shared with your individual families. It is also larger because the middle candle represents Christ, who has brought you both together for this moment and to remind you that He is with you always as a partner in your marriage, to guard and to guide you in all that you do. Return to top of o fthis section | this page Prayer for candle lighting #2 (reader / celebrant): The ceremonies (refers to candle, coins, veil & cord) you are about to witness are uniquely and traditionally a part of the Filipino wedding. Lighting of the Candles (candle lighters come forward to light the candles) (reader / celebrant) continues: (couple's names), (names of candle lighters) now light the candles for you. The candles represent the light from God that you will need to guide you throughout the rest of your married life. The candles also express the silent promise that the couple will continue to be light and warmth to each other for life. Lighting of the Unity Candle by the couple The couple comes forward to light the center Unity Candle. (reader / celebrant) continues: Take the flame from the candles which your mothers have lit. This center candle is a sign that a new family famil y has been formed today blending all the love, traditions and experiences you have both shared with your individual families. It also represents Christ, who has brought you both together for this moment and to remind you that He is with you always as a partner in your marriage, to guard and guide you in all that you do. Return to top of this section | this page Prayer for candle lighting #3 (reader / celebrant) reads as the candle lighters light the candles: (couple's names), (names of candle lighters) now light the candles ca ndles that represent the light from God. (reader / celebrant) continues as the couple lights li ghts the center candle: As you light the Christ candle let it remind you that Christ is with you always as a partner in your marriage, to guard and guide you in all that you do. Return to top of this section | this page Prayer for candle lighting #4 (reader / celebrant): Today, as candles are lit at the altar, remember the light of Christ that burns in all Christian hearts and our responsibility to share that light with the world, especially in this celebration of Eucharist.
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Return to top of this section | this page Prayer for candle lighting #5 (reader / celebrant reads as the candle lighters light li ght the candles): Today, as candles are lit at the altar, remember the light of Christ that burns in all Christian hearts and our responsibility to share that light with the world, especially especiall y in this celebration of Eucharist. (reader / celebrant continues to read as couple lights li ghts the unity candle): Take the flame from the candles which your mothers have lit. This center candle is i s a sign that a new ne w family has been formed today blending all the love, traditions and experiences you have both shared with your individual families. It also represents Christ, who has brought you both together for this moment and to remind you that He is with you always as a partner in your marriage, to guard and guide you in all that you do.
SAMPLE SCRIPT I
I. INTRODUCTION Good afternoon family and friends, welcome to Groom and Bride’swedding reception. We are extremely delighted that all of you are here to celebrate this important milestone in (name of Groom and name of Bride's lives. We are your hosts for the evening, I am ____, and t his is ____, and we would like to welcome you to the Groom Surname and Brides Br ides Surname wedding reception. First off, we would like to introduce family and friends who played significant parts in this afternoon's wedding rites. May we introduce you to the parents of the couple:
Mr. Groom’s father & Mrs Groom’s mother Mr. Bride’s father & Mrs. Bride’s mother And now, may we introduce you to the people who stood witness to the couple as they took their vows: The Principal Sponsors Mr. ________
Mrs.________
Mr. ________
Mrs.________ Mrs._______ _
Mr. ________
Mrs.________
Mr. ________
Mrs.________ Mrs._______ _
Mr. ________
Mrs.________ Mrs._______ _
Mr. ________
Mrs.________
We would also like to acknowledge the fo llowing people who have also played significant roles during the ceremonies: The little hands that shared their precious time with the couple: Ring Bearers: Master ________ Coin Bearer: Master ________ Bible Bearer: Master ________ 8
Flower Girls: Miss ________ Miss ________ Miss ________ Miss ________ Miss ________ The pair that lit the paths of G room and Bride: (Candle Sponsors) Mr. ________
& Ms.________
The pair that clothed Groom and Bride:as one:(Veil Sponsors) Mr. ________
& Ms.________
Mr. ________
& Ms.________
The pair that bound Groom and Bride: ogether as one: (Chord Sponsors) Mr. ________
& Ms.________
Mr. ________
& Ms.________
The handsome best man and the beautiful Maid of Honor Honor who assisted the couple in their needs: The Best man: ________
The Maid of Honor: ________
And finally, may we request everyone to st and up as we introduce the newlyweds. Ladies and gentlemen, family and
friends, may we now present to you… Mr. & Mrs. Groom and Bride
II. LUNCH And now may we call on ________ to lead the prayer of thanksgiving. Prayer commences. We know that so much has already happened in one day and we still have the entire evening ahead of us. And nothing less can be expected from the warm and excellent services of
. Enjoy the afternoon, ladies and gentlemen as we listen to good music while enjoying the sumptuous lunch. Everyone, lunch is served.
III. WORDS FROM FRIENDS Now, we would like to proceed with some speeches from the friends of t he couple. These are the people who literally saw the romance between Groom and Bride blossom into a serious relationship. May we call on ___ ___ _ and ____ to share with all of us what they know about the couple. 9
Speech from friends commences. IV. GUEST CARDS Family, friends and guests, please do not forget to sign the guest cards that were given to you upon you arrival. Pens are available on the table. These guest cards will be collected later on when we distribute the souvenirs. V. TRADITIONS A wedding is not complete without traditions. We would like to move on to the first tradition, the cutting of the cake. 1. Cutting of the Cake May we request Groom and Bride to prepare for the cake cutting ceremony. The cake, which has been a part of wedding celebrations since the Roman times, is a symbol of g ood luck and fertility. The sharing of this food symbolizes the couple's willingness to fulfill each other's needs, creating a bond so simple and yet so strong. Before we proceed to the next tradition, may we call on ____ and ____ to share mo re of their personal experiences with the newlyweds. Speech from friends commences. 2. Champagne Toast Our next tradition is the champagne toasting. Raising a glass toge ther is a way for everyone to t o share in wishing good health and happiness to the newlyweds. As the champagne is poured, our newlyweds now make wishes for their good fortune, a better future and the best life possible for them. We would like to invite everyone to raise their glasses to Groom and Bride and join them in their fervent wishes through good fellowship and camaraderie, love and happiness. May we now call on the Best B est man, Mr. ________, to lead the champagne toasting. 3. Tossing of the garter/ Cake C ake charms/ Tossing of the bouquet Instead of the traditional way of tossing of t he garter, we have something different. May ask our team assistants to proceed to the assigned areas to distribute balloons to all the single bachelors. The single bachelors should pop the balloon. There is one balloon that contains the garter and whoever gets that balloon is out lucky bachelor. Team assistant, please escort the lucky bachelor to the second floor. While the gentlemen are popping the balloons, may we call on all the single ladies to proceed to the second floor to get ge t the cake charms. Team assistants, please round up all the single women and escort them to the second floor. (After the cake charms) Ladies, please stay within the area as we now moving on to the tossing of t he bouquet. This tradition has been done over the years and is meant that whoever catches the bouquet would have luck and protection. Nowadays, it has simply evolved to imply that whoever caught the bouquet would be lucky and would be wed next. So now may we ask all the single ladies to occupy the designated area before you for the ceremonial tossing of the bouquet. The single ladies will form a circle and we will w ill do a trip to Jerusalem bouquet tossing. We will play music and as the music stops, whoever is 10
holding the bouquet, is the lucky lady. 4. Picture taking with Bachelor and Lucky Lady May we request the chosen bachelor and the lucky lady to pose for a picture with Groom ____ and Bride' _____. To give some highlights of the couple's life before t hey were united as one, may we call on ____ and ____. Speech from friends commences. 5. Distribution of souvenirs/Collection of the guest cards May we request the team assistants to please distribute the souvenirs for each floor. May we also request the team assistants to collect the filled-up guest cards from e ach table. VI. SPEECH FROM THE PARENTS May we call on the father of the bride, Mr. ________ to give an inspirational talk to the newlyweds. May we also call on the mother of the groom, Mrs. ________ to share some words for the newly w eds. VIII. CLOSING SPEECH FROM THE COUPLE Now, our newlyweds would like to share some t houghts to all of you who are here today. We now turn you over to Groom and Bride. IX. CLOSING CEREMONIES Once again, we would like to t hank everyone for coming here today and sharing this momentous occasion with Gr oom and Bride. We do hope that all of you had a great time. This is ____ and ____ signing off. Good afternoon everyone and Let's Party!!!
SAMPLE SCRIPT II
Wedding Reception Program Emcee Script We found out from our website statistics t hat many are searching for wedding r eception programmes so we are putting this up for added information and resource for those who are planning their own wedding. The following emcee script was prepared by Ivy to serve se rve as an announcement guide for Master of Ce remonies Mr. Donald Sabandeja and as a music cue guide for the Sound Operator during the wedding reception at Chateau de Busay. Since the script was only a guide containing the order of the wedding rece ption programme and the names of the persons to be thanked and acknowledged, the Emcee still has the liberty of using his own personal touch. It was not mandatory for the Emcee to say it word for word as it is written w ritten here. For those who were we re able to attend the wedding, you will find that some parts were presented differently during the actual wedding reception. The life of the programme will entirely depend on the Emcee's preparedness, creativity amd e nthusiasm so it is recommended that a copy should be given to the Emcee a few weeks before the event for him/her to practice and to familiarize with the flow of the programme. The script also contains basic instructions on how to go about with the events, so this will more or less give you an idea on how to present each part. Call to Order 11
NOTE: Test microphone before speaking. Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. May I have your attention please. We are about to begin our Dinner Reception so please find a seat and make yourself comfortable. Let us begin this celebration with a prayer. Let us all stand, bow down our heads and put o urselves in the presence of o f God. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, Love has been your richest and gre atest gift to this world. Love between a man and a woman w oman which matures into marriage. Today, we celebrate that love. Lord for the joy of t his occasion, we thank You. For Your presence here and now and at all times, we t hank You. Protect, guide, and bless Wendell and Ivy and everyone present here. Surround us with Your love now and always. In the name of t he Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Welcome Address
A very good evening to everyone and welcome to Wendell and Ivy’s. Dinner Reception. We are done with the solemn part of the celebration and. we thank those people who were with us earlier at the Redemptorist Church for the wedding ceremony. And for those who just jo in in, Welcome! And so, here we ar e on top of the hills, here at Chateau de Busay for the most exciting part - the Dinner Reception for our newlyweds in celebration of the beginning of their new life together. So sit down, relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. I am Mr. Donald Sabandeja, also the Best Man and I had been given the task by the bride herself to be your emcee for tonight. We thank you all for gracing this joyful occasion especially to those who took a leave of absence from work or from school and to those who have traveled many miles just to be with us. In behalf be half of Wendell and Ivy and their parents, I would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for your presence at this memorable occasion. It is indeed a pleasure to have you all tonight Introduction and Acknowledgements Parents of the Newlyweds Before anything else, we would like to acknowledge the key persons who took a great part of this joyous affair. For without their support, this event would not be made possible. Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure to introduce to you the Parents of the Bride, Mr. Gabriel B. Centenera and Dr. Heidi Doncillo-Centenera. A big round of applause please. Mr. Centenera is a retired retire d US government employee while Mrs. Centener a is a middle school teacher in Las Veg as. They just arrived from Las Vegas last week. Sir, Madam, welcome back to the Philippines.
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And of course, we are truly happy to have here with us the Parents of the Groom, Friends, let us give a big hand to Mr. Nicolas S. Auman and Mrs. Pilar C. Auman. Both Mr. and Mrs Auman are retired government employees for the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sir, Madam, thank you so much for yo ur support. Grandmother of the Bride We are also happy to have here with us the Grandmother of the bride who came all the way from t he Bicol Region of Naga City. Friends, lets all give a w arm welcome to Mrs. Lydia B. Centenera, Ce ntenera, Thank you Ma’am for gracing this occasion and welcome to Cebu Principal Sponsors
We would also like to acknowledge our Principal Sponsors. Let’s start off with the ladies. Please make a stand as your name is called. Our first lady sponsor is a businesswoman. and wife of the late Cons olacion Mayor, Maximo Malagar. and one of Mr.
Centernera’s closest first degree cousins. Also coming all the way from Naga City Friends, please welcome Mrs. Rita Malagar. Thank you Madam for gracing this occasion. Our next principal sponsor is a lady with a healing touch. She is Ivy’s Aunt and is one of the t he best pediatricians of Cebu Doctor's Hospital. Friends lets give a big hand to Dr. Maria. Janet Porcia. Thank you Dr. Porcia for sparing your precious time with us. Our next lady sponsor is a retired D ietician in one of Vancouver’s nursing homes. Ivy’s Aunt coming all the way from Vancouver Canada. Ladies and gentlemen lets give a homecoming welcome to Mrs. Cecilia B lahut. Thank you Madam, we hope you make the most out of your stay here in the Philippines.
Then we have our fourth lady sponsor. She is Wendell’s cousin and is currently serving as one of the Councilors of Barangay Piit-os, Friends, lets give a big hand to Mrs. Leonila Famador. Thank you Ma’am, it’s our pleasure to have you with us.
And that’s it for the ladies now we go over to the ge ntlemen. So again please make a stand as your name is called. Our first gentleman is a retired Captain of the U.S. Air Force. Coming all the way from Sacramento, California, USA, ladies and gentlemen, lets all welcomeMr. Modesto Jordana. Thank you sir, w e are so happy that you can be with us Our next gentleman, works as a technical support staff for a US-based Japanese firm in Ohio. He is the fiancee of our
lovely Matron of Honor, Ms. Sarah Vercide and Ivy’s soon -to-be Uncle. Traveling all the way from Portland, Indiana USA, Friends lets give a warm “Mabuhay” welcome to Mr. James Chapman. Thank you sir,and Welcome to the Philippines. Our next gentleman sponsor is an accomplished engineer and a successful businessman rolled into one. He is also Ivy's second degree Uncle. Friends, Lets give a big hand to Engr. Frederick David Chiong. Thank you sir for being with us tonight. Our last but certainly not the least among our gentleman sponsors, he is a Naval Architect for Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, in Balamban Cebu. Lets all give a big hand to Mr. Erlito Velasquez. Thank you sir for taking t he time out to be with us. So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, our most distinguished set of principal sponsors. Let us once again give them a big round of applause. 13
Family and Friends A wedding brings two people and their families together. It refreshes the family ties and friendship that have gone stale and almost forgotten against the toll of time and distance. For this allow me to give a very special welcome to all who have traveled many miles to be here with us today, We would like to acknowledge the presence of families and friends who took their time out to be here with us. So again I would like to request the people concerned to please make a stand to be recognize as you are called.
From the Bride’s Side The Vercide Family composed of the Calalang and Molijon Molijon Family The Centenera Family from Naga City and the Jordana Family Mrs. Gloria Seno & Family Mrs. Rosario Remedio & Family Mr. Maximo Porcia & Family Mr. Ramonito Dayao & Family Mrs. Andrea Cosido Family
The Bride’s Friends from USPF -SPED Circle headed by Mrs. Cynthia Neis And from the Groom’s Side Covarrubias Family who came all the way from from Zamboanga City Gregorio Auman & Family Pantaleon Auman & Family Velasquez Family Mr. Diosdado Doncillo & Family The Groom's Friends from UP – Fine Arts We would also like to acknowledge the pre sence of Ret. Gen. Boy Seville, S eville, a very good friend of the bride's parents who came all the way from Las L as Vegas.. Sir thank you so much for being her e. Also with us here tonight and it is with great pleasure to have Rev Fr. Patrick Martin.our officiating priest for the wedding ceremony. Thank you Fr. Martin for going out of your way to be with us.
So I guess that’s about it. I hope I did not miss out anyone. If I did, please be so kind to remind me. Entrance of the Bride and Groom At this point I assume that everyone ev eryone has settled down and we are all ready to welcome the newlyweds. May I request our lovely Matron of Honor, Ms. Sarah Vercide to please facilitate the welcoming party for our newlyweds. Tonight calls for a grand celebration and it is m y distinct pleasure to introduce to you for the very first time Wendell and Ivy as 14
husband and wife. So without any further ado, let us all rise and give our warmest welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Auman........ Auman........ Music Maestro (Newlyweds enters the hall) Background Music: "Saphira's First Flight" from: "Eragon" movie soundtracl. Congratulations Wendell and Ivy and best wishes to both of you. We wish you to be blessed with a long and happy life together with your future children So there you have it ladies and gentlemen our new lovely couple. Let us again give them a big round of applause. The bride wishes to convey her g ratitude to Ms. Dornie Lapiz for the beautiful gown that she made. Ms. Lapiz please stand to be recognized. (INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee waits for Ms. Lapiz to stand up before saying) Let us give her a big hand for a job well done. The gown is an adapted design of Titania from Rivendell Br idal. We would also like to thank Ms. Sheila Auman for sponsoring the bridal entourage attire. Ms. Auman thank you so much. Let us also give her a big hand. Dove Release The bride and groom will now do the dove release. May I request the newly weds to please come forward and each get a dove. The newlyweds would like to thank Ms. Rowena Ver cide and Mr. Adonis Fernandez for providing us with this beautiful pair of doves. (INSTRUCTIONS: While Newlyweds comes forward and prepare for t he dove release, Baclground music starts playing and Emcee say t he following......) Background Music: "Long Nu Zhi Sheng " from: "Return of t he Condor Heroes" TV Series soundtrack. The two doves signify Wendell and Ivy being released to start a new journey together. to gether. Like the two pairs of dove, whatever happens they will always try to seek the comfort of each other and their home together. This is where they know that they will find love A dove always choose one mate for life, and signify love, faithfulness, joy, and hope, Wendell and Ivy are now ready so we will now release the doves. At the count of three re lease the doves. Ready when you are. One... Two... Three... and... off they go!!! That was really beautiful. Bridal Waltz � First Dance Tonight is indeed a special night and will forever be etched in the memory of our beloved couple. For tonight marks the beginning of their new life together. Fr om this day forward they shall be one, and on this joyful beginning what could be more fitting than to celebrate it with their First Dance. The First Dance is symbolic of the consummation of their wedding
vows. This Dance is the wedding couples' first cooperative engagement engagement and joint endeavor. As the saying goes, “It takes We ndell Auman with two to tango.” Ladies and gen tlemen, it is once again my privilege to present to you Mr and Mrs Wendell their First Dance. (Newlyweds dances their First Dance) Background Music: "Moon River" instrumental version from: "Breaktast at Tiffany's" movie soundtrack. Thank you Wendell and Ivy, Let us once again give them a big round of applause . Grace Before Meals 15
Well I guess the food is now ready and dinner will commence shortly. May I call on Rev. Fr. Patrick Martin to say the grace before meals. (Fr. Martin comes forward to say grace before meals) Dinner Thank you Fr. Martin. So there you have it ladies and gentleman. Dinner is served. You are all hereby invited to partake dinner. You may now get your food at the buffet table. . Please enjoy your meal. And always, "ladies fir st" We would like to thank Mr. and Mrs Amado Calalang and Mr. and Mrs. Victor Seville for our roasted pork and Ms. Sarah Vercide and Mrs. James Chapman for the roasted calf. Mr. Nicolas Auman for the fruits. Sir, Madam, Thank you so m uch for your generosity. Table Hopping for Souvenir Pictures May I have your attention please, I guess by now everyone had their fill of our sumptuous food prepared by Chateau de Busay. We would like to thank the Operat ion Manage of Chateau de Busay, Mr. Victor Millora for the wonderful accommodation and service that they are providing us here. The newlyweds would also like to say a special thank you to Mr. Arnold Arcilla for supervising in the physical arrangement of o ur reception. At this point the newlyweds would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone personally for your presence. Wendell and Ivy will now go from one t able to another to greet each and everyone and to have the ir souvenir picture taking with their guests. Simultaneously, our Matron of Honor assisted with some members of the bridal entourage will be distributing the wedding giveaways and will be routing the guest book so please stand by in your seats. Background Music: "St. Elmo's Fire" instrumental version from"St. Elmo's Fire" Movie Cutting of the Wedding Cake We will now resume with our progr am. and its time for desert. We have here a beautiful wedding cake courtesy o f Dr. Maria Janet Porcia and Mr. & Mrs Chiong. Sir , Madam, thank you so much. May I mow request Wendell and Ivy to do the honors of cutting t he wedding cake. (Newlyweds comes forward to cut the c ake.) There you have it ladies and gentlemen, the cake has been cut. May I now request the waiters to please serve the cake to our guests. (Waiters serves the cake to the guest.) Best Man's Toast to the Bride and the Groom A celebration is never complete without a toast and a bottle of good wine. Let us now bring out the good wine and pour
them to our glasses. We would like to thank Mr. Gabriel Centenera for providing us with the wine… thank you Sir. Ladies and gentlemen, it takes a strong and intelligent man to realize his dreams and achieve his goals in life and love. A man that is not afraid to live life to its fullest and embrace what is truly important. I'm her e to talk about Wendell and Ivy Two people who have come together today to form a union that will surely last forever. (INSTRUCTIONS:Best Man raises his glass and addresses the newlyweds as he speaks...) 16
Ivy you look wonderful. Wendell is lucky to have found such a wonderful gal to share his life with. We ndell and I has been a very good friend way bac k in college days in UP Cebu, Fine Arts Department and I once o nce worked with Ivy in some research projects and I'm truly honored that they have chosen me to be their best man on this most important day of their lives. Guys, I wish you both peace and happiness in your new life together and may God bless your union. (INSTRUCTIONS:Best Man still raising his glass and addresses the guests as he speaks...) Everyone let us all stand and raise your g lasses and join me in toasting Wendell and Ivy. (INSTRUCTIONS: Best Man waits for everyone to stand up and se e to it that everyone has raised their glasses and them
say…) Here’s to good health, happiness, good luck and prosperity to Wendell and Ivy. Cheers!!! (Everyone makes a toasts and drinks from their glasses) Thank you ladies and gentlemen, you may now be seated. Well Wishes from Family and Friends It is said that our parents are our first teachers having raised us patiently from childhood to adulthood. They have been
our source of comfort, support and inspiration. Wendell and Ivy are truly blessed with such wonderful parents and I’m quite sure when it comes to knowing what marriage is all about, they always have a wor d or two to share to t heir children. We would like to call on the Mother of the Bride, Dr. Heidi Doncillo to say a few words of wisdom and Best Wished to our newlyweds (Dr. Heidi Doncillo-Centenera comes forward to convey her Best Wishes to the newlyweds) Thank you so much Madam for that inspiring message. And now we would like to call on the Father of the Groom, Mr. Nicolas Auman to say a few words of wisdom to our newlyweds. (Mr. Nicolas Auman comes forward to convey his Best Wishes to the newlyweds) Thank you sir. In behalf of our male principal sponsors, we would like to call on Mr. James Chapman to say a few words to Wendell and Ivy. (Mr. James Chapman comes forward to convey his Be st Wishes to the newlyweds) Thank you sir. Last but certainly not the least, we now call on Dr. Maria Janet Porcia to say a few words to Wendell and Ivy In behalf of the female principal sponsors. (Dr. Ma. Janet Porcia comes forward to convey her Best Wishes to the t he newlyweds) Thank you Madam, and thank you all...lets us again give them a big hand for such wo nderful and meaningful speeches. Bouquet Throw Ok now let us all have some fun and its time for the traditional Bouquet Throw. At this point we would like to request all the single ladies to please come forward for the bouquet throw. We would also like to request the bride to come forward and take her place center stage. (INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee motions and waits for all single ladies to c ome forward) 17
Ladies kindly take your place behind the bride and be pre pared to catch the bouquet. It is said that whoever will catch the bouquet will soon be the next br ide. So is everyone in? Ready when you are at the count of three the bride will throw her bouquet. May I also request the audience to please join me in the counting. (INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee make sure that everyone is in place)
Ready when you are ladies. Let us now do the countdown. One….Two….Three… One….Two….Three……and …and there it goes. (Bride throws the bouquet and the ladies tries to catch it.) May I request for the lady who was able to catch the bouquet to please come forward Congratulations Miss, May I have your name please. (INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee draws the microphone to the lady .)
Ok let’s give a big hand to Miss ___________. Please have a seat beside the bride and in a moment we shall find your match in the garter Toss. Retrieval of the Garter Before we go on with the Garter Toss, the groom is to retrieve the garter from his bride. So may we request Wendell and Ivy to please come center stage and do the garter retrieval ritual. (A chair is brought onstage for the bride to sit. while groom kneels down at the bride's feet ready to retrieve the garter) Ladies and gentleman the groom will now retrieve the garter from the bride. (Groom retrieves the garter from the bride.) There you have it ladies and gentlemen; the groom was finally able to retrieve the garter. Let us give him a big hand. Garter Toss Ok it is now the gentlemen's turn t urn and we will now do the garte r toss. May I mow request all single me n to please come forward for the Garter Toss. (INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee motions and waits for all single men to come forward) Gentlemen please take you place behind the groom and be ready to catch the garter. So is everyone ready? At the count of three the groom will throw t hrow the garter and again we request the audience to participate in the countdown. (INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee makes sure that everyone is in place)
Ok ready when you are guys. One….. Two……Three…… and .....off it Goes !!!! (Groom throws the bouquet and the gentlemen tr ies to catch it.) Matchmaking Ritual May I request for the gentlemen g entlemen with the quick hand who now have in his possession the garter. Sir please come forward and take your place beside the lady who has the bouquet. Congratulations Sir. May I have your name please. (INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee draws the microphone to the ge ntleman.) 18
Thank you Mr. ___________, ___________, Friends lets give this gentlemen a big hand. Now that we have already found a perfect match. The next bride and gr oom to be in the future. It it time for another ritual. The gentlemen who got the gar ter is to put it on the lady who caught the bouquet. At this point we would like to request Ms. __ _________to please have a seat while Mr. ___________ ___________ will put the garter. Ladies and g entlemen, Mr. __________ will now put on the garter on Ms. _________. _________. (Lady takes a seat while gentleman puts the garter on her.) There you have it ladies and gentlemen. Our new lovely pair and if it would not be too m uch to ask we would like the gentlemen to give the lady a quick kiss. (INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee waits for the gentlemn to give the kiss and thanks the pair . after.) Thank you Mr. _______ and Ms ________, ________, Let us give them both a big hand At his point, we request that both of you remain onstage for the picture taking. The newlyweds will now pose with our lovely new pair. (INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee stands aside as photographers take pictures o f the pair with the newlyweds.) Again Thank you Mr. _______ and Ms ________ ________ for your participation, you may now return to your seats Giving of Tokens We are truly grate ful not only for the presence but also t he wonderful cooperation of our principal and secondary sponsors as well as the members of the entourage. Wendell and Ivy and their parents would like to express their sincerest gratitude for all their help and support and for making this memorable occasion a great success. We would like to request our Matron of Honor, Ms. Sarah Vercide to distribute our tokens of gr atitude to both our Principal and Secondary Sponsors We also have a little something for the members of the entourage. We thank Dr. Heidi Doncillo-Centenera for the Tokens. Madam, thank you for your generosity (Ms. Sarah Vercide distributes the tokens.) Message of Thanks from the Newlyweds The night and this celebration has almost come to an end but for our newlyweds it is just a start of their new life together. As we each go home, may this day be memorable fo r all of us as it it to them. To personally convey their heartfelt gratitude let us now lend an ear to Wendell and Ivy (Wendell and Ivy delivers their message of gratitude.) Closing Remarks
Well I guess that’s about everything ladies and gentlemen we have finally come to the end of our program. It has been a great day and a wonderful evening with you all. Again thank you all for your presence. God bless and Goodnight to each and everyone.
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