quaker wedding
A friend of mine is getting married in Oct (let's wish him joy! :) and it's going to be a quaker marriage ceremony. There was an insert with the invite explaining the customs, and they do sound nice in most respects, let me paraphrase (because I don't want to type the whole thing in):
Usually held during a regular meeting for worship, but in this case to accomodate the number of guests it will be held during a non-regular meeting.
The bride is not given away by her father--the couple will walk in with their parents and freely join each other at the front of the church. all witnesses will sit in silent prayer and contemplation for 15 minutes. The couple will then stand and exchange their vows without a presiding minister. The couple will sign their marriage certificate, and a clerk from the monthly meeting of friends will read the certificate aloud.
witnesses will settle in to silence again but are welcome to stand and offer spoken messages and prayers if they are moved by the spirit. each statment should be followed by a moment of silence to allow everyone to consider the meaning of the message. after about 30 minutes, the clerk will break the silence, and attendees will shake hands with each other in greeting.
The wedding party will sign the marriage certificate and leave, after a final song all the attendees are requested to come through the reception line and sign the marriage certificate. by signing, guests participate as witnesses of the marriage and pledge their support towards the marriage's success in the futre.
I say in most respects, because I am a stress laugher, and I may feel stressed by all the silence! heh, I suppose if the spirit moves me to laugh, I should just give in to it. My personal weakness aside, it sounds very lovely.
Usually held during a regular meeting for worship, but in this case to accomodate the number of guests it will be held during a non-regular meeting.
The bride is not given away by her father--the couple will walk in with their parents and freely join each other at the front of the church. all witnesses will sit in silent prayer and contemplation for 15 minutes. The couple will then stand and exchange their vows without a presiding minister. The couple will sign their marriage certificate, and a clerk from the monthly meeting of friends will read the certificate aloud.
witnesses will settle in to silence again but are welcome to stand and offer spoken messages and prayers if they are moved by the spirit. each statment should be followed by a moment of silence to allow everyone to consider the meaning of the message. after about 30 minutes, the clerk will break the silence, and attendees will shake hands with each other in greeting.
The wedding party will sign the marriage certificate and leave, after a final song all the attendees are requested to come through the reception line and sign the marriage certificate. by signing, guests participate as witnesses of the marriage and pledge their support towards the marriage's success in the futre.
I say in most respects, because I am a stress laugher, and I may feel stressed by all the silence! heh, I suppose if the spirit moves me to laugh, I should just give in to it. My personal weakness aside, it sounds very lovely.