We offer an amazing collection of blessings, prayers, readings, quotes, legends and rituals from traditions around the world spanning era, culture and creed which are too numerous to list! These are celebrated in a universal context. Within interfaith, intercultural ceremonies, the symbolism of every ritual is explained to all those present. In this way, all know what is transpiring and feel included.
(A complete manual of all rituals, vows, prayers and blessings are featured and described in my book, Joining Hands and Hearts, Interfaith, Intercultural Wedding Celebrations
- processional
- welcoming words
- invocation
- honoring of parents and grandparents (optional)
- honoring of those who have passed (optional)
- honoring of children (if applicable)
- personal address (where I speak to you)
- exchange of vows (I have a wonderful selection of vows.
You may modify or choose to write your own) - blessing and exchange of rings
- the kiss (Though not a ritual, I consider it mandatory!)
- Christian unity candle
- universal candle lighting
- passing of the sign of peace
- drinking of wine
- sharing of bread
- anointing
- Celtic handfasting
- readings, prayers and blessings from all traditions and cultures, some bilingual
- Jewish chuppah, seven Jewish wedding blessings, the kiddush cup, the breaking of the glass
- exchange of the Greek stephana (wedding crowns), circling the altar
- Irish wedding blessings
- Iranian sofreh, Sufi Poetry, Persian custom of the refusals
- African-American jumping of the broom, pouring of libations, tasting of spices
- Native American blessings and rituals, smudging
- Filipino veil and cord ceremony
- San- San-Kudo (Japanese Sake ceremony)
- honoring of ancestors in various cultures
- Vivaha Homa-lighting of the Sacred Fire/Mangalfera/Satapadi-Hindu circling of the fire and the seven steps, the Mangalsutra, the exchange of garlands, marking the forehead with kum-kum and other Hindu rituals
- Chinese tea ceremony, symbolism and legend
- Buddhist ceremonies, prayers, readings and rituals
- Nikah (Muslim Marriage Ceremony)
- Moroccan sharing of date and sweet milk
- Spanish exchange of coins/Arras
- butterfly legend/butterfly release
- Libyan Nejma – Star Ritual
- Jain rituals and prayers
- the Scottish Quaich
- sand ceremony
- rose ceremony
- gratitude notes
- sprinkling of rose petals
- writing of paperwishes
- rainbow ribbon ceremony
- and the list goes on and on…