A secular wedding ceremony is created by you and therefore gives you a lot of flexibility. This trendy other way to get married originally comes from the United States and is getting quite popular. For a real moment of emotion, different, free, unique, why not be the designer of your own wedding ceremony?
The origins of the secular Wedding ceremony
Coming from the USA, the concept of a secular wedding ceremony was originally designed for non-religious couples who did not wish to get married at church but still wanted more than a simple civil wedding. Therefore, Americans created a non-religious ceremony that brings a touch of romantism, spiritual and emotion to a marriage. Non-religious ceremonies attract more and more couples in France as it gives a lot of flexibility. You are free to decide how you want it to be. It can also be organized on top of a religious ceremony.
Differences between secular ceremony and religious ceremony
If you have always dreamed to celebrate your wedding your own way, to articulate your beliefs and values, to have a wedding that truly reflects your character and with a touch of originality, the secular ceremony was made just for you. On top of your civil wedding. Unlike the religious ceremony which has a specific and well established processional, a non-religious ceremony is entirely create by you. It is uniquely tailored to your own personality and beliefs, therefore there is no standard, no obligation. You can give your imagination free rein to entirely conceive your wedding ceremony and to express your love and commitment just the way you want.
Who may celebrate and conduct a non-religious wedding ceremony?
Again, you are free to choose the celebrant, also called officiant, the person who will conduct the wedding ceremony. The celebrant of your non-religious ceremony can be a relative, a friend or a member of your family. It can also be an independent person such as a professional officiant. His role is to help the couple plan and compose their ceremony and then conduct it on the D day. He ensures good continuity of proceedings with the right timing and the right words to pass on the right amount of emotion. He may also help writing the vows and the different speeches and testimonials. He can be assisted by a professional wedding planner.
How to organize a secular wedding ceremony?
It is time to decide how you want your secular wedding ceremony to be organized. A professional celebrant can help you. You can also decide to prepare it all by yourself, choose the music, the personalized commitment ritual, the readings (vows, speeches, testimonials), for a completely tailored ceremony. If you wish for people to read a specific text do not forget to let them know in advance so that they have time to get prepared. Finally, choose the venue. It may simply be the venue of your wedding, where the reception will take place. You may also like to get married in a specific place that means something special for you. The beach where you first met. A forest you feel deeply connected to. The garden in the family house. Or you can find more inspiration on one of the many blogs on the subject.
Different rituals for a non-religious wedding ceremony
A ceremony usually comes with a ritual of you choice that symbolizes your union.
Sand ritual would be a very ancient tradition from Native American tribes. Both groom and bride hold in their hand a small bottle field with sand of different colors. Together, they pour it into a vase and the colors mix.
Rose ritual is a classic. Both groom and bride place a rose in a vase that they will keep. The rose symbolizes their love. The couple may also have their guests participate in the ritual. They can also perpetuate it by adding a rose for every wedding anniversary.
Tree’s ritual consists of planting a tree or a plant together. It is associated with the couple growing together, and making their love grow together.
There are many different types of rituals. For your secular ceremony you are free to imagine your own in order to have a wedding that truly reflects your character and beliefs.
You would like to get more information on non-religious wedding ceremonies? Contact me, I will be happy to answer you shortly.
