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Looking to add a dose of romantic inspiration to your wedding day? Check out 43 marriage quotes that could work perfectly for your celebration! Whether you’re after a poem, some marriage advice or words on love from your favourite movie, you’ll find a quote that fits below.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” —Maya Angelou
“We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness–and call it love–true love.”
– Robert Fulghum
Funny marriage quotes
“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” —Rita Rudner
“I married for love but the obvious side benefit of having someone around to find my glasses cannot be ignored.” — Cameron Esposito
“Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow internet to see who they really are.” — Will Ferrell
“You know you are in love when the two of you can go grocery shopping together.” — Woody Harrelson
“Love is a two-way street constantly under construction.” — Carroll Bryant
Short quotes about love and marriage
“A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.” —André Maurois
“When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.” – Arrigo Boito
“There is no remedy for love but to love more.” – Henry David Thoreau
Love and marriage quotes
“To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow—this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” —Elizabeth Gilbert
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu
Love quote from the movie, “Shall We Dance?”
“We need a witness to our lives. There’s a billion people on the planet… I mean, what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you’re promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things… all of it, all of the time, every day. You’re saying, ‘Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go unwitnessed because I will be your witness.'” – Shall We Dance?
“The best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly who you are: good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you. The right person is still going to think the sun shines out of your ass. That’s the kind of person that’s worth sticking with.” — Juno
“Look, you want to know what marriage is really like? Fine. You wake up, she’s there. You come back from work, she’s there. You fall asleep, she’s there. You eat dinner, she’s there. You know? I mean, I know that sounds like a bad thing, but it’s not.” —Ray Romano, Everybody Loves Raymond
Famous movie quote on love
“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” —Meg Ryan, When Harry Met Sally
Television and movie quotes about love
“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.” – Arwen, The Fellowship of the Ring
“But the thing is this, after a while, you just want to be with the one that makes you laugh.” — Sex and the City
“I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” – Notting Hill
“Our love is like the wind, I can’t see it, but I can feel it.” — Landon, A Walk To Remember
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.” – William Shakespeare
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Emily Brontë
“Come, let’s be a comfortable couple and take care of each other! How glad we shall be, that we have somebody we are fond of always, to talk to and sit with.” – Charles Dickens
“You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known and even that is an understatement.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Marriage quotes with advice for the newlyweds
“This is what marriage really means: helping one another to reach the full status of being persons, responsible beings who do not run away from life.” —Paul Tournier
“The greatest marriages are built on teamwork. A mutual respect, a healthy dose of admiration, and a never-ending portion of love and grace.” —Fawn Weaver
“Marriage is not a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It’s something you do. It’s the way you love your partner every day.” —Barbara De Angelis
Happy and fun relationship quote
“There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” – Martin Luther
“When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance.” – John Lennon
“But still I can’t help from hoping to find someone to talk to who likes the way I am. Someone who when he sees me, wants to again.” — Waitress
“Love is a friendship set to music.” – Joseph Campbell
Marriage is hard quotes
“A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” —Dave Meurer
“There are a hundred paths through the world that are easier than loving. But who wants easier?” —Marry Oliver
Marriage quotes about life
“When you end up happily married, even the failed relationships have worked beautifully to get you there.” —Julia Roberts
“Love at first sight is easy to understand; it’s when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle.” —Sam Levenson
“The secret is that you just take care of each other and admire each other and support each other and you get that back … If Jeffrey and I disagree on something, he always agrees with me!” —Ina Garten
“The secret to a good marriage is to be a little deaf.” —Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Marriage quotes from poetry
“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where, I love you directly without problems or pride: I love you like this because I don’t know any other way to love, except in this form in which I am not nor are you, so close that your hand upon my chest is mine, so close that your eyes close with my dreams.” —Pablo Neruda
“If I had a flower for every time thought of you… I could walk through my garden forever.” —Alfred, Lord Tennyson
“We loved with a love that was more than love.” – Edgar Allan Poe
True love marriage quotes
“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
“Love doesn’t make the world go round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” – Elizabeth Browning
“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” – Robert Heinlein
So your son has asked you to speak at his wedding…but you don’t know where to start! No worries, below we’re sharing four mother of the groom wedding speech samples, from the short and sweet to the hilarious or religious, so you can find the perfect words for your own speech. Plus, we’re sharing the six-part structure to the perfect parent speech and seven tips to ensure you nail it on reception night!
Ready? Let’s write that mother of the groom speech!
Heads up: While this post is directed at mothers of grooms, our advice, tips and examples below will apply to all parents of the couple getting married. Since not all weddings have grooms – and not all grooms have mothers – these speech skills are for everyone.
Here is the basic structure for any good parent speech at their child’s wedding:
Part 1: Introduction
Introduce yourself! Tell the crowd your name and your relationship to the couple. If it’s a fairly small wedding you can include a caveat like “As most of you know, I’m Oliver’s mom,” since most people will know who you are. You may also want to welcome everyone to the wedding, but this is often only appropriate if you’re hosting the wedding (aka paying for it).
Part 2: Words about your child
Next, share some words about your son. This section should be a few sentences about how happy you are for your son, how proud you are of him, and maybe a short story that highlights your special mother-son relationship.
Part 3: Words about your child’s partner
Remember, this speech isn’t all about your son! You also want to spend some time talking about your son’s new spouse. Welcome them to the family, talk about how you knew they were the one, and mention what traits you love most about them.
Part 4: Story about the couple
While it can be tempting in a mother of the groom speech to just tell stories about your son growing up, save those stories and focus instead on the newlyweds as a couple. Do you have a favourite memory with both of them? Was there a particular moment when you knew they were meant to be? Maybe a sweet story about their first date or engagement?
Ideally, you want to choose a story that is short and sweet, that reflects who the couple is, and is told from your point of view. It would be odd for you to tell their engagement story if it didn’t involve you, just like it would be cringe-worthy to tell a story that embarrasses your son or his new spouse. Don’t overthink this. Any sweet memory you’ve shared with the couple will do!
Part 5: Marriage advice and well wishes
As you’re starting to wrap up your speech, you may want to share some words of wisdom for the newlyweds’ future together. This can be based on your own marriage or marriage advice you’ve heard. Again, don’t overthink this! If you don’t have any sage wisdom to share, you can simply say a sentence or two wishing your son and his new spouse all the best.
Part 6: End with a toast
The best way to end any wedding speech is with a toast. This is where you will ask all of the guests to join you in raising a glass to the happy newlyweds!
When does the mother of the groom wedding speech happen?
Parent speeches usually happen during the reception as part of the speech line-up. Depending on what your son is planning, he may ask you to open the speeches or speak somewhere in the middle. You may even close the speeches, but often the newlywed couple makes the last speech so they can thank everyone else for speaking.
Make sure you check in with the couple about exactly when you’re speaking so you’re prepared. Find out what time your speech is scheduled for and who you’re speaking after, just in case the schedule is delayed. That way, you can make sure your drink is topped up and you’re not in the bathroom when it’s time to give your speech!
Does a mother of the newlyweds have to speak at the wedding?
No, wedding speeches are not mandatory. Not all couples have speeches at their reception and not all couples want their parents to take part in those speeches. And even if your child does ask you to speak, you can always say no. (However, we hope you don’t!)
Traditionally, only men spoke at weddings. It was the father of the bride, the groom and the best man who gave speeches. These days, speeches are opening up to folks from both families and of all genders, but it’s still mostly men we hear from. With the father of the bride traditionally getting the spotlight role of walking the bride down the aisle, we love the idea of letting moms speak at the reception. More women’s voices in weddings please!
If you’re nervous about speaking at the wedding, check out some of our tips below. Remember that this is just a short speech delivered in front of people who love you and your child. If you think you’ll need some support at the mic, consider asking another family member to give the speech with you. Try not to let your nerves stand in the way of this special moment!
Heartfelt mother of the groom wedding speech sample
Family and friends, I stand before you today with a heart full of joy and gratitude as the mother of the groom. This is a momentous occasion, and I couldn’t be happier to celebrate the love that has brought us all together.
I have watched my son grow into the incredible man he is today. From a young age, he has always been compassionate, caring, and thoughtful. He has a heart of gold, and I am so proud of the person he has become.
And then, along came [Partner’s Name]. It was clear from the very beginning that they were the missing piece to our family puzzle. Their warmth, kindness, and unwavering support have brought so much happiness into our lives, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect partner for my son.
I remember the day my son introduced us to [Partner’s Name]. The way their eyes lit up when they spoke about their shared dreams and aspirations was truly magical. From that moment, it was evident that they were destined to be together. Through thick and thin, they have shown us the strength of their love, always finding laughter and joy in each other’s company.
As my son embarks on this incredible journey called marriage, I want to offer a piece of advice that has guided my own marriage: Always communicate openly and honestly with each other. Listen with your hearts, be patient, and never forget to cherish the little moments.
If you will all join me in raising a glass to [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name], two remarkable individuals who have found their forever love in each other. May your journey together be filled with laughter, adventure, and an abundance of love. Cheers!
Short & sweet mother of the groom wedding speech sample
Good evening, everyone. My name is [Name] and I am the happy mother of the groom. I am so excited to celebrate this day with you all.
My son, [Groom’s Name], has always been a source of pride and inspiration in our family. His dedication, his sense of humour, and his unwavering kindness have touched the hearts of everyone he meets. When [Partner’s Name] entered our lives, it was like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day. They have brought immense joy and warmth into our family, and we are so grateful to have them in our lives.
Together, [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name] have navigated life’s ups and downs, always supporting and uplifting one another. Their love has grown stronger with each passing day, and it’s an honour to witness their journey. My wish for you both as you start this new chapter is that you will embrace change together, and let your love grow stronger with each passing day.
So let’s all raise our glasses to [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name]. May your love continue to shine brightly, blessing each other and everyone around you. Cheers!
by Beige Weddings
Funny mother of the groom wedding speech sample
My name is [Name] and I am absolutely thrilled to be here today as the mother of the groom. They say weddings are a time for love, laughter, and happiness, and I intend to deliver on at least two of those fronts tonight!
Now, let me say a few words about my son, [Groom’s Name]. From the moment he was born, I knew he was special. He has always had a unique way of making us laugh, whether it’s with his goofy jokes or his charming smile. He’s a true comedian at heart, and he’s been keeping our family in stitches for years.
And then, along came [Partner’s Name]. I must say, [Partner’s Name], you have the patience of a saint to put up with my son’s antics! But your grace, your kindness, and your ability to roll with the punches have won all of our hearts. You’re the peanut butter to his jelly, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our family.
They say that opposites attract, and that couldn’t be more true in this case. [Groom’s Name] is notorious for his messy habits, while [Partner’s Name] is the definition of neat and organized. I remember the day they moved in together, and it was like watching a sitcom. But, against all odds, they’ve managed to find harmony in their differences and build a beautiful life together.
[Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name], as you begin this exciting journey of marriage I want to remind you to keep the laughter alive! Life can throw some curveballs, but if you can find humour in the little things, you’ll get through it. A couple that laughs together, stays together.
So please join me as we raise our glasses to [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name]. May your days be filled with laughter, your love be as strong as your sense of humour, and your life together be one hilarious adventure. Cheers to the funniest couple in the room!
Religious mother of the groom wedding speech sample
We gather here today to celebrate not only the union of [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name] but also to acknowledge the divine presence that blesses this sacred bond. As the mother of the groom, I am profoundly grateful to be a part of this beautiful celebration.
I want to take a moment to praise my son, [Groom’s Name]. He has always possessed a strong faith and unwavering devotion. His commitment to his values and his compassion for others are a testament to the goodness in his heart.
[Partner’s Name], from the moment you entered our lives, it was evident that your faith was equally strong. Your kindness, your humility, and your genuine love for [Groom’s Name] have been a blessing to our family. We are grateful for your presence and your shared commitment to faith.
The love story of [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name] has been guided by their faith. They have prayed together, found solace in their shared beliefs, and sought spiritual guidance through life’s challenges. Their journey is a testament to the power of faith in nurturing a love that is unbreakable.
[Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name], as you embark on this sacred journey of marriage, I want to remind you to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Seek His guidance in times of joy and tribulation, and let your faith be the cornerstone of your love. Together, may you find strength and peace in His presence.
Together, let us raise our glasses and offer a prayer for [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name], that their marriage may be blessed with divine love, unwavering faith, and the grace of God. May their union be a shining example of the power of faith in love. Cheers to a blessed and joyous marriage!
7 tips for an awesome mother of the groom wedding speech
1. Write your speech down on paper
Your wedding speech should be written down on paper. Don’t try to memorize it, don’t make it up on the spot and don’t read it off your phone. Take the time to write or type your speech out onto a piece of paper for you to read and reference. This is the best way to guarantee a smooth speech delivery and it looks best in photos.
2. Practice your wedding speech
Just because you’re not memorizing it doesn’t mean you don’t need to practice your wedding speech. Practice saying your speech out loud in front of a mirror so you’re comfortable with all of the words. This will give you added confidence on the big day!
3. Include your spouse (if appropriate)
If appropriate, include your spouse in your speech. You may want to give the speech together, each saying different parts, or just have them stand next to you while you speak. If your relationship isn’t one where you’d like to give a speech together, you can still reference your spouse or your family in your speech.
4. Keep it short
Your wedding speech should be 2-3 minutes long. That’s the sweet spot for wedding speeches – any longer and people get bored, any shorter and people might blink and miss it. Aim for 2-3 minutes while writing and time yourself when you practice so you know how long your speech is.
5. Skip the embarrassing stories
You may have joked with your son that you were going to share his naked baby photos at his wedding but when it comes to your speech, keep the embarrassing stuff out. A funny little story is okay but anything that is going to make your son or his new spouse uncomfortable should not be included.
6. Mention your son’s new spouse and their family
We included this in the structure of a speech above but it bears repeating: Don’t forget to mention your son’s new spouse! So many mother of the groom speeches only focus on the groom with no mention of the person he’s marrying. Remember, this isn’t all about your son; this is about his marriage. Take the time to highlight your new child-in-law, speak directly to them in your speech, and make them and their family feel welcome.
7. Prepare for emotions
Many parents say they don’t want to give a speech at their child’s wedding because they fear they’ll get too emotional. But rather than letting that stop you from speaking, take some time to prepare for it in advance. By practicing your speech at home, you’ll be more comfortable with your words and the emotions they bring up. You can also practice grounding exercises and bring tissues with you to the podium. Plus, who doesn’t love a photo of a tearful mother-son hug?
Riana has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!
If you’ve ever seen a couple light a candle, pour some sand or braid a rope at their wedding ceremony and thought “that’s cool!” then a unity ceremony might be for you! But what is a unity ceremony and what unity ceremony ideas are there to choose from? We’ve got you covered!
From traditional customs to offbeat and fun ideas, unity ceremonies offer a chance to make your day even more personal. Check out these 18+ unity ceremony ideas that will add that extra magic to your “I do” moment!
What is a unity ceremony?
A unity ceremony is a special tradition, practice or moment that a couple engages in during their wedding to symbolize their commitment to one another and their new union. These ceremonies generally involve two things becoming one or the joining of both people to best symbolize the unity the couple has found.
Unity ceremony ideas can be derived from religious or cultural traditions, historic wedding practices or something fun and creative the couple wants to do. Some ceremonies also result in a physical object, such as a painting, that the couple can then display in their home.
Why do couples have unity ceremonies during their wedding? Do we have to have one?
Most couples choose to have unity ceremonies during their weddings to further personalize their day. They may want to add a unity practice that is really meaningful to them, something done by their family or religious group, or that they have a personal connection to. Unity ceremonies also give couples one more opportunity to focus on their connection and commitment to one another.
However, unity ceremonies are not mandatory. You can still have a personalized wedding day that focuses on your commitment without holding a special unity ceremony. If none of the wedding ceremony unity ideas sound good to you, don’t force it! You and your guests will enjoy your wedding a lot more if it feels authentic to you two, and not like you’re doing something just because you think you’re supposed to.
Lastly, we want to remind you to do your homework when it comes to unity ideas for your wedding. Especially if it’s not a unity practice you’re familiar with or not one from your own background, do some research to make sure you understand where the practice comes from and if it’s right for you. Appreciation can veer into appropriation when we start incorporating elements from other cultures, religions or backgrounds without any meaning behind them.
There are also some unity ceremonies that aren’t appropriate for everyone. For example, jumping the broom is a wedding tradition born out of a time when Black slaves were not allowed to legally marry, and so jumped over a broom to signify their union. Because of this history, you can see how it would be inappropriate for a non-Black couple to incorporate this unity ceremony into their wedding.
When does the unity ceremony happen?
Unity ceremonies usually happen during the wedding ceremony, typically after your vows and ring exchange but before your first kiss and pronouncement as a newlywed couple. Depending on what type of unity ceremony you have in mind, you can work with your wedding officiant and wedding planner to ensure you have it at the right time. You may also need to coordinate with them any supplies you’ll need for the ceremony.
18+ unity ceremony ideas for your wedding
From mixing sand and planting trees to tying knots and chopping wood, check out 18+ unity ideas for your wedding below!
Sand unity ceremony
One of the most popular ideas for a unity ceremony is a sand ceremony. In a sand unity ceremony, each member of the couple will have a vase filled with sand, usually of different colours. Together, they will both pour their small bottles of sand into a larger one, mixing the two types of sand together. A sand for unity ceremony is a simple way to symbolize two becoming one and makes a beautiful art piece. You can even have your unity ceremony sand transformed into even cooler art by a glassblower.
Beer, wine or cocktail blending
Why mix sand when you could mix drinks? A fun spin on the sand unity ceremony is to switch out sand for something much more delicious, like beer, wine or cocktail ingredients. For example, you can pour white wine while your partner pours red, creating your own rosé. Or you pour gin while your partner pours tonic water. Afterwards, take a sip of your new creation!
Prefer mocktails over cocktails? If you’re not alcohol drinkers, you can still do a beverage blending unity ceremony with juice, tea, coffee or your beverage of choice.
Handfasting ceremony
In Celtic wedding vow tradition, a handfasting ceremony is done so a couple can literally tie the knot. In this ceremony, the officiant will wrap rope around the couple’s hands, tying them together, while explaining the significance of the tradition with a handfasting script. The couple may also choose to exchange Celtic wedding vows to further deepen their connection to the ceremony.
One of the best ways to symbolize your growing love and commitment to care for it is with a tree planting ceremony. Assuming you don’t want to do a full landscaping job in your wedding clothes, it’s best to make this ceremony as simple as possible. You can shovel in some dirt that was already prepared or simply water a tree that has just been planted. You can also swap out the tree for a house plant or succulent if that makes more sense for your lives.
Unity candle ceremony
Another very popular unity ceremony is the unity candle ceremony. In this ceremony, both members of the couple will take a lit candle and light a third candle together at the same time. Sometimes couples will receive their individual candles from family or friends, symbolizing the love they are bringing to the marriage. This is another beautiful, simple and elegant unity ceremony idea.
Ring warming
Who says unity ceremonies only have to involve the couple? In this unity idea, you get to involve all of your loved ones. A ring warming is when a couple’s wedding rings are passed around so all of their guests can “warm” the rings with their love. That way, when the couple exchanges rings, they’re doing so with all the love and support of their guests. Worried about losing the rings or someone coughing on them? Instead of passing around each ring on its own, put them in a box!
Similar to handfasting, this unity idea involves braiding a cord but without wrapping the cord around your hands. This tradition comes from the Bible where Ecclesiastes 4:12 says that “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” The three strands traditionally symbolize the two partners and god but if you’re not religious, the third strand can represent your family and friends. During this unity tradition, both partners will take turn braiding the cord and tying a knot at the end.
Lantern release
Inspired by Thai tradition (and probably the movie Tangled), a lantern release is a beautiful way to symbolize your union and give your guests something beautiful to look at. A lantern release can be a sign of hope for a bright future ahead or can be used to make wishes for your married life. If you want to get your guests involved, this is a great unity ceremony to do at the end of your reception, where guests can release their own lanterns. Make sure you do your research to ensure you’re releasing lanterns in an environmentally-friendly and venue-approved fashion!
Anniversary capsule
We love this unity ceremony idea! Together, you and your partner will create an anniversary time capsule for you to open on your first wedding anniversary. Your capsule can include love letters, mementos from your wedding day, a bottle of your favourite wine, etc. During the unity ceremony, your officiant can explain what items you’re putting into the box, which you can then seal closed together and open a year later!
Paint blending
An artsy unity ceremony idea is a paint blending ceremony. In this option, each member of the couple will have a different colour of paint. You’ll then apply both to a canvas in whatever design you choose, creating a piece of art that blends both colours and can be displayed in your home. You may want to test out your art materials ahead of time so you don’t accidentally get paint on your wedding outfits!
Sandwich making
One of the funniest unity ceremony ideas we’ve heard of is a sandwich making ceremony. If you always say you go together like peanut butter and jelly, why not make it literal? On a side table you can have the sandwich ingredients ready to go. One partner will add peanut butter to a piece of bread while the other partner adds jelly to another piece of bread. Smash them together and take a bite of true love!
Ceremony toast
Another great way to involve your guests in your unity ceremony is with a unity toast. While toasts are usually saved for the wedding reception, we love the idea of all of your guests raising a glass in support of your union at your ceremony. Make sure to discuss with your wedding planner how you’ll work out all of the logistics for your wedding ceremony toast so everyone can cheers to your love.
Looking for more religious or spiritual ideas for a unity ceremony? Check out a few options below! Remember to do your research before incorporating a tradition that is not from your own religion or culture.
Prayer circle: Have your guests form a circle around you and pray for your marriage.
Communion: Invite guests to receive communion at your Catholic wedding.
Wash each other’s feet: Like Jesus, take turns washing each other’s feet to symbolize your love and humility.
Circling: The Jewish hakafot tradition sees the bride circling the groom seven times, but is now commonly done by both partners.
Hasta Milap: This Hindu tradition ties a scarf or sari over the couple’s hands to signify the meeting of their two hearts and two souls.
Sofreh Aghd: A Persian ceremony that involves symbolic items displayed on a table to bless the couple’s union.
Breaking the glass: A unity ceremony traditionally seen at the end of Jewish weddings to symbolize a turning point in the couple’s lives.
Another unity ceremony idea that involves your guests is a community vow. With a community vow, your officiant might say something like, “Loved ones of Peter and MJ, do you promise to celebrate their love, support them and encourage them in their marriage? If so, please let out a resounding ‘we do!'” To which your guests will all shout, “We do!” It’s a fun, simple and meaningful way to involve your guests in your ceremony and union as a couple.
Blanket wrapping is a beautiful unity ceremony that comes from Cherokee tradition. Each member of the couple is wrapped individually in a blue blanket, symbolizing their past lives. Then, they’re wrapped together in a white blanket, symbolizing their commitment to a new life together filled with peace. A shared blanket can also represent warmth and a shared future. To add even more meaning, you can use handmade blankets or ask loved ones to do the wrapping.
Log cutting
Want to work up a sweat at your unity ceremony? A German wedding tradition, baumstamm sägen, involves the couple cutting a log together with a handsaw to symbolize the hard work they are willing to put into their marriage. Luckily, to save the couple some time and to stop them from sweating through their outfits, this log is often partially cut in advance.
Bonfire ceremony
Is your love burning like a passionate flame? Prove it with a bonfire ceremony! While you don’t want your marriage to be up in flames or burned to the ground, a bonfire can symbolize new beginnings, new life and new light. It’s also quite the wow moment for your guests! Just be sure you have venue-approval before lighting a bonfire and a plan for how to safely put it out.
Crown ceremony
The crown unity ceremony comes from Greek Orthodox weddings where Stefana crowns are placed on the couple’s heads by their officiant or family members. These crowns are held together with a ribbon, connecting the wearers to each other and to god. The couple is blessed and the ceremony symbolizes the couple coming together in god’s kingdom.
Traditionally seen in Mexican, Filipino and Spanish Catholic weddings, a lasso unity ceremony is another play on “tying the knot” to bring couples together. A lasso – usually a flower garland or rosary passed down by family – is draped over the couple’s shoulders to form a figure eight, representing their unity for eternity. The couple wears the lasso throughout the ceremony until it is removed by their officiant or special “lasso godparents.”
So there you have it, 18+ unity ceremony ideas that you can incorporate into your wedding day. Want to make your wedding day even more personal and meaningful? Check out our custom ceremony package where your officiant will write a ceremony completely personalized to your love story!
Contributors
Riana Ang-Canning
Riana has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!
Love, laughter and happily ever after? We hope that’s how you feel after reading 48 of our favourite wedding puns, jokes and quotes! Get ready to add a dash of humour and a sprinkle of wit to your wedding day.
There are lots of great times and places to drop a few wedding puns or jokes on your wedding day and leading up to it. The key is to find times and places that are low key, where a bit of humour will add to your wedding and not detract from a meaningful moment.
Some of the best places for a wedding pun include:
All of these options are great because they’re written – many puns only make sense when you can see how they’re spelled. It can be harder to get the joke across if your audience only hears you and can’t see the pun. And as funny as puns can be, sometimes it’s more of a “quick chuckle” than a “roar with laughter” moment, making them better suited to times when guests can enjoy them on their own.
Another place you may want to incorporate wedding jokes or funny quotes would be in your wedding toasts and speeches. In fact, many of our jokes below work perfectly in a speech. However, we will advise you to proceed with caution. Remember that this is a wedding, not a comedy show!
Tips for adding jokes, puns and funny quotes to your wedding
Like most things in life: Less is more when it comes to funny wedding vows, jokes, puns and quotes. Use them sparingly! Even if everyone knows you two are big goofballs, your wedding is still an important day that you should take seriously. Have fun but don’t forget why you’re getting married (and no, it’s not to practice your stand up routine!).
Choose wedding puns and jokes that mean something to you. A funny pun about a dentist in love will be a lot funnier if you or your spouse-to-be actually are dentists! If none of the examples below apply to your situation, they can still inspire you to find or write a joke that plays on who you two are.
Don’t be offensive. No one wants their wedding to be full of crude language, cringe moments or vulgar jokes. Remember, there are likely grandparents and little children present! Avoid talking about exes, hot button issues or anything that would embarrass someone in the room.
And please, don’t go for a tired sexist wedding joke. We’ve all heard the jokes about how marriage is a life sentence, men don’t listen and women are always shopping. Not only are these jokes unfunny and untrue, they’re also just boring! Obviously the couple getting married believe in marriage, so there’s no need to make a joke everyone has heard before mocking their choice. Trust us, you’re better than that.
Now that you know the do’s and don’ts of wedding fun, let’s get into some examples!
18 wedding jokes – perfect for funny wedding speeches!
When your spouse gets a little upset, just remember a simple “calm down” in a soothing voice is all it takes to get them a lot more upset.
What do you call a melon that’s not allowed to get married? Can’t elope.
Now, I did ask for a microphone but was told one wasn’t available. So if you can’t hear me at the back, the silence from the people at the front should reassure you that you’re not missing out on anything.
Did you hear about the two spiders who just got engaged? I hear they met on the web.
What can I say about a person who is kind to everyone they meet? A person who is smart, gifted, stunning, successful and so much more? A top human in every situation? Well, enough about me, let’s move onto the newlyweds.
Luckily we didn’t have a Runaway Bride situation. It was more like Runaway Bridal Expenses!
Today we witnessed a unique event in history – it’s the first and presumably last time anyone has trusted me to give a speech!
Why did the bee get married? Because he found his honey.
I have one final piece of advice for you two lovebirds: never stop laughing, even when the jokes are horrible.
I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to steal the covers from for the rest of your life.
Well, what can I tell you about the happy couple? I’ve known them for about 10 years, they’re funny, intelligent, kind, beautiful… sorry, wrong wedding!
What did Cinderella say when her wedding photos didn’t show up? Someday my prints will come!
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is (Name). My full name is actually ‘(Name) would-you-like-a-drink.’ For those of you who I chat with at the bar later, I’d appreciate it if you could use my full name.
Marriage is full of surprises but it’s mostly just asking each other, “Do you have to do that right now?”
The couple has informed me that the buffet this evening is charged on a cost-per-head basis. So, on their behalf, I’d like to thank the following people for not coming…
And so, without further ado, let me ask those of you who still can to stand up and join me in a toast to the newlyweds!
May your marriage be so solid it could last through being on a Bravo reality TV show.
I would like to reintroduce the most important people here tonight. We know them, we love them and it’s probably why we’re all here…the bartenders!
by Erica Miller Photography
10 funny wedding quotes
“To keep your marriage brimming with love in the wedding cup, whenever you’re wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up.” – Ogden Nash
“Marriage is like vitamins: We supplement each other’s minimum daily requirements.” – Kathy Mohnke
“Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow internet to see who they really are.” – Will Ferrell
“Is marriage just two people taking turns mashing the trash down in the hopes the other one folds first and empties the bin?” – Monica Hesse
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
“The best thing to ever happen to a marriage is the pause-live-TV button.” — Rick Reilly
“True love is singing karaoke ‘Under Pressure’ and letting the other person sing the Freddie Mercury part.” – Mindy Kaling
“Love is a lot like a backache; it doesn’t show up on x-rays, but you know it’s there.” – George Burns
“I’m going to get married because I’m more mature now, and I need some kitchen stuff.” — Wendy Liebman
“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner
Whether you choose to add any to your wedding day, we hope these wedding puns, jokes, quotes and funny lines got you laughing! Keep smiling as you plan an awesome wedding, custom ceremony and have the best marriage ever!
Leading up to the big day, the rehearsal dinner provides the perfect opportunity for friends and family to gather, celebrate, and share in the joy of your upcoming wedding. To make sure your rehearsal dinner is one to remember, we’ve compiled a list of seven fun activities that will entertain your guests and set the stage for an amazing wedding celebration. Plus, we’re sharing exactly what to do at a rehearsal dinner, who to invite and when to hold it!
A wedding rehearsal dinner is when the couple getting married (or their families) treats everyone who attended their ceremony rehearsal to dinner afterwards. The rehearsal dinner is meant to thank everyone not only for attending the rehearsal, but for being a major part of the wedding (and presumably the couple’s life!). It can be held at a restaurant or at someone’s home. In cultures and times where the bride’s parents would pay for the wedding, the groom’s parents would then cover the rehearsal dinner.
These days, rehearsal dinners have become mini wedding events with speeches, decor, special outfits and more guests than just the wedding party invited. More on all of that below!
Who gets invited to the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally, it was just the wedding party who got invited to the rehearsal dinner, as a thank you for their hard work in the wedding. So a rehearsal dinner would consist of the wedding party, the couple and their parents, if the parents were involved in the wedding. But in recent years, the rehearsal dinner has become a full-fledged wedding event where guests who did not attend the actual rehearsal and are not in the wedding party, such as out of town guests, are also invited.
You do not need to invite your wedding officiant, wedding planner or any other wedding vendor to your rehearsal dinner. While your officiant and planner should facilitate and attend your rehearsal, they aren’t expecting to join you for dinner.
When should you have the dinner?
The rehearsal dinner is usually held right after the ceremony rehearsal, which we recommend holding a few days before your wedding. For example, you may rehearse from 4-5pm and then meet at the restaurant for 6pm. However, sometimes it’s difficult to schedule a rehearsal for just before dinnertime. If you’re rehearsing in the morning or afternoon, it’s okay to take a break for a few hours and then meet up with your party again for dinner.
You also don’t have to have a rehearsal dinner – you can have a rehearsal lunch, brunch, picnic, BBQ, etc. If it’s more convenient for your schedule to treat your special guests to a different type of meal, go for it! We do, however, recommend holding the meal after you finish the actual ceremony rehearsal, not before. That way, you get the important business done first and are free to enjoy a relaxed meal with your loved ones (and you don’t risk anyone drinking too much at the meal to participate in the rehearsal!).
That’s really up to you! A wedding rehearsal dinner can be as formal or as informal, as large or as small, as decorated or as simple as you like.
Some couples and their families like to devote a lot of time to this dinner, treating it like a mini wedding reception with special outfits, catering and decor. This is a fun way to extend the wedding celebrations and a chance to do things you may not get to at your reception, such as wear a fun outfit or hear certain speeches. It can also be a great way to spend more time with your guests, especially those who are travelling to your wedding from out of town. But, an extra wedding event means added costs and planning time.
While we’re always here for a beautiful dinner, remember that your wedding rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be a big thing if you don’t want it to be. Its purpose is to say thank you to your wedding party and entice them to actually attend the rehearsal. That can be done with a seven-course meal in a private villa or with pizza and beer in your backyard.
Whether you decide to go big or keep it small for your rehearsal dinner, don’t forget that the main point is the rehearsal. Some couples get so absorbed in the rehearsal dinner that they forgo the ceremony rehearsal altogether. Don’t let that be you – the rehearsal is important!
What do you actually do at a rehearsal dinner?
Good question! The main point of a rehearsal dinner is to thank your wedding party by treating them to a great meal, so the focus should definitely be on eating together and enjoying each other’s company. It’s a great time to do a few speeches, hand out gifts and get excited for your big wedding day around the corner. Try to plan a relaxing evening where you can hang out with your party and not one filled with last minute wedding planning tasks.
Need more ideas for how to make your rehearsal dinner fun, personal and memorable? Keep reading!
7 fun things to do at your rehearsal dinner
Regardless of the size and scope of your rehearsal dinner, you can still make it fun for everyone who attends! Here are seven fun things to do at your rehearsal dinner.
1. Listen to speeches
Many couples choose to have a few speeches at their wedding rehearsal dinner, such as the father of the groom speech. This is a great way to cut down on speeches at your reception and bring some poignancy and structure to your rehearsal dinner.
Plus, since the rehearsal dinner is usually more casual than the wedding reception, this is a perfect time for speech givers and toast makers to have some fun and crack a few jokes. Basically, if you’re worried about one of your wedding attendants going rogue, hand them the mic on rehearsal night, not wedding night.
2. Wear fun outfits
Many couples like to wear special outfits for their rehearsal dinner. Because a rehearsal is less serious and less photographed than a wedding, you can have more fun with your outfit. Consider opting for a style that’s completely different than your wedding day look or maybe rocking matching hats or custom jackets. Or get inspired by Paige & Correy below and wear outfits that honour your heritage – and look amazing!
Your rehearsal dinner can also be a good time to test drive anything you’re planning to wear on the big day. Consider wearing the shoes or undergarments you’ve set aside for your wedding, especially if they’re new to you. You could also have a hair and makeup trial scheduled for your rehearsal day.
Your rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity for you to give thank you gifts to your wedding party and other loved ones, like your parents. These gifts should be thoughtful, personal and express your gratitude for all this person has done for your wedding and in your life. While Etsy is full of “bridesmaid boxes” and the like, we encourage you to think of specific gifts your loved one would really like, rather than a generic tumbler with their name on it.
While some couples prefer to wait to give gifts until the day of the wedding, giving them out at the rehearsal dinner means one less task on wedding day. It’s one less thing for you to remember and for your party to have to keep track of all day long.
4. Play games
Who says a rehearsal dinner has to be serious and stuffy? You can absolutely play games at your rehearsal dinner and make it more fun and interactive for everyone.
If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, why not set up cornhole or bocce? If it’s a rehearsal picnic on the beach, you can break out a frisbee or if you’re having dinner at a pub, head to the closest pool table. An at-home rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity to host a board game night or challenge your wedding party to a few rounds of your favourite video game. Plus, if your wedding party members don’t all know each other, you might want to play a few get to know you games at the dinner table.
5. Personalize rehearsal dinner elements
Because your rehearsal dinner guest list is (or should be!) smaller than your wedding guest list, this is the perfect opportunity to personalize things for a smaller group of people who are closer to you. Everyone will appreciate the special touch and will feel honoured to be included in an evening that is really about thanking them.
There are lots of ways to personalize your rehearsal dinner for your guests. You could hand write cards for every guest and leave them on their plates, curate a playlist with a special song for each person, or even thank each person by name and for something specific in your speech.
6. Serve creative food & drink
Your rehearsal dinner is your opportunity to have fun with food and drink options since you have fewer people to serve than at your big wedding. You could set up a candy bar, DIY taco station, signature drinks or even invite a food truck or ice cream cart to stop by.
Since everyone at your rehearsal dinner will also be attending your wedding reception, it’s a good idea to serve something completely different. For example, if you’re doing a Chinese buffet for your reception, consider an Italian or Mexican restaurant for the rehearsal. You’ll also want to keep in mind everyone’s dietary restrictions when planning the menu.
7. Enjoy a night out on the town!
There’s no limit to the fun you could have hitting the town with your wedding party after your rehearsal dinner. Head out on a pub crawl, dance the night away, take over a karaoke bar or play some old school beer pong in your parents’ basement.
But go easy, especially if you’re getting married the next day. No one wants to spend half their wedding day hungover!
Whether you choose to play games, share heartfelt toasts, or simply enjoy each other’s company, the key to an amazing rehearsal dinner is to savour every moment and cherish the love and support surrounding you. From all of us here at Young Hip & Married, we wish you an amazing rehearsal dinner and an even more magical wedding day!
Contributors
Riana Ang-Canning
Riana has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!
The recessional – when you recess back up the aisle after the ceremony – is a time of cheering, big smiles and maybe even some confetti. And all of that is a lot more fun when you have an amazing exit song playing in the background. But what exactly is a ceremony exit song and which one should you choose for your wedding? Let’s find out!
A wedding ceremony exit song, also called a recessional song, is the music that plays at the end of your ceremony as you recess back up the aisle. It’s usually an upbeat, romantic song that signifies to everyone listening how excited you are to be officially married!
When is the wedding recessional song played?
The recessional song starts right after the couple is pronounced married by their officiant. Guests will cheer and clap as the couple celebrate and the song begins. It is played while the couple and their wedding party, if they have one, make their way up the aisle and out of the ceremony space.
Usually you just need one ceremony exit song that can be played while the couple and their party recess up the aisle. Unlike the processional – when you process down the aisle at the start of the ceremony – a recessional is often faster and separate music isn’t played for the couple vs their wedding party.
That being said, if you have a creative idea for your recessional that involves playing one song for the couple’s exit and another for the wedding party, you could do that. Just be sure to run it by your DJ so the transition is smooth. If it’s getting too complicated, remember that you can save a song for your reception entrance!
Depending on your wedding day schedule, you may choose to keep the music going after your main recessional song. Perhaps guests will stay in the ceremony space for cocktails, in which case it might be nice to have your DJ transition from your exit song into cocktail hour music. Or if guests are leaving the space, it still could be a nice touch to keep the music going with a few exit songs to play your guests out.
4 things to keep in mind when choosing your wedding recessional song
1 – Think about the vibe you want. Many couples will choose a song that is uplifting or fast tempo to get guests in the mood to celebrate at the end of the ceremony. Others will choose something a bit slower and more acoustic or maybe a song with sentimental meaning to you. Discuss with your partner what kind of music you want to play and how you want guests to feel.
2 – Consider the logistics. Who will be playing your wedding ceremony exit songs? Do you have a DJ or is a friendor handling this task? If you’re having a friend handle the music, make sure they are comfortable with the sound equipment and know when to start your song. If you’re getting married in a non-traditional venue, such as someone’s home or backyard, make sure the right music equipment is available to use.
3 – Evaluate your space. While most songs should give you and your party more than enough time to recess up the aisle, keep your venue in mind when choosing an exit song. Is your aisle particularly long or do you have to navigate stairs? Do you have a huge wedding party? Make sure your song is long enough to last the length of your recessional.
4 – Practice any special elements. If you have a specific vision for your recessional or are planning for any creative additions, make sure you practice these at your wedding rehearsal. You (or your wedding planner) will want to let your wedding party members know when to start walking up the aisle and if they should walk solo or in pairs/groups. If you’re planning to stop for a kiss mid-recessional or want your exit music to start mid-way through the song, make sure everyone knows what’s happening.
Check out these modern recessional songs that your guests likely have on their Spotify playlists, and that will get them in the mood to dance the night away at your reception:
If you’re a fan of rap quotes from songs or want to treat your guests to the funniest rap lyrics, while still keeping things romantic, check out these recessional rap options:
“’03 Bonnie & Clyde” by Jay-Z ft. Beyoncé
“Own It” by Stormzy ft. Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy
“Wait For U” by Future ft. Drake and Tems
“Do for Love” by Tupac
“21 Questions” by 50 Cent ft. Nate Dogg
“Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)” by Erykah Badu and Common
“Hold On, We’re Going Home” by Drake ft. Majid Jordan
“LOVE” by Kendrick Lamar ft. Zacari
“Your Love” by Nicki Minaj
“Beautiful” by Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell
“All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA
What exit song will you be choosing for your wedding ceremony? We’d love to hear it in person when Young Hip & Married officiates on your big day! Meet our team of officiants, check out our packages and book today!
feature image by Erica Miller Photography
When you elope with Young Hip & Married we provide your wedding officiant (of course!) and all of the ceremony and vow writing resources you need. We can even provide a photographer and helicopter! But are you ready to take your intimate elopement to the next level and create memories you can relive over and over again? Then this exciting announcement is for you: You can now add videography to your elopement!
Young Hip & Married has partnered with Vancouver videography company, Capture Media, to offer a videography add-on to all of our Vancouver + Lower Mainland elopement packages, including helicopter, seaplane and Whistler elopements!
In addition to photography (which is available or included in our elopement packages already), you can now add on professional video coverage! Simon and his team at Capture Media will film all of the important moments of your elopement and create a five minute highlight film for you to watch back and relive your memories forever.
Want to add videography to your elopement?
Simply fill out our contact form with your elopement details and tick the box to let us know you’re interested in videography.
You can also check out our elopement packages below to learn what’s included in our videography add-on, pricing and more. This package is currently available in the Lower Mainland of BC.
Interview with Capture Media: Learn more about what happens when you add videography to your elopement
Get to know our videography partner, Simon of Capture Media, in the below vendor interview. Learn all about his videography experience and style, plus find out what couples get wrong about wedding and elopement videography!
Take it away, Simon!
Please introduce yourself! How long have you been a wedding videographer and what first got you into videography?
Hi! I am Simon and I have been a wedding videographer for 10 years. I started my professional career in computer science, but was never fulfilled due to the lack of creativity, sitting at a desk for hours, and lack of interaction with people. I had always had an interest in the art of creating films, I started creating highlight videos of family vacations, adventure videos, etc.
In 2013, I started my videography business when I provided videography for my wife’s sister’s wedding, and my journey began. After a number of years, I eventually went full time and still love the creative outlet that it provides me.
Summarize your videography style in 15 words or less!
Capturing magical moments, having fun, being creative, making the process as easy as just hanging out!
What can couples expect with you as their elopement videographer?
My working style is laid back, fun and creative! One of the most important things as a videographer is to make my couples comfortable on camera and I do that by being human, not a robot with a camera, and having fun together!
Why do you love elopements?
Elopements are a great way to get married because they typically provide a day that is more intimate than a regular wedding and you get to experience your wedding day fully without all the stress of a large wedding. It is a much more simple and beautiful way to get married as elopements are more focused on the couple’s love in a more private setting.
What are your favourite elopement locations in/around Vancouver?
Stanley Park, Whistler, Squamish, Golden Ears, or any mountain top. If not accessible by helicopter, I am always open to packing my camera and hiking up with you!
What are your best tips for couples eloping? How can they prepare for their elopement videography session?
Enjoy and cherish the day! Many couples can get caught up in the stress of getting married, but with an elopement you don’t have to! Your videographer & photographer are here to make sure that you not only look amazing on camera, but also to make sure that you enjoy your day and not feel awkward on camera.
As far as preparation, just show up and be yourself! Trust that we will be there to guide you through the process.
What do couples get wrong about wedding or elopement videography?
Some couples think they need to practice poses, work on their smile, etc. prior to their wedding or elopement. They may be looking at other wedding videos or photos wondering how they are going to pull that off. But if you have a good videographer, they will direct you and all this will come naturally.
Share a favourite elopement memory with us!
One of the best moments actually came after the elopement when I was delivering the video to my couple. Instead of just a thank you email, the bride went out of her way to call me and was in tears of joy over the phone.
“Wedding & elopement videography can be hard work but when you know that you are impacting a couple’s life with a video they will watch forever, it makes the job very fulfilling.”
When you’re not filming elopements or weddings, how do you like to spend your time?
I enjoy spending time in nature going on adventures, camping, and unplugging from the digital world we live in. I love fitness, so naturally I love trekking mountains, enjoying the views and quiet time that it provides, and in the winter getting on my snowboard to enjoy some fresh powder. Golf is another one of my passions; I usually am out on the course a few times a week as it’s the perfect way to recharge.
Ready to add videography to your elopement? Fill out our contact form with your elopement details and tick the box to let us know you’re interested in videography!
Whether you have a Pinterest board full of wedding signs or you’ve never heard of the term before, if you’re planning a wedding ceremony, this post is for you! Let the experts at Young Hip & Married walk you through the beautiful world of wedding signs.
What is a wedding sign? What’s the point of wedding signs?
A wedding sign is a sign that gets displayed at a wedding (duh!). This can be a poster, marquee letters, cardboard sign, wooden sign, chalkboard, etc. The point of a wedding sign is first and foremost to pass along information to guests, such as where to find the bathrooms or what is being served at the bar. Their secondary purpose is decorative; wedding signs can help to portray the vibe of a wedding as beautiful pieces of wedding decor.
Signs at weddings are not to be confused with signing at a wedding. Signing at a wedding ceremony usually refers to signing the marriage licence.
Do we really need 18 wedding signs at our ceremony?
Probably not. The point of us listing 18 signs to display at your wedding ceremony is to give you a comprehensive list of signs you may want to use – not 18 signs you have to use. Go through the list and see what signs make sense for your guest size, venue and ceremony style.
In fact, it would probably be overkill to have all 18 types of wedding signs at your ceremony. Too many wedding signs can start to feel tacky and dated (think of a home with “Live Laugh Love” plastered all over it). Worse, guests will start to ignore signs if there are too many. They came to have fun at a wedding, not read a novel’s worth of signs!
Bottom line: Remember that your guests are competent human beings who can likely find their way to the bar or know the bride is entering without a sign telling them so. Include signs where you think they will be useful – where a guest might be confused about what to do or where to go. If you’re using signs purely for aesthetics, show some restraint. If you have to ask, “Do we have too many wedding signs?” then the answer is probably yes!
What about wedding reception signs?
As experienced wedding officiants, we’re just going to cover the signs you might want at a wedding ceremony in this blog post. But there are lots of signs you might consider putting up at your reception too. These include: a seating chart, bar sign, menu, table numbers, photo booth sign, hashtag sign, sweets table sign, food labels, favours sign and grand exit instructions.
Welcome to our wedding! Many couples like to display a welcome sign at the entrance of their ceremony. Not only does this set the tone for your wedding (your welcome sign will likely match the rest of your decor), but it can also be very helpful if you’re getting married in a venue that hosts multiple weddings at once, such as a conference centre. A welcome sign with your names on it lets guests know they’re in the right place!
Wedding program sign
If you’re having wedding ceremony programs, a sign telling guests to take one might be helpful if you don’t have an usher handing them out. Alternatively, you may want to put the contents of a wedding program on the sign itself, instead of having individual programs for everyone. On the sign you could list the members of the wedding party and the order of events of the ceremony.
Directional sign
A directional sign points guests in the right direction. This could be as simple as a sandwich board that reads, “This way to the ceremony” or a large sign post with arrows indicating where guests should go for the ceremony, the reception, photos and if they need to use the restroom. If your venue space is very large or complicated, these signs may be necessary so guests don’t get lost.
Unplugged wedding ceremony sign
Many couples opt for unplugged wedding ceremonies these days and we have to admit, we’re big fans! If you want your guests to put their phones and cameras away during your ceremony, a sign reminding them of this policy is a good idea. You should also couple this with a note on your wedding website and an announcement by your officiant. You can never remind guests too often about this one!
Seating sign
How ever will guests know to “pick a seat, not a side, we’re all family once the knot is tied” unless you have an artsy sign telling them so? We kid, of course! But many couples do like to post a sign telling guests they’re free to choose their own seat. This comes out of the Christian tradition of the bride’s family sitting on the left while the groom’s family sits on the right. Most couples don’t bother with that tradition these days and so place a sign letting guests know they’re free to sit wherever they’d like.
Signs for blankets, fans, umbrellas, bubbles, bug spray, etc.
If you need your guests to pick up anything before your ceremony begins, throw a sign up to let them know. While a basket full of blankets might be obvious, it doesn’t hurt to have a small sign letting guests know the blankets are for them and they should bring one to their seat so no one gets frostbite mid-ceremony.
Sign carried by your wedding kids
If you’re having flower kids or ring bearers in your wedding party, many couples like to supply them with a cute sign as they’re coming down the aisle. Signs will say things like “Ring Security” or “Here comes Uncle Mitch!” Obviously this isn’t a mandatory wedding sign, but it sure can be adorable!
Sign carried by your wedding pets
If you’ve opted to send Fido down the aisle with the rings, you may want a cute sign to accompany him. Just like the signs that wedding kids might carry, these signs on pets aren’t mandatory. But if you’re going to trouble of putting your pup in a little tux or flower crown, why not add a sign?
One of the most important wedding signs at a ceremony is any sign you leave on a chair. Often these are reserved signs that let guests know certain seats are reserved for specific individuals, such as reserving seats for your parents in the front row.
Remembrance sign
Many couples choose to have a remembrance table at their wedding ceremony in honour of passed loved ones. You could set this up with photos or mementos of the deceased and a sign explaining who they are to guests who might not know.
by Sambajoy
Guest book sign
If you’re planning to put out a guest book at your ceremony, a small sign encouraging guests to sign it is a good idea. Some couples prefer to only have their guest book out at the reception or skip the guest book altogether. But if you do have a guest book and want as many signatures as possible, we recommend displaying it with an obvious sign throughout your wedding day.
Again, some couples will only have a box or space for cards and gifts at their reception, and so won’t need a sign at the ceremony. But if you have the space, it can be handy to have this available at your ceremony as well. Some guests will bring their cards and gifts to the ceremony, and want to offload them right away, or some may only be attending the ceremony and not have a chance to give you their gift at the reception.
Ring warming sign
If you’re having a ring warming – a unity ritual where guests warm the couples’ rings with their love before the ring exchange – during your ceremony, you may want to have a sign at the entrance of the ceremony space explaining what guests will need to do. Some couples forgo the idea of passing around the rings during the ceremony, which can be difficult to organize, and instead display the rings before the ceremony for guests to warm.
by John Bello Photography
Wedding timeline sign
Another popular wedding sign is a wedding timeline. On this sign, you’ll list out the order of events for the wedding day or wedding weekend so guests know when they need to be where. This can be very handy if you have a few events planned or strict times you need guests to show up.
Menu or drinks list
If you’re serving any food or drinks before, during or after your ceremony, having a menu sign or drinks list is a great idea. This way, guests know what is being served. These signs should list out important details, such as any allergens or if drinks are alcoholic. Even if you have a self-serve option, such as a juice dispenser or cooler of beer, a sign inviting guests to grab a drink is a nice touch.
by Olive & Bean Photoby Olive & Bean Photo
Wedding announcement sign
This is a great wedding sign if you’re having an intimate elopement with just the two of you. After tying the knot, you can pose with a sign that has the date of your wedding. That photo can be the perfect thing to send out to friends and family to announce your marriage.
by Erica Miller Photography
Decor signs
Decor signs are optional wedding signs and, as discussed above, not to be overdone. However, a few decor signs here and there can be a nice touch and add to the overall vibe of your wedding. You may want to put up romantic quotes, a sign featuring your new last name, marquee letters of your initials, adorable photos or your pets, or a fun phrase in neon!
Just married sign!
Last but not least, we can’t skip over one of the original wedding signs: The just married sign! This is a super fun sign to pose with as soon as you recess up the aisle or to hang on your car as you drive off into the sunset.
Riana has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!
When we think about parents at wedding ceremonies, the traditional role is a father walking his daughter down the aisle. Mom is nowhere to be seen and the parents of the groom are completely ignored. But all parents, regardless of traditional gender roles, can be involved in so many more parts of a wedding ceremony!
If you and your parents have been dreaming about your big day for years or you’re just looking for ways to honour your parents in your ceremony, look no further! Below we’re sharing 11 ways to involve your parents in your wedding ceremony and a meaningful part of your big day.
But first, let’s answer a few FAQs about parents involvement in wedding ceremonies:
Are both partner’s parents involved in the wedding ceremony?
Sure, if you want them to be! In a traditional wedding with a bride and a groom, it’s only the bride’s father who has a featured role in the wedding ceremony when he walks his daughter down the aisle. But many couples are choosing to involve moms, dads, stepparents and grandparents from all sides of the family in their processional and ceremony!
There’s no reason why only one parent or one set of parents should be involved in the wedding ceremony. All of the options below work for parents or loved ones of both partners.
What if our parents don’t want to be involved?
That’s okay! If your parents don’t want to have a role in your wedding ceremony, because they’re nervous or for other reasons, that’s perfectly fine. Their involvement isn’t mandatory.
However, if it means something to you to involve your parents in your wedding ceremony, try to explain that to them. Share why you want them to take part and listen to their concerns. Hopefully you can reach a compromise. For example, if your parents are nervous about public speaking, you can ask them to sign your marriage licence instead of reciting a prayer.
Do our parents have to be involved in the wedding ceremony?
No, your parents don’t have to be involved in your wedding ceremony. They can be involved as little or as much as you’d like – or not involved at all! Or, if you have other loved ones you’d rather involve in the ceremony, consider them for any of the “parent roles” below.
Based on your relationship and how weddings usually happen in your family, your parents may expect to be involved in your ceremony. However, that doesn’t mean they have to be. If you don’t want them involved, that’s okay. If you want them involved, but in a different way than they might be expecting, that’s okay too.
If possible, have a conversation with your parents ahead of time to explain specifically what you want their involvement to be on the big day. Be clear about your plans and give them time to adjust. Prepare for the fact that they may have questions or hurt feelings (neither of which mean you have to compromise your plans).
What about involving kids in the wedding ceremony or blended families?
11 ways to involve your parents in your wedding ceremony
Remember, these are 11 options for involving your parents or loved ones. They’re a starting point from where you can tweak and edit until you find the choice that works best for your wedding ceremony. You can incorporate as many or as few as you and your parents want!
1. List your parents in the wedding program
If you’re having wedding programs – pamphlets or other pieces of paper that give guests information about what is happening during your ceremony – they can be a great place to honour your parents. Similar to your wedding invitation, you may want to list your parents by name as the hosts of the wedding. Or you could include their names in a list of wedding party members.
You could even do something extra special by including a surprise note to your parents in your program. How fun would it be for them to open up your program and read: “We wouldn’t be here without our parents, who we love so much. Thank you, moms & dads!”
2. Ask them to join the processional
The processional – how the wedding party and couple of the hour walk down the aisle – marks the start of your wedding ceremony and can be the perfect place for your parents to get involved. There are four main options for parents joining the processional:
Parents walk down the aisle before the processional officially begins: This usually happens while guests are still being seated and before the processional music has begun or the wedding party has come out. Parents take a more casual walk down the aisle, together or escorted by other family members, to their seats. This is usually the signal that the ceremony is about to get started.
Parents walk down the aisle as part of the processional: If you’d rather give your parents a more formal role, they can join the wedding party processional. They will walk in with the wedding party, usually first or last before the couple, with the processional music as the ceremony begins. Sometimes parents are even part of the wedding party; who doesn’t want mom as Maid of Honour?
Parents escort their children down the aisle: This is probably the most common option and most similar to the father giving away the bride. However, it’s not reserved for just fathers and daughters! All parents and all partners can take part in this tradition. This might look like each member of the couple being escorted down the aisle by their parents during their part of the processional entrance.
Parents are not part of the processional and aisle walk: In this final option, parents are not included in the processional and simply find their seats with the other guests before the ceremony begins. More on seating later!
Following the processional, many couples like to share a greeting with their parents at the end of the aisle before joining hands with one another in front of the officiant. While this is typically seen after the couple has been escorted by their parents, it can still be added to your wedding ceremony no matter how you and your parents come down the aisle!
Your greeting can be a hug, handshake or however you’d like to embrace your parents or special loved ones. If you’re comfortable doing so, it’s nice to greet your soon-to-be in-laws before the ceremony begins too!
For example, let’s say David is escorted down the aisle by his sister, Alexis. At the end of the aisle, he hugs Alexis and also shares a high five with his father, John, and cheek kiss with his mother, Moira. He then turns to his partner ‘s parents and shakes their hands before joining his partner, Patrick, at the altar.
4. Your parents can enjoy VIP seating
Traditionally, parents of the couple will sit in reserved seats in the front row. In some religions, parents actually join the couple at the front of the ceremony, sitting or standing by their side. This VIP seating (or standing) is one of the easiest ways to involve your parents in your wedding ceremony.
If you leave the front row empty, most guests will know to save these seats for the parents of honour. But adding a small reserved sign can help ensure an over-eagre third cousin doesn’t swoop in and steal the best seat in the house. You could also make it a special moment by including a small gift for your parents, such as a card or engraved handkerchief, on their seat.
When crafting your ceremony script with your wedding officiant, let them know if you want to highlight your parents. Your officiant can point out lots of opportunities for your parents to get involved in the ceremony and be spotlighted.
For example, when sharing the story of how you two met and came to be standing in front of everyone today, your officiant can share how your parents introduced you, encouraged your relationship or helped set you up for a strong marriage. Your wedding officiant can also include time in your ceremony to honour any parents or loved ones who are no longer with us.
6. Ask them to recite wedding readings or prayers
If you’re planning to have wedding readings or wedding prayers at your ceremony, why not ask your parents to recite them? This is a great role to give to a parent or loved one who is close to you, who will take the job seriously, and who is a good fit to share advice about love and marriage.
This may be the perfect opportunity to honour the religion or culture of your family. For example, your parents may be able to share a blessing from your faith or a reading from your country of origin. This could also be a great time for a walk down memory lane, such as a parent doing a reading from your favourite children’s book (talk about a tear jerker!).
by Erica Miller Photography
7. Have your parents take part in unity ceremonies
Another great way to involve your parents in your wedding ceremony is through unity ceremonies. Unity ceremonies, such as handfasting, wine blending, tea ceremonies and unity candles, are small practices done at the ceremony to symbolize a couple’s commitment. They often need to be facilitated or assisted by someone, which might be the perfect place for your parents to step in.
For example, in a handfasting ceremony, you could ask your parents to provide the ropes you use. These could be ropes passed down through your family or one’s made in a style or colour that’s significant to your family. You could even have your parents tie the ropes around your hands while your wedding officiant explains the tradition to your guests.
8. Your parents can hold onto the wedding rings
A sweet yet simple way to involve your parents in your wedding ceremony is to ask them to hold onto your wedding rings. While this is just a small moment in the ceremony, it’s one of great significance that won’t be lost on your parents. It’s a beautiful way to honour them, especially if they have a long and happy marriage they can warm your rings with.
Bonus: This is also a great solution if you didn’t want to trust the rings to a forgetful groomsman or too-young ring bearer!
Another significant role your parents can take is signing your marriage licence at your wedding ceremony. In most places, a marriage licence is a legal document that needs to be signed by two witnesses in order for a marriage to be official. Some couples choose to sign the licence in private after the ceremony and other incorporate a signing into the ceremony.
No matter when you choose to sign the licence, it can be very special to ask your parents to join you as witnesses. Double check with your wedding officiant that your parents are able to sign in the jurisdiction where you’re getting married!
10. Your parents can join the recessional
Just like the processional to enter the ceremony, your parents can also join the recessional to exit the ceremony. Traditionally the recessional is led by the newlyweds with the wedding party following back up the aisle. You can have your parents join in behind, in front or in the middle of the wedding party.
Not only is it nice to include your parents in the formal recessional, it’s also quite practical. Once the recessional is over and the wedding party has exited, guests will start to make their way up the aisle too. This usually makes for a very crowded aisle as guests greet each other, wipe tears away and slowly find the exit. And what happens to the parents of the couple in the first row? They get stuck waiting behind everyone else to exit!
So if you want your parents to exit the ceremony right away – either for pictures or just because you want to rescue them from the venue – including them in the recessional is a good idea!
by Erica Miller Photography
11. Include your parents in the receiving line
A receiving line is a wedding tradition where the couple and often members of their wedding party form a line to receive guests. Wedding guests will then walk down the line greeting everyone. These are usually seen at the end of a ceremony or beginning of a reception.
Many couples will choose to include their parents in the receiving line. Not only is this a place of honour for the parents of the newlyweds, it also makes a lot of practical sense. If your parents contributed financially to the wedding, it makes sense that they would be there to receive, greet and thank them for coming. And outside of finances, it might be nice to have your parents there to help remind you of the names of all of your extended family members!
Now that you have some ideas for how to involve your parents in your wedding ceremony, don’t stop there! Make sure your wedding ceremony is exactly as you picture it with a Young Hip & Married wedding officiant at the helm. Meet our officiants and book your ceremony today!
Contributors
Riana Ang-Canning
Riana has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!
