Weddings by Church of the Green Wood
The Rings
You may wish to say a few words about the symbolism of the ring. The "with this ring I thee wed" parts are in the Vows section.
- The ring, the circle, is one of nature's simplest forms. The
arc of the rainbow, the halo of the moon, the smallest of raindrops
simulate the circle. A circle is the symbol of the earth, the
sun, and the universe. It is the symbol of perfection and peace.
In these rings is the symbol of unity, so that whereever you go, you
will always return to one another and your togetherness. As
the circle turns again unto itself, so does marriage seek itself for
its refreshment and renewal. May these rings remind you always
of the vows you have taken here today.
- The circle is a perfect figure, withour beginning, without end,
with no area of weakness. It is a symbol of the cycle of life,
of birth and deathand rebirth. These rings shall serve as a
physical reminder of your vow, and that all things begin and end and
begn anew. These rings shall serve to remind you that life goes
on, that moments pass, and all things return to their own. When
you are engulfed in anger or in sadness, look to your hand and remember
that the wheel turns forever onward, and it is love that turns the
wheel. When life brings you its greatest joys look then to your hand
as well, and remember that you have someone with whom to share them.
- The wedding ring is a symbol of the completeness of two who have
found within one another love which has no beginning and no end.
The ring is made of precious metals, just as true love is a precious
treasure. As you place the wedding ring on the hand of the one
you love, may it not only remind you of the depth of commitment you
possess for one another, but may it also be a reminder of the rare
and pure treasure that is the joining of your lives.
- There are no words to accurately describe the depth of the bond
of marriage. There are no words to accurately describe the depths
of love shared by two who would be wed. For all of our reference
points lie here in the material workd while love trancends all that
we know. The spiritual bond and connection shared by this couple
and those who have gone before them can only be described as a metaphor.
This is why the wedding band as a symbol of eternity with no beginning
and no end has withstood the test of time.
- These beautiful rings are meant to serve as a physical reminder
of the feeling you have in your hearts at this very moment.
There are times in life that we tend to focus on the things we have
not yet accomplished. There will also be times of sorrow and
loss. yet as you look to your hand and your wedding band, it
will softly speak of the great gift you have been given and all that
you have in one another. It shall also be a reminder in the
times of great joy, that you have someone with whom to share it.
Never again do you walk alone for your love shall be with you always.
- You are about to present a ring to each other. The wedding
ring, a complete circle, is the symbol of the completeness a husband
and wife find in a marriage relationship. The ring has no beginning
and no end, just as true love is never ending. The ring also
is made of precious metals, just as true love is a precious treasure.
As you place the wedding ring on each other's hand, may it not only
remind you of the endless love you possess for one another, but may
it also be a reminder of the precious gift God has given you to make
you complete.
- The ring finger of the left hand, the side of the body that holds
the heart, has been used for the wedding band because for centuries
people believed that there was a vein that ran directly from that
finger to the heart. They also believed that the words spoken
during the placing of the wedding band - a symbol of perfection, completion,
and eternity - would resonate over and over again, like the circumference
of the band itself, through to the heart and soul of both giver and
receiver of that most monumental of all promises, the promise of a
lifetime as husband and wife.
- As they place the rings upon each other's fingers, Minister
says:
Almighty God, Light of Heaven,
Bless these rings and the union of this couple. Keep them safe through adversity and forever mindlful of their commitment to one another. Amen.
Traditional
Wedding Ceremony
Order of Service
Back
Opening Statement / Preamble
Welcoming of the Guests
Moment of Remembrance
Declaration of Intent
Passages, Prayers, and Poems
Unity Candles and Other Blessings
Charge to the Couple
Exchange of Vows
Blessing and Presentation of Rings
Declaration of Marriage
Benediction / Recessional