Information about why and how to give a ring ceremony during your LDS wedding reception
Like any DIY wedding option, handling your own reception music has a big list of pros and cons. The biggest benefit is of course the hefty savings once you cut out hiring a DJ or wedding band to provide your reception music. Others like it because you get complete control over the song selection. Being your own wedding DJ is…read more
When choosing music for your wedding and/or reception, don’t forget that your choice extends beyond the question of DJ versus live band. There are many talented wedding music professionals that will make your reception one to remember.
Adam Sandler jokes aside, today’s wedding singers put on a truly impressive show. They can perform all styles of music from Frank Sinatra to Shania Twain to the Beatles.
Some wedding singers…read more
If you are being married outdoors, in your local chapel, or some other venue, you’ll be responsible for choosing your own LDS wedding songs. Get ideas for all the music you’ll need during your ceremony here, whether you’re having a traditional ceremony or something fun and unconventional. (If you are being married in the temple, there will be no music during the ceremony – you can skip to choosing the music for your wedding reception.)
Before the ceremony begins, your guests will be seated and waiting. Music sets the stage for the ceremony to come, so this might be the most important…read more
Fellow Latter-day Saints generally understand the etiquette surrounding an LDS temple wedding, but what if your reception involves non-members as well as members?
Since any non-members or less-active Latter-day Saints on your guest list won’t be able to attend your temple sealing, including them in the reception becomes that much more important. Some things you can do when non-members or less-actives are present are:
• Explain the significance of the temple sealing to them personally beforehand
• Include an insert about temple sealings in the reception program or along with the wedding invitation
• Tell guests what to expect at the reception, including the absence of…read more
Virtually every LDS wedding involves some type of reception or open house. Regardless of the colors, theme, or tone of the wedding, an LDS reception is an opportunity for friends and family to wish the happy couple well and celebrate the beginning of their journey together as husband and wife.
Even though Mormon wedding receptions are generally held right after the ceremony, some LDS couples…read more
Since exchanging rings isn’t part of the LDS temple sealing, Latter-day Saint couples have two options. Either they can exchange rings at the conclusion of the sealing after they have stepped away from the altar, or they can exchange them at a separate ring ceremony during the wedding reception. Keep reading to learn why a ring ceremony may be right for you, get current guidelines from general authorities, and get ideas for a sample program for an LDS Ring Ceremony.
Having a ring ceremony after a temple wedding is…read more
Since exchanging rings isn’t part of the temple sealing, Latter-day Saint couples have two options. Either they can exchange rings at the conclusion of the sealing after they have stepped away from the altar, or they can exchange them at a separate ring ceremony during the reception. Keep reading to learn why a ring ceremony may be right for you, get current guidelines from general authorities, and see a sample ring ceremony program.
Having a ring ceremony after a temple sealing is beneficial for many reasons. Latter-day Saint couples often choose to hold a separate ring ceremony because it:
It’s hard to imagine what less-active or non-member parents and family members must feel when they are unable to witness the temple sealing. A ring ceremony can lessen the hurt by helping them feel that they didn’t completely “miss” the wedding. Of course the rings are simply symbols of the covenants you’ve already made in the temple sealing, but exchanging them in a ring ceremony is a simple way to include everyone and publicly acknowledge the love and hard work that non-member or inactive family members have put into this special day.
If you decide that a ring ceremony is right for you, then you need to know how to perform one in keeping with church guidelines. Ring ceremonies are not appropriate on temple grounds, and should instead be performed at another location.
The church’s most recent statement on ring ceremony protocol in 1984 reads that “the circumstances should be consistent with the dignity of [the] temple marriage. The exchange should not appear to replicate any part of the marriage ceremony. For instance, there should be no exchanging of vows on that occasion.” A 1987 article in the New Era repeats that “the sanctity and impressiveness of the [sealing] marriage ceremony should not be overshadowed by any other procedure.”
Other than the above listed cautions, couples are free to do pretty much whatever they want at their ring ceremonies. It should be something that expresses your personality and the special love that you share. Most ring ceremonies last between 10 and 20 minutes, and they may include:
♥ Opening prayer
♥ Special musical number by a friend or relative
♥ A short 3-5 minute talk explaining the significance of temple sealing (this can be especially helpful for non-member parents trying to understand why temple marriage was chosen)
♥ Brief speeches or “toasts” from selected members of the wedding party
♥ Bride explaining her feelings for the groom
♥ Groom explaining his feelings for the bride
♥ Exchange of rings
♥ Closing prayer
Again, there is no set pattern for an LDS ring ceremony. So as long as it doesn’t take place on temple grounds, replace the importance of the sealing, or turn into a “second wedding” brides and grooms can enjoy the freedom to plan their ring ceremony however they see fit. When done correctly, a ring ceremony is a great way to include family and friends in the happiness of your wedding day.
♥ Jenny Evans
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