Month: December 2024

If you’re looking to get married on a budget, keep your wedding short and sweet, or you’re simply not interested in having a large or lavish wedding, a registry office wedding ceremony is a fantastic alternative to a traditional wedding ceremony.

But, what exactly happens at a registry office wedding ceremony? How much do they cost, how long are they and how do you organize one? There are a lot of questions about them and how they compare to other more traditional or religious ceremonies. You might not be sure whether they’re right for you.

If you’re looking to plan your own registry office wedding or figure out if one fits the vision you have for your big day, then this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know so you can plan a fabulous registry office ceremony. 

What is a registry office wedding ceremony?

A registry office wedding in Canada is a civil ceremony conducted in a government-authorized location, such as a municipal office or city hall. These offices handle civil matters like birth and death registrations, adoptions, and marriages.

While registry offices are working government spaces, the rooms used for weddings are often thoughtfully designed and decorated to create a warm and celebratory atmosphere. Some locations even feature scenic grounds or gardens that provide a charming backdrop for your special day. So, don’t let the term “office” deter you — registry office ceremonies can be held in beautiful settings. If you’re planning a wedding on a budget or prefer a more intimate celebration, visiting your local registry office to explore the space is well worth it.

Though registry office weddings are typically short and non-religious, they’re no less memorable or romantic. While the structure of the ceremony is usually consistent, you’ll still have opportunities to personalize it and make it uniquely yours.

How popular are registry office wedding ceremonies?

Civil ceremonies, including those at registry offices, are a common choice for many Canadian couples.

What type of couples usually choose a registry office wedding ceremony?

Because registry office wedding ceremonies can’t contain any references to God or religion, including hymns, readings or references in vows, they’re a common choice for couples with no religious beliefs or couples with mixed beliefs. If you have religious beliefs and would like there to be references to them in your wedding ceremony, you unfortunately can’t get married at a registry office. However, if you do have religious beliefs and you’re happy for there not to be religious elements to your ceremony, you’re of course more than welcome to get married at a registry office.

Because registry office weddings are short and inexpensive, they’re a popular choice for couples who have smaller budgets or don’t want the fuss associated with larger weddings.

Are registry office weddings expensive?

In Canada, a civil ceremony, often held at a registry office or municipal office, is one of the most affordable ways to get married. While costs can vary depending on the province or territory, it’s a budget-friendly option compared to the national average cost of a wedding, which can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. This makes civil ceremonies an excellent choice for couples looking to celebrate their love without breaking the bank.

The cost of a civil ceremony in Canada typically starts with a basic fee for the ceremony itself, which can range from $75 to $400, depending on the location and whether you choose a weekday or weekend date. This makes it one of the most affordable ways to get married – especially when you consider the average overall cost of a wedding in Canada is a whopping $30,000. That means, if you’re excited to get married but only have a small budget, you can still have a beautiful and memorable ceremony. Some registry offices also offer slightly larger ceremony rooms for an additional fee to accommodate more guests. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on factors like timing and location.

Additional costs, such as a small reception or celebratory meal afterward, can increase your budget, but there are plenty of ways to keep expenses manageable. Civil ceremonies are also highly customizable, so you can adjust the scale and details of your day to suit both your style and budget.

Don’t forget, there are plenty of ways you can personalize a registry office wedding ceremony, which means this figure can go up or down. For example, the basic fee for a civil ceremony at a registry office in Canada typically starts at around $75, but you might opt for a larger ceremony room to accommodate more guests, which could cost upwards of $200. Additionally, choosing to get married on a Saturday or Sunday may incur higher fees compared to a weekday ceremony.

Of course, it also depends on whether you choose to have a reception or breakfast after the wedding. The more you plan, the more expensive it’s going to be.

Who officiates a registry office wedding ceremony?

A registry office wedding ceremony is usually officiated by a registrar who works at the registry office. Two registrars will attend the ceremony, with one taking the reins to officiate.

To make your ceremony more personalized, you may wish to hire a celebrant to officiate your wedding. However, this isn’t common. While a celebrant is a fantastic addition to a wedding, the additional personalization means the ceremony will last much longer, which means it’ll cost more – plus the cost of the celebrant themselves. If you’d like a celebrant to officiate your wedding, a traditional wedding ceremony may suit your vision a little more closely.

Where are registry office wedding ceremonies held?

As you might expect, a registry office wedding is held in specific ceremony rooms within government registry office buildings. There’s often a choice of rooms that can suit different budgets and accommodate different numbers of guests.

How long are registry office wedding ceremonies?

Wedding ceremonies that take place at a registry office are among the shortest ceremonies there are, with most taking just 10 or 15 minutes. They may take a little longer if you choose to have a loved one perform a reading, but because there can’t be references to religion, they’re usually much shorter than other types of wedding ceremonies.

As well as being a momentous and romantic moment in your lives, a wedding is also a legal process. Registry office weddings mostly focus on the legal aspect of getting married, which is why they’re so much shorter than other weddings. For example, a traditional wedding ceremony or Catholic wedding ceremony may last an hour or so, and a Hindu wedding ceremony might last around 90 minutes or longer.

Do you need to give notice before a registry office wedding?

When does a registry office wedding ceremony take place?

Registry offices can host multiple weddings each day, with the timing of ceremonies depending on the specific office, the number of available rooms, and the availability of officiants. While some ceremonies may take place around lunchtime, they are more commonly scheduled in the early afternoon, often starting on the hour.

You’ll typically have the option to choose your wedding day, as many registry offices offer ceremonies seven days a week. However, weekends are the most popular choice for couples, which can make it more challenging to secure a weekend date — especially if your wedding is planned in the near future.

For more guidance, check out our article on creating the perfect wedding day timeline, which outlines what happens and when on your special day.

Can you include a reading or hymn at a registry office wedding ceremony?

You can include readings or songs at your registry office ceremony, but they must not include any religious content. Many couples choose to ask a loved one to perform a reading, which might be a poem, extract or song lyrics. However, because most hymns sung at weddings are religious, it’s not common for there to be hymns at a registry office wedding. 

Can you have a photographer at a registry office wedding?

Yes, you absolutely can have a photographer at a registry office wedding. Because the ceremony is short, you should be able to secure decent rates for a professional photographer and pay way less than you might for a traditional wedding.

The only thing to note is that in some provinces and territories, the photographer won’t be allowed to take photographs as you sign the register, but you can pose for photographs with the register afterward. If you plan on having the famous wedding confetti shot, make sure you check with the registrar first as there can be restrictions surrounding this.

What words are exchanged at a registry office wedding ceremony?

The words you speak at your wedding are hugely personal because it’s a promise and commitment to your partner about how you’re going to spend the rest of your life with them. This is why it’s important to think carefully about what you’d like to say at your wedding.

Thankfully, there’s a fair amount of flexibility offered when it comes to the words you can say at your wedding. You may wish to say the words fed to you by the officiant, but you can write your own vows if you’d like them to be more personal. However, it’s important to note that you’re unable to reference religion and the vows must be reviewed by the registrar before the ceremony.

As we’ve already highlighted, a registry office wedding is a short and legal process, so the majority of the words spoken by you (unless you choose otherwise) mainly cover this. This includes the declaratory and contracting words, which are the non-negotiable parts of what you’ll say. These words are usually as follows:

Declaratory words

“I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful reason why I [YOUR FULL NAME] may not be joined in matrimony to [YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME].”

Contracting words

“I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, [YOUR FULL NAME], do take thee [YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME] to be my lawful wedded [WIFE/HUSBAND/SPOUSE/PARTNER IN MARRIAGE].”

What traditions are there at a registry office wedding ceremony?

Because registry office weddings are usually on the shorter side, there aren’t as many traditions as there are at traditional or religious ceremonies. That being said, there are still some traditions, which are usually similar to that of a traditional ceremony. These include:

• The processional, when you walk down the aisle. However, because registry office weddings are much smaller than other wedding types, the processional is also much smaller.
• Wedding attire, such as the customary white dress or suit.
• The exchanging of the rings, which are traditionally held for safekeeping by the best man.
• Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
• The confetti shot, which you will need to check with the registrar beforehand.

Which traditions you choose to uphold are down to you – it’s your wedding, after all. Only the parts of the ceremony that are legal have to be followed, so there’s usually a lot of wiggle room when it comes to everything else.

What do you wear at a registry office wedding?

The great thing about a registry office wedding is that there aren’t as many expectations as there can be with traditional weddings. So, you’re free to wear whatever you like, whether it’s a white bridal dress, suit, formalwear, or something a lot more casual. Just remember to communicate with each other and let your guests know your plans.

What is the order at a registry office wedding ceremony?

Because a civil ceremony at a registry office is typically brief, it focuses on the most essential and legally required elements of a traditional wedding. The ceremony is designed to efficiently cover the key aspects while still being meaningful.

A civil wedding ceremony will generally follow a structure similar to this (excluding the prior step of obtaining a marriage licence, which must be done in advance according to local regulations):

1. Pre-ceremony meeting

Before the ceremony can begin, you and your partner will meet with the registrar to make sure all the details are correct and you’re happy for the wedding to take place. You must both meet with the registrar, which can either be done separately or together.

2. The processional

Registry office ceremonies are often intimate, so the processional will be relatively short. That being said, you can include as many participants as you like, so if you’d like bridesmaids, groomsmen and even a page boy or flower girl, you absolutely can. The processional begins with the music of your choice playing (which can’t be religious in any way).

3. The welcome

Once you’re both at the front and your loved ones have taken their seats, the officiant will welcome everyone to the ceremony and say a few words about marriage and commitment.

4. The legal declaration and contracting vows

This is the legal part of the process, when you’ll repeat lines fed to you by the registrar.

5. The readings

Registry office ceremonies are short, but you’re still welcome to include a non-religious reading if you wish, which can be performed by the guest of your choosing (just make sure you ask them ahead of time).

6. The exchanging of the rings

The registrar will ask you (or your best man) for the rings. You’ll then exchange a few more words which the registrar can feed you, or you could read vows you’ve written yourself, as you give each other the rings.

7. The declaration of marriage and first kiss

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting so long for – the registrar declares you married! You’ll also be invited to share your first kiss as your family and friends applaud (and shed a tear or two).

8. The signing of the register

You’ll be asked to sign the register to make your marriage legal and official, in the company of the two witnesses you’ll have asked ahead of the wedding. While this happens, music plays to entertain your guests (who will be all too happy to wait).

9. The photographs

The two of you are encouraged to pose for photographs with the marriage certificate, which can be official photographs if you’ve hired a photographer or your loved ones with their own cameras.

10. The recessional

The registrar will announce that the ceremony’s over and invite your guests to join you for the breakfast or reception (if you’ve chosen to have one at all). You’ll then leave the venue as music plays, and head outside for more photographs.

How do you book a registry office wedding ceremony?

Booking a civil ceremony at a registry office is a straightforward process. Start by contacting your local municipal office or licensing agent to obtain a marriage licence, which must be issued in advance. Most provinces require the licence to be obtained within a specific timeframe — usually no more than 90 days before the wedding date.

Once you have your licence, you can contact the registry office or municipal office to book your ceremony. Discuss available dates and times, and choose the option that works best for you. Some offices may allow you to secure your booking online or over the phone, making the process even more convenient.

Who plans a registry office wedding ceremony?

Because registry office weddings are often small in scale and more affordable than other types of weddings, it’s common for most couples to plan their ceremony themselves. You can hire a wedding planner if you wish, but the costs involved mean you’re not likely to experience much benefit. Plus, there are certain legal steps you have to do yourself, which means you’ll have to be fairly hands-on with the planning process.

What comes after a registry office wedding ceremony?

Once your registry office ceremony is over and you and your partner are legally married, what you do next is entirely up to you. If you have the budget and inclination, you might want to celebrate your marriage with a meal or party, or have a traditional wedding breakfast. It all depends on your personal preferences and budget.

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Happy Planning!

Your wedding ceremony is the biggest and most important moment of your entire wedding day. It’s the culmination of months or even years of planning, and you’ll be running on excitement and adrenaline as you tie the knot with the love of your life, as your family and friends gather to watch.

But what exactly happens at a wedding ceremony? Are they all the same? How do you know what to say and when, and how can you make sure it goes ahead perfectly?

Thankfully, throughout the ceremony, there are professionals to guide you through the process. That doesn’t mean you can’t find out how your ceremony might go down even before you’ve secured a date. So, in this post, we’re going to take a deep dive into different wedding ceremony orders, including those from various cultures, beliefs and religions commonly found across Canada.

Are all wedding ceremony orders the same?

No, not all wedding ceremonies follow the same order. Many ceremonies will contain a lot of the same elements, but they might be in a different order, be longer or shorter, or have different references to religions and traditions.

In Canada, one of the few elements that must follow the same fundamental rules at every wedding ceremony are the declaratory and contracting words—though there may still be slight variations.

The order of events in a wedding ceremony can be influenced by factors such as:

• Cultural and religious traditions – For example, ceremonies at a place of worship will likely include references to God and have hymns, prayers and readings from religious texts.
• The type of wedding – The type of wedding will play a huge part. For example, a traditional wedding will almost always have a longer order than a registry office wedding.
• The celebrant – A celebrant brings a huge amount of personalization to a wedding ceremony, telling stories to engage you and your guests. This means a ceremony with a celebrant tends to be longer than one without.
• Your budget – If you have a smaller budget, you can opt for a shorter ceremony which means you’re likely to pay less than if you had a longer ceremony.
• The venue – Certain venues may have limitations, or if you’re getting married outside it could influence the order – especially if it threatens to rain.
• Personal preferences – Apart from the legal bit, you have complete control over what you include in your ceremony (especially if it’s a non-religious ceremony). So, if you’d like readings, songs and poetry, you can. Or, if you’d like a short ceremony, this is absolutely fine too.
• The size of your wedding party – If you’re having a small and more intimate wedding, you may not want to include certain aspects of a traditional wedding, such as the processional or confetti shot.

How long is a wedding ceremony?

The length of a wedding ceremony can differ massively. A traditional wedding ceremony will last around 45 minutes, while a religious ceremony will be around an hour or more. However, a registry office wedding ceremony is comparatively much shorter, and will usually last around 10 or 15 minutes.

What is the order at a wedding ceremony?

The order at a wedding ceremony is the sequence in which everything happens, from the moment it begins to the moment it ends and you’re legally declared a married couple. As we’ve already highlighted, the order of service at a wedding differs depending on a lot of different factors, from religious beliefs to personal preferences. Below, we’ll take a look at different wedding ceremony orders across a variety of religions and cultures found throughout Canada.

What is a traditional wedding ceremony order?

A traditional wedding ceremony is one of the most popular ways for couples to tie the knot in Canada. A traditional ceremony will last around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your personal preferences and what you’d like to be included, such as readings.

Here’s the order of events at a traditional wedding ceremony in Canada:

1. The processional

This is the moment when your excitement will be at its highest and your wedding ceremony begins. After your guests are seated and settled, the music you’ve chosen will play and the processional will start. The traditional order is:

1. Bride’s mum
2. Groom’s parents
3. Bride’s grandparents
4. Groom’s grandparents
5. Groom
6. Officiant
7. Bridesmaids
8. Maid of honor
9. Best man
10. Ring bearer or page boy
11. Flower girl
12. The bride and her father

Of course, this all depends on the size of your wedding and your own circumstances and preferences. This might be the traditional order, but even at a traditional wedding, you don’t need to stick to it. If you’re an LGBTQ+ couple, you may even choose to walk down the aisle together. Do whatever feels right and what makes the two of you happy on your big day.

2. The welcome

At the end of the procession, your family and friends will take their seats as you and your bridesmaids and groomsmen join you at the front (or altar if you’re having a church wedding ceremony). The officiant will then welcome everyone and thank them for being there on your special day. If you’ve hired a celebrant, they’ll introduce you using stories and humour and add an extra level of personalization that draws everyone in.

3. A song or reading

Before the marriage ceremony commences, you may have chosen to have a song or reading. These are very common at religious ceremonies, but also something you can include in a non-religious or multi-faith ceremony. You could include your favourite hymn, or ask a loved one to do a reading that means something to you, such as a poem, song lyrics or an extract from a book or play.

4. Marriage ceremony

Next, the part you’ve been waiting for. The officiant will address you to tell you about the commitment you’re making to each other and how important the vows you’re about to exchange are. They’ll ask your guests whether anyone knows of any reason why you may not be married… and you’ll probably hold your breath, even though you know you don’t have anything to worry about!

Then it’s time for the two of you to exchange vows. Many couples choose to repeat short sentences fed to them by the officiant, but you may also want to write your own vows. There’s no right answer or choice here – it’s up to you and what you feel comfortable and happy with.

After the vows, you’ll get to say I do as you and your partner lock eyes. It’s at this stage when your loved ones will be well and truly crying with happiness.

5. Exchanging of the rings

It’s time for the two of you to exchange rings (or another symbolic exchange if you’ve chosen ring alternatives). If you have a best man, they may have been holding on to these for you, which they’ll hand to the officiant. You’ll then exchange some more words, this time about how the rings symbolize your love, as you slip them on each other’s fingers.

6. Declaration of marriage and first kiss

Next, the officiant will say the words you’ve been waiting for so long to hear: By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife (or a variation of this for LGBTQ+ couples). They’ll also invite you to share your first kiss, and you’ll happily oblige as your friends and family celebrate and your photographer snaps some fantastic photos.

7. An optional song, reading or prayer

With a religious ceremony, there may be another song, reading or prayer here. This is something you may also want to include in a non-religious ceremony, and is a great way to involve another family member or friend in your ceremony. If you’re getting married in Québec, consider a bilingual approach.

8. The signing of the register

For your marriage to be legal, you and your new spouse will have to sign a marriage register in the company of two witnesses. This should only take around 10 minutes and music will play as your guests happily wait for you.

9. The end of the ceremony

Once you’ve signed the register, the officiant will thank your guests for attending and announce that you’d like them to join you at the breakfast or reception to celebrate.

10. The recessional

Music will play as the two of you leave the venue hand in hand, as a newly married couple. Outside, your guests will have lined up (under instruction from your photographer) so they can throw confetti over you as your photographer takes some wonderful pictures for your wedding album.

11. The photographs

Before heading on to the reception, your photographer will take a series of photographs with your family and friends, as well as plenty with just the two of you. These will be in and around the venue, and maybe elsewhere if you’ve asked for something specific. Outdoor locations are very popular in Canada.

12. On to the breakfast or reception

After the photographs, you and your new spouse will then make your way to the venue for your wedding breakfast or reception and an evening of celebrating with your loved ones.

What is a registry office wedding ceremony order?

A registry office wedding is far more affordable than a traditional wedding, and is also a lot shorter – many last just 10 minutes. It’s a brilliant way to show your commitment to your partner if you don’t have a large budget or you don’t want the fuss of a big wedding.

Because the ceremony is so much shorter and can’t contain religious elements, there are far fewer elements than there are in a traditional ceremony. An example registry office wedding ceremony will follow an order similar to this:

1. Pre-ceremony meeting

Before the ceremony officially begins, you’ll meet with the registrar (either separately or together) just to check that all the details are correct. Once confirmed, the ceremony can begin.

2. The processional

Because registry office weddings are more intimate, the wedding party will be smaller than at a traditional wedding. However, you can still have bridesmaids, groomsmen, a page boy and flower girl if you like.

You can also choose the music you’d like to play, but it can’t be a hymn or religious piece of music.

3. The welcome

Once you’re both at the front and your guests are seated, the registrar welcomes everyone to the ceremony.

4. The legal declaration and contracting vows

The registrar will run through the words each of you has to repeat as part of the declaration and vows, which you can choose ahead of the ceremony.

5. The readings

If you choose to include readings, such as a poem or lyrics from a song, they’ll usually come after the vows. Like the music, they also can’t have any religious elements.

6. The exchanging of the rings

The registrar will then ask for the rings (which your best man may be holding on to) and you’ll give them to one another while saying personal vows. These can be fed to you by the registrar or you can write your own non-religious vows.

7. The declaration of marriage and first kiss

Now, the registrar will declare you married and invite you to share your first kiss as a married couple.

8. The signing of the register

The two of you, as well as your witnesses, will sign the register so your marriage is legally binding. You can also choose the music to play while your guests wait.

9. The photographs

The two of you can pose for photographs with your certificate, which may be family or friends or an official photographer if you choose to hire one.

10. The recessional

The registrar will end the ceremony and announce that you’d like your guests to join you if you’re moving on to a venue for a breakfast or reception. As you exit, you can have another piece of music of your choosing playing.

11. More photographs and the confetti shot

If you’ve hired a photographer, they’ll work with your guests to set up the perfect confetti shot. We recommend you speak to the venue ahead of time to make sure they’re happy with you using confetti (as there can sometimes be restrictions on this). Eco-friendly options like flower petals are increasingly popular.

The photographer will then direct you and your guests so you can have photos taken for your wedding album.

12. On to the breakfast or reception

If you’ve chosen to have a breakfast or reception after the ceremony, you’ll make your way to the event to spend time celebrating your marriage with your loved ones.

What is a Catholic wedding ceremony order?

A Catholic wedding ceremony is a highly religious ceremony, because the Church believes that marriage is not only a promise between a couple, but also to God. As a result, all Catholic wedding ceremonies take place in a church.

The order is similar to that of a traditional wedding ceremony, but with several noticeable differences. Below is what you might see as part of a Catholic wedding ceremony order, which doesn’t allow for as many personalizations as a traditional ceremony.

1. The processional

The processional begins with the priest first walking down the aisle to the altar, followed by the wedding party which follows the same order as a traditional ceremony, which is:

1. Bride’s mum
2. Groom’s parents
3. Bride’s grandparents
4. Groom’s grandparents
5. Groom
6. Officiant
7. Bridesmaids
8. Maid of honor
9. Best man
10. Ring bearer or page boy
11. Flower girl
12. The bride and her father

2. The entrance rites

The priest will welcome guests and begin with a prayer and rites. Because at least one side of the family has to be Catholic in order for the church to allow the ceremony to take place within the church, guests are expected to take part. A Catholic wedding isn’t always celebrated with a Mass, but they often are, especially if both families are Catholic.

Some parts of Canada may include additional blessings or prayers based on local traditions or parish practices.

3. The readings

Ahead of the ceremony, some of your guests will be asked to read passages from the Bible; one from the Old Testament and another from the New Testament. One of these readings will be about marriage, and your guests will repeat the Responsorial Psalm. 

4. The gospel

Your guests will stand and the priest will read a passage from either Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, which will most likely be linked to love or marriage. 

5. The homily

The priest will give a speech or sermon known as a homily, which explains the meaning behind the gospel and how it relates to the commitment you’re about to make to each other.

6. The vows

Next, you will recite or read your vows, otherwise known as a rite of marriage. These are set vows and you can’t add any personalizations. However, instead, you may ask the priest to read the vows so you can respond with I do.

7. The ring ceremony

The priest will ask the best man (or whoever else is holding them) for the rings, which they will bless with a prayer and holy water. The priest will then ask you to recite some words as each of you place the rings on each other’s fingers.

8. The offertory

Ahead of the ceremony, you will have asked several guests to offer gifts during the ceremony, which they will do now. Meanwhile, your other guests will be given the opportunity to offer a monetary donation. The priest brings forward and blesses the bread and wine, known as the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

9. The Lord’s Prayer

The congregation will recite the Lord’s Prayer.

10. The sign of peace

The priest will encourage all guests to greet each other with a handshake as a way to symbolize neighbourly love.

11. Holy Communion

Like at Mass, guests will gather at the altar to be offered bread and wine, which signifies the body and blood of Jesus. It symbolizes a new covenant that God gives to His followers.

12. The first kiss

The priest will encourage you to share your first kiss as a married couple. If the bride is wearing a veil, the groom will lift it first.

13. The nuptial blessing

The priest will bless your guests with a prayer, which will end with the line go in peace, which guests will respond to by saying thanks be to God.

14. The recessional

The wedding party will walk back down the aisle in reverse order and leave the church for the confetti shot and photographs. Then, everyone will make their way to the next venue for the wedding breakfast and reception.

What is a Jewish wedding ceremony order?

A Jewish wedding ceremony typically takes place in a synagogue, the traditional place of worship in the Jewish faith. During the ceremony, the bride’s family traditionally sits on the right-hand side, while the groom’s family sits on the left. The structure of a Jewish wedding ceremony generally follows this order:

1. The ketubah

Before the ceremony begins, the two of you will sign the marriage contract, known as the ketubah.

2. The bedeken

The bedeken is the name given to the ritual where the groom veils the bride before the ceremony, so he can see her face and know who he’s marrying.

3. The processional

The rabbi will begin a Jewish wedding ceremony by walking down the aisle followed by the rest of the wedding party in the following order:

1. Bride’s grandparents
2. Groom’s grandparents
3. Groomsmen
4. Best man
5. The groom and both parents
6. Bridesmaids
7. Maid of honor
8. Ring bearer
9. Flower girl
10. The bride and both parents

4. The vows

You will stand together under the chuppah, a canopy supported by four poles at the front, which symbolizes the new home being created, and you’ll recite your vows.

5. The hakafot

Traditionally, the bride walks around the groom seven times, which is a gesture that symbolizes protection. Many modern Jewish weddings will switch this up slightly, with the bride and groom each circling one another.

6. The exchanging of the rings

The ketubah which was signed before the ceremony is read aloud as the groom gives the bride her ring. There may also be a prayer which is traditionally in Hebrew, but in modern Jewish weddings, it may be recited in English or French depending on the Province.

7. The seven blessings

The seven blessings, also known as Sheva Brachot, are chanted by the rabbi or another guest of your choosing. This may also be in Hebrew, English or French. The bride then gives the groom his ring.

8. The breaking of the glass

A glass is placed on the floor beneath a cloth or napkin, and the groom stamps on it to break it. This symbolizes the fragility of marriage, and how it has to be looked after so it doesn’t break. This is usually followed by a reading from Psalms.

9. Mazel tov

Guests are then invited to shout mazel tov! which is Hebrew for congratulations.

10. The recessional

The wedding party leaves the synagogue, as guests clap and cheer, in the following order:

1. The couple
2. Bride’s parents
3. Groom’s parents
4. Bride’s grandparents
5. Groom’s grandparents
6. Flower girl
7. Ring bearer
8. Best man
9. Maid of honor
10. Bridesmaids
11. Groomsmen
12. Rabbi

What is a Muslim wedding ceremony order?

A Muslim wedding ceremony, otherwise known as a Nikah, usually takes place in a mosque, a Muslim place of worship. Guests are asked to remove their shoes before entering the mosque, and men and women often sit separately during the ceremony. The mosque prayer leader, known as an Imam, will usually be the officiant.

The ceremony itself is usually fairly short, and will be completed within around 30 minutes. It will usually follow an order similar to the below:

1. The toble

Before the ceremony, the groom will speak to the bride’s parents to ask their permission to marry their daughter, which is known as the toble. Once the groom has permission, everyone will say a prayer called Surah Fatiha.

2. The mehr

The mehr is a gift, a little bit like a traditional dowry, given to the bride by the groom. The engagement ring may be considered the mehr, but it could also include other gifts or money.

3. The consent

Without seeing each other, the bride and groom need to give their consent. To do this, they must say qubool hai three times to the officiant.

4. The Nikah-Namah

The Nikah-Namah is the name of the Muslim marriage contract that the two of you will sign. Beforehand, it’s read aloud in Arabic by the officiant so everyone can hear.

5. The readings

The officiant will read verses from the Quran as part of a short sermon, at which point you will officially become married.

6. Savaqah

The final part of the ceremony is known as Savaqah, which is when gifts are given to those in need. In the case of a wedding ceremony, money is thrown at the bride.

Following the ceremony, you are joined by your guests to celebrate your marriage at the reception, which is usually at a different venue, such as a hotel. This begins with the zaffe, which is when the bride’s father walks her to the groom accompanied by music.

What is a Hindu wedding ceremony order?

Hindu wedding ceremonies are among the most elaborate and vibrant celebrations, often spanning several days with a variety of rituals that bring together family and friends. A Hindu wedding ceremony in Canada is not legally binding on its own, so couples typically register their marriage at a civil ceremony beforehand, followed by the religious ceremony and festivities. The ceremony is traditionally officiated by a Brahmin priest.

Before the day of the ceremony will also be Mehndi, which is when the bride’s family organizes for the couple to come together so they can paint delicate henna designs on their hands and feet. This is similar to Haldi, when older female members of the family make a paste from turmeric and paint it onto the bride and groom to symbolize cleansing.

The actual Hindu ceremony itself will last around 90 minutes, and the order will follow something similar to the below:

1. The baraat

The baraat is the name given to the groom’s arrival, which he will traditionally do while riding a white horse, but in many modern Hindu weddings, the groom may prefer to ride in a car, like a sports car or convertible.

2. The milni

The milni is a meeting between the groom and the bride’s parents and friends. He may be presented with a gift known as a shagun, which is supposed to bring him good luck.

3. The bride enters

The bride walks down the aisle being escorted by male family members. Traditionally it might be her brothers or uncles, but more brides are choosing to be accompanied by their fathers. The bride joins the groom, his parents, the bride’s mother and the priest at the front.

4. Kanyadaan

This is when the bride’s father gives away his daughter, which is a long-standing Hindu tradition. In kanyadaan, the bride’s father takes her right hand and places it in the groom’s right hand. He then asks him to treat her as his equal.

5. The jaimala exchange

The two of you exchange jaimala, which are garlands made from fresh flowers. It symbolizes you accepting each other into your lives. The priest will then say a prayer in Sanskrit.

6. Havan

A sacred fire is lit to invite the deity Agni, the fire God, to rid you of darkness and bring you eternal light and knowledge. The bride gives an offering called homam, which can be rice and flowers.

7. Mangal Fera

Next, the groom leads the bride around the first three times, followed by the bride leading once. Each pass, known as a fera, represents one of life’s goals:

1. Dharma (morality)
2. Artha (prosperity)
3. Kama (positive energy)
4. Moksha (liberation)

As you complete the feras, the priest chants holy Mantras. Following this, you might race to take your seats, with tradition dictating that whoever sits first will be the head of the household. So you best make sure you wear some decent running shoes!

8. Saptapadi

To symbolize friendship, which is an important foundation for any Hindu marriage, you will take seven steps together, which may be around the holy fire. With each step you make a vow, and once all seven steps are complete you are officially married.

9. Sindhoor and Mangal Sutra

The groom puts sindhoor, an orange or red powder, in the bride’s hair.  The groom then gives the bride a gold necklace, which is a symbol of love and respect, which, traditionally, she would only remove if her husband were to die.

10. The final blessings

The ceremony comes to an end as elders recite prayers and readings, and your guests offer their congratulations. Traditionally this is married women, who whisper good wishes into the bride’s right ear.

11. Talambralu

Talambralu is the end of the ceremony and is a happiness ritual, when you both bless one another by throwing rice, turmeric and saffron, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity for your life ahead.

12. Ashirwad

To thank your guests for coming, you bow your heads to them as they offer blessings and well-wishes to you. Guests will also throw rice and flowers at you in celebration.

Following the ceremony, there’s likely to be several days of celebrating and festivities, with food, drink, music and games.

What is a non-denominational wedding ceremony order?

A non-denominational wedding ceremony is generally a ceremony that doesn’t have a specific religious connection, and is relatively similar to a traditional wedding. It offers the couple the chance to have a personalized wedding and includes different traditions and rituals that aren’t tied to a specific religion.

Below is an example of what a non-denominational wedding ceremony order might look like:

1. The processional

The wedding party walks down the aisle, usually in the following order:

1. The officiant (anyone who has been ordained)
2. The groom
3. Best man
4. Groomsmen
5. Bridesmaids
6. Maid of honor
7. Ring bearer
8. Flower girl
9. The bride (with one or both parents)

Alternatively, the groom may want to stand at the altar before the processional starts, having entered from the side.

2. The welcome

The officiant welcomes everyone to the ceremony and will speak about you and the significance of marriage.

3. The readings

This is when a guest of your choosing will perform a reading, which might be a poem, song lyrics or a quote from a play or book. At a non-denominational wedding, readings can be from religious texts as well. 

4. The unity candle

To symbolize unity, the pair of you lights a candle as the officiant gives a short sermon about commitment.

5. The unifying ritual

At this point in a non-denominational wedding ceremony, you will take part in a ritual that symbolizes the two of you uniting as one. Because non-denominational ceremonies are so customizable, this could be religious or not. Popular unifying rituals include:

• Releasing a lantern
• Handfasting
• Pouring sand
• Circling
• Jumping the broom
• Planting a tree
• Pouring tea or wine

6. The exchanging of vows

Next, you’ll exchange your vows, which you may have written yourselves (to either read or memorize) or have them fed to you by the officiant. You may also choose to say I do, one of the most exciting things to say over the whole wedding. Again, this is something you’re in control of, so do whatever makes you happy.

7. The exchanging of rings

You’ll then place wedding rings on each other’s fingers while reciting or repeating lines given to you by the officiant. If you’ve chosen not to wear rings, you may exchange another item of significance.

8. The declaration of marriage and first kiss

The officiant will declare you as married and invite you to share your first kiss in front of cheering family and friends.

9. The recessional

Finally, you walk back down the aisle, followed by the wedding party (in the opposite order to how everyone entered during the processional). Then it’s outside for the confetti shot and photographs before heading off to celebrate at your wedding breakfast and/or reception.

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Now that you know the order of many common wedding ceremonies in Canada, you can start planning your own big day. Sign up to Bridebook to discover all the tools, information and resources you need to make planning fun and simple.

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Hindu wedding ceremonies are among the most vibrant, joyous, and culturally rich celebrations you’ll ever witness. Overflowing with traditions and rituals, these ceremonies are a heartfelt tribute to the union of two people in love, rooted in centuries-old customs.

The rituals draw inspiration from ancient scriptures, meaning many of the practices you’ll see today have been part of Hindu weddings for hundreds of years. Every aspect of the ceremony is steeped in symbolism, making it an essential and meaningful experience for every Hindu couple.

With such a rich history and so many intricate details, it’s natural to have questions about what goes into a Hindu wedding. For instance, how long does the ceremony last? Is there a specific date that’s best for tying the knot? Where can you hold the event? And what are some of the most cherished traditions?

Planning a Hindu wedding can feel overwhelming with so many unique elements to consider — but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the cost of the celebration to the step-by-step order of the big day. By the end, you’ll be fully equipped to plan the ceremony of your dreams.

What is a Hindu wedding ceremony?

A Hindu wedding ceremony is a joyous occasion when two people come together to get married, joined by their friends and family. Also known as a Vivaha or Kalyanam, a Hindu wedding ceremony can last up to three hours, but the celebrations begin several days early and can continue long after it’s done. Some Hindu weddings can last as long as five days (though usually last around three).

Hindu ceremonies are as long as they are because of the wonderful rituals and traditions that have deep and rich cultural meanings. Ceremonies can differ based on region, culture and other traditions, but every Hindu wedding you go to will generally have most of the same elements to them. The actual ceremony itself usually takes place on the final day of the celebrations.

What date should you have a Hindu wedding ceremony?

When choosing the perfect date for a Hindu wedding, you’ll probably want to turn astrological charts to find out the most auspicious dates for your big day. For example, a popular time for a wedding ceremony is after the new moon because it’s considered lucky. Similarly, you might want to look at your birth chart, as this can offer valuable insight into lucky dates.

However, you might also want to pay close attention to the day of the week. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are auspicious days, whereas Tuesday isn’t. And because Saturday is a day for relaxing, you’ll most likely not want to get married on this day, despite it being more likely that your guests will have a day off from work.

Certain dates should also be avoided, such as Amas which comes monthly, and a day in which Hindu marriages are forbidden. Marriages also can’t take place during the 15 days of Shradh, which takes place every September, or 8 days before Holi, which is in March.

What time does a Hindu wedding ceremony take place?

There is no set time a Hindu wedding should take place, so it’s whatever works for you. That being said, Hindu wedding ceremonies can take up to three hours, so it’s recommended that they don’t start too late in the day, especially during the winter months.

Speak to your chosen priest who may offer you some guidance, such as by consulting astrology to determine the most auspicious time.

How popular are Hindu wedding ceremonies?

As you’d probably expect, Hindu wedding ceremonies are popular among the Hindu community. If neither you nor your fiance are Hindu, then you can’t have a Hindu wedding.

However, if you’re part of a mixed-faith couple, then you’re more than welcome to have a Hindu wedding ceremony.

What type of couples usually choose a Hindu wedding ceremony?

Generally, Hindu couples will choose to have a Hindu wedding ceremony. But, if just one of you is a Hindu and the other isn’t, you can still choose to have a Hindu wedding.

Are Hindu weddings expensive?

As detailed in our Ultimate Wedding Breakdown, the average cost of a wedding in Canada is approximately $30,000. This figure typically includes everything from the ceremony to the reception, all taking place over a single day for most weddings.

Hindu weddings, however, are known for their multi-day celebrations, often spanning three to five days. Because of this, they tend to be more expensive than a traditional one-day wedding. That said, the final cost ultimately depends on your budget and priorities. Even with a smaller budget, you can still plan a stunning, meaningful, and joy-filled wedding. It might mean scaling back the festivities to two days instead of three or five — but that’s perfectly okay.

Who officiates a Hindu wedding ceremony?

A Hindu wedding ceremony is officiated by a Brahmin priest, who is usually male. Before the ceremony begins, the couple meets with the priest so he can explain what will happen, why it happens and how it’s significant. He’ll also ask the couple if they have any questions and help them feel at ease.

Is a Hindu wedding legally binding?

Why is the Mangal Sutra considered a sacred symbol in Hindu weddings?

Mangal Sutra is a key moment in a Hindu wedding ceremony, in which the groom ties a necklace around his bride’s neck. As part of the overall wedding ceremony, this ceremony is called Mangalya Dharanam.

The Mangal Sutra symbolises the lifelong promise the bride and groom make to each other. Traditionally, the bride will wear it every day until her husband dies, though due to the huge sentimental value, she may not want to. It helps to protect the couple and ward off bad spirits.

Often, the Mangal Sutra is tied using three knots, which symbolise loyalty, devotion and dedication. Some couples like to have the groom tie the first knot, followed by the groom’s sisters tying the second two knots.

Where are Hindu wedding ceremonies held?

Traditionally, a Hindu wedding ceremony will take place in the bride’s hometown, in a hotel, hall or event space that’s big enough to accommodate a large number of guests. There will usually be blessings at the local temple as well.

How long are Hindu wedding ceremonies?

A Hindu wedding ceremony will generally last between 90 minutes and 3 hours, which makes it one of the longest wedding ceremonies in the world. This is because of the huge amount of traditions and rituals which are included.

However, the overall wedding celebrations will usually last much longer – often between three and five days.

What happens during the days before a Hindu wedding ceremony?

A Hindu wedding ceremony usually happens on the final day of the wedding celebrations, which is followed by an evening of celebrating with family and friends.

The days before the ceremony are filled with celebrations and events, such as Ganesh Puja (also known as Pithi or Mandap Muhuray), Grah Shanti (or Mameru) and Mehndi.

What words are exchanged at a Hindu wedding ceremony?

Hindu wedding ceremonies include many vows that are exchanged by the couple – seven, in fact. But, they’re not too dissimilar to vows exchanged at other types of wedding ceremonies.

They represent love, respect, honour and faith, and are spoken in Sanskrit.

What are the seven vows of a Hindu marriage?

1. The First Phera – Nourishment

Teerathavartodan Yagyakaram Maya Sahayee Priyavai Kurya

Wamangamayami Teada kadheyvav Brwati Sentenam first Kumari

The first vow is a promise the bride and groom make to each other to go on a shared journey together. It expresses their appreciation to the Holy Spirit and offers thanks for the food and nourishment.

2. The Second Phera – Strength

Pujayu as Swao Pahrao Mamam Fletcher Nijkaram Kurya,

Vaamangamayami Tadrayuddhi Brwati Kanya Vachanam II

The second vow is a sign of respect to the bride and groom’s parents, as well as a prayer for strength and peace.

3. The Third Phera – Prosperity

Living in the law of life,

Varmangayamy Turda Dwivedi Bratiti Kanya Vrutti Tharthiya

The groom promises the bride he will follow her through life, and says a prayer to God asking for wealth and prosperity.

4. The Fourth Phera – Family

If you want to comply with Family Counseling Function

Vaamangamayami tadrayuddhi bratiti karni vadhan fourtha

This is the promise that the couple will uphold the responsibilities of family, which was something they weren’t burdened with before.

5. The Fifth Phera – Togetherness

Personal Career Practices, Mammapi Mantrytha,

Wamangamayami Teada Kadheyeye Bruete Wachch: Panchamatra Kanya

The bride asks the groom to share his time with her and help take care of the home and ask the Holy Spirit to bless them with healthy children.

6. The Sixth Phera – Health

Do not waste your money in a simple way,

Wamamgamayami Taddaa Brwati Kanya Vyasam Saturday, September

The bride asks her groom for respect, which is important as they stand in front of loved ones at the ceremony.

7. The Seventh Phera – Wisdom

Ancestors, mothers, always respected, always cherished,

Warmangaiyami Turda Dudhaye Bruete Wachch: Satyendra Kanya

The couples make a promise to each other to be loyal and cherish one another

What traditions are there at a Hindu wedding ceremony?

A Hindu wedding ceremony will generally include many different traditions, which couples often choose to include for cultural and symbolic reasons. Just some of these traditions include:

• The bride may wear a red sari or lengha
• Painting the bride’s hands and feet with beautiful and intricate henna patterns, which may include the groom’s name hidden someone within
• Prayers to the God Ganesha
• The baraat, which is a celebration as the groom arrives at the start of the ceremony
• Traditions dictate that the groom can’t take his bride until her father gives her away
• A fire at the centre of the mandap, which often plays a key role in the ceremony
• The bride and groom throw a rice mixture at each other
• The exchanging of floral garlands known as jai mala

What do you wear at a Hindu wedding?

The bride traditionally wears a sari or long lehenga, which may be red but adorned with fabulous designs and additional colors. She may also wear a dupatta draped over her shoulders or head.

The groom traditionally wears a sherwani, a long-sleeved outfit that is gold or brown.

Guests will often wear a sari, lehenga or suit, taking care to be modest.

What is the order at a Hindu wedding ceremony?

With so many traditions and rituals to include, a Hindu wedding ceremony often follows a similar and recognizable order. There aren’t many opportunities for personalizations, but there can be some variations from one ceremony to another. 

Because a Hindu wedding ceremony isn’t legally binding in Canada, a week or so before the ceremony you and your partner, together with two witnesses, must have a legal ceremony at a registry office. After that, you’re free to have your Hindu ceremony officiated by a priest.

Below is an order you’re likely to see at a Hindu wedding ceremony.

1. The baraat

The groom’s arrival is known as the baraat. Traditionally, the groom arrives at the ceremony on the back of a white horse adorned with incredible colors. However, many modern grooms choose a different form of transport, such as a sports car, convertible or classic car.

2. The milni

Before the bride enters, the groom meets with her parents, along with friends and loved ones. He’s often given a small gift called a shagun, which is a symbol of good luck.

3. The bride enters

Side-by-side with male family members (traditionally brothers or uncles), the bride enters and walks down the aisle. In modern weddings, a bride may also want to be escorted by her father or even her mother. Once at the front, the bride joins the groom, the parents and the priest.

4. Kanyadaan

Kanyadaan is the ritual whereby the bride’s father gives away his daughter, which he does by taking her right hand and placing it in the left hand of the groom. As he does, he asks the groom to treat his daughter as his equal.

5. The jaimala exchange

Jaimala are garlands made from beautiful fresh flowers, which the bride and groom exchange to represent acceptance. As this happens, the priest recites a prayer in Sanskrit.

6. Havan

The deity Agni is summoned with the lightning of a fire, which is to get rid of dark spirits and bring eternal light and knowledge. 

7. Mangal Fera

With the fire lit, the couple circles it four times, with the groom traditionally leading three times and the bride once. Every passing represents one of four life goals:

1. Dharma (morality)
2. Artha (prosperity)
3. Kama (positive energy)
4. Moksha (liberation)

As this happens, the priest chants holy mantras. Traditionally, after Mangal Fera, the bride and groom are encouraged to race to take their seats. It’s said that whoever wins the race will be the head of the new household!

8. Saptapadi

Seven steps are taken to symbolise friendship and commitment, which may also be taken around the holy fire. With every step, a vow is made, so there are seven in total. After the seventh vow, the couple is officially declared married.

9. Sindhoor and Mangal Sutra

The groom puts orange or red powder in his bride’s hair, which is known as sindhoor. The groom then gives the bride a gold necklace, which he ties around her neck with three knots. Traditionally, the bride would only remove it in the event her husband died, though many modern brides may choose not to wear it daily due to its huge sentimental value.

10. The final blessings

As the ceremony concludes, the priest and elders recite prayers and sacred readings to mark the end of the rituals. Guests then shower the couple with blessings and heartfelt congratulations. In a beautiful tradition, married women softly whisper their well-wishes into the bride’s right ear, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the celebration.

11. Talambralu

The bride and groom throw rice, turmeric and saffron over each other, known as talambralu. This ritual symbolises a long life filled with wealth and prosperity.

12. Ashirwad

The bride and groom bow to guests as they leave, with guests offering blessings while throwing rice and flowers.

How do you book a Hindu wedding ceremony?

Once you’re engaged and would like to book a Hindu wedding ceremony, speak to local Hindu priests who are familiar with local laws and understand the vision you have for your ceremony.

If you’re inviting guests who only speak English, you’ll want to make sure your chosen priest also knows English.

Speak to the priest about the ideal date for your wedding, so they can consult astrology and your birth chart to find the most auspicious date for your big day.

Who plans a Hindu wedding ceremony?

Traditionally, the bride’s parents took the lead in planning a Hindu wedding. However, these days, many couples are eager to take charge of the planning themselves, often inviting both sets of parents to join in the excitement if they wish to be involved.

To simplify the process — particularly for multi-day celebrations that involve intricate details — some couples opt to hire a wedding planner. A skilled planner can help streamline the preparations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and stress-free.

What comes after a Hindu wedding ceremony?

After the ceremony, it’s time to party, of course! At the reception, you’ll potentially have a lot of guests, which means finding a venue, caterer and other vendors who can accommodate so many people. There’ll be eating, drinking, dancing, laughing and many other celebrations throughout the night. Let your hair down – you’ll have earned it!

Plan your wedding ceremony with Bridebook

Looking to plan your own Hindu wedding ceremony? Sign up to Bridebook and get access to everything you might need all in one place. 

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Pride Month is a wonderful time to honor the contributions and challenges of the LGBTQ+ community. As society grows more inclusive, wedding ceremonies are adapting to reflect the beautiful diversity of love and partnerships. A key part of this evolution is embracing gender-neutral wedding terms, which celebrate and include all couples. These terms aren’t just for LGBTQ+ individuals — they’re a thoughtful way to ensure everyone feels respected and comfortable, regardless of their gender, pronouns, or presentation. Most of these terms aren’t new or unfamiliar; they’re often derived from existing language or words you already use, making them both meaningful and accessible.

Gender-neutral language: a definition

There’s a lot more diversity than just male and female, bride and groom, husband and wife, Mr and Mrs. Gender-neutral language simply means avoiding using these common binary terms, and using more inclusive options instead, like ‘partner’ or ‘couple’.

Mx

A gender-neutral alternative to the gender-specific titles of ‘Mr’, ‘Miss’, ‘Mrs’ and ‘Ms’, pronounced ‘mix’. This is useful for non-binary and gender-fluid individuals, and also in situations where the gender identity of a person either isn’t specified, or doesn’t need to be specified. It can also be applied to contexts outside of weddings and marriage. After all, gender-inclusive language isn’t limited to relationship talk alone, but can and should be used in all areas of modern life.

Nearlywed/Marrier/To-Be-Wed

All great non-gendered alternatives to ‘bride’ or ‘groom’, to describe those who are engaged and preparing for their wedding day. Use them either in the plural or singular, on everything from save-the-dates to invitations, as well as at engagement parties and pre-wedding photo shoots.

Newlywed(s)

The counterpart to newlyweds, used to describe newly married individuals after the wedding. It’s a widely used and familiar gender-neutral term that can replace ‘wife’ and ‘husband’.

Fiancé

Spouse

Spouse is like newlywed, but can refer to married individuals regardless of their gender or the time frame. A popular inclusive term both within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community.

Partner, couple, significant other, other half

These are all great (not to mention familiar) terms for talking about a person or people who are in a relationship without specifying their gender or sexual orientation. They can be used at any stage of a relationship, not just in the context of weddings or marriage. This makes them ideal alternatives not only to ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ or ‘husband’ and ‘wife’, but also to ‘boyfriend’ and ‘girlfriend’.

Partner A & Partner B

A gender-neutral alternative to ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ in situations where a couple needs to put down each of their names (such as on vendor intake forms and contracts).

Best Person/Person of Honor

You might be familiar with terms like ‘Best Woman’ or ‘Man of Honor’ for non-traditional wedding party roles. For a more inclusive option, consider using ‘Best Person’ or ‘Person of Honor.’ As the couple, it’s thoughtful to check with your closest friends and ask which term they’d prefer for their role in your wedding  and then honor their choice. After all, these special members of your wedding party deserve to feel valued, supported, and respected.

Wedding Attendants/Wedding Party Members

Non-gendered alternatives to the traditional terms of ‘bridesmaids’ and ‘groomsmen’, as well as the less traditional, but still gendered, ‘bridesmates’ and ‘groomsmaids’. This is both inclusive, and also gives the couple more flexibility and freedom over the choice of their wedding party members. These people are some of the most important in your wedding celebration, so it’s important to make sure they all feel equally represented and respected with the language you use.

Ring Bearer & Flower Child/Flower Person

The traditional ‘ring bearer’ is already naturally gender-neutral. ‘Flower child’ or ‘flower person’ are both inclusive and non-gendered alternatives to the traditionally gendered ‘flower girl’. Both give the couple more freedom over which children to include in their wedding proceedings. They also let the children themselves identify as whichever gender they wish.

Primary Bouquet/Main Bouquet

An inclusive alternative to bridal bouquet, carried by one of the nearlyweds. If both nearylweds are carrying bouquets, use Partner A and Partner B terminology to refer to whose are whose.

Bachelorx

‘Bachelorx’ falls within the same group as ‘bachelor’ and ‘bachelorette’, pronounced ‘bachelor-ex’. It describes a person who is unmarried and has never been married. The suffix ‘x’ eliminates the gendered associations and makes the term more inclusive. Similarly, call any pre-wedding party with wedding attendants a bachelorx or bach party, instead of bachelor or bachelorette party.

Wedding Shower

A non-gendered way of referring to the pre-wedding event where family and friends can shower the couple with presents from their gift list in anticipation of the big day.

Wedding Suite

A non-gendered alternative to the traditional bridal suite. This is the room (or rooms) in the wedding venue where the wedding party can get ready and prepare for the ceremony.

Wedding Outfit/Wedding Gown/Wedding Boutique

A gender-neutral way to refer to the attire worn by either member of the couple on their wedding day, whether it’s a gown or a suit. Similarly, using ‘wedding boutique’ instead of ‘bridal boutique’ eliminates gendered language, making wedding outfit shopping more inclusive for everyone.

Celebrant

An inclusive and non-gendered term for a person who performs and officiates a wedding ceremony, regardless of their religious, spiritual or secular background.

Head Table/Table #1

A non-gendered, non-patriarchal and apolitical alternative to the King’s Table (the focal-point table where the couple sits with their closest family and wedding party members).

Swap out gendered language for these inclusive alternatives to celebrate and respect all couples and individuals, regardless of their gender or sexuality. It’s a great way to recognize the diversity of love and partnerships around us. Of course, if gendered language feels authentic to the couple or individual, there’s nothing wrong with using it! But in broad descriptions, it’s important not to make generalizations and assumptions which might exclude members of the LGBTQ+ community.

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So, if you’re looking for some inspiration for engagement ring alternatives, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’re going to dive into why you shouldn’t feel obliged to propose with an engagement ring, and offer you 30 suggestions for ways you can propose if a diamond ring isn’t your partner’s thing. That way, you can propose in a way that’s unique and personal to the two of you.

Why has it become a tradition to propose with an engagement ring?

Engagement rings have been a tradition since ancient Egyptian and Greek times, but it was the Romans who made giving an engagement ring a legal requirement and made it popular. An engagement ring isn’t a legal requirement in the 21st century, but the tradition of giving one while proposing has stood the test of time.

That said, traditions evolve, and not all of them align with everyone’s preferences, style, beliefs, or budget. If that’s the case for you, here’s the good news: there’s no rule saying you must buy an engagement ring for your future fiancé!

How much do engagement rings cost?

In Canada, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is approximately $3,500. Traditional guidelines suggest spending one to three months’ salary on a ring, but this is far from a hard rule. Most couples today prioritize personal preferences and budgets over outdated norms, so don’t feel pressured to stick to these old-fashioned expectations if you’re planning to propose with an engagement ring.

Read our ultimate wedding budget breakdown for a complete guide to how much every part of your wedding might cost.

What engagement rings will never go out of style?

Want to propose with an engagement ring but also ensure the ring you choose never goes out of style? Below are just a few timeless engagement rings that have been popular for decades, and are set to be placed on ring fingers for many more decades to come.

• Solitaire diamond rings – The solitaire diamond ring (any ring with a single diamond) has long been the classic engagement ring. It draws complete focus to the big rock in the centre, with round-cut diamonds being the go-to (but most expensive) choice.
• Diamond halo ring – A twist on the solitaire diamond ring, which still features a large diamond, but is surrounded by a halo of small stones to accentuate its beauty.
• Trilogy ring – A trilogy ring features three stones, which could be three of the same stone (such as three diamonds) or two different stones (such as two diamonds on either side of a central sapphire).
• Emerald cut diamond – Emerald cut diamonds have a striking rectangular shape, which always makes them popular. They’re also not as expensive as round-cut diamonds due to less of the diamond being wasted during cutting.
• White gold and platinum rings – The popularity of yellow gold jewellery comes and goes, but white gold and platinum remain consistently popular.

Can you propose without an engagement ring?

Yes, you can propose without an engagement ring. The most important thing you need to offer in a proposal is your love and commitment to your partner. However, make sure you’re confident that you know what your partner would like to receive when being proposed to. If their dream is to wear a diamond engagement ring, then popping the question without one may come as a bit of a shock.

What’s an alternative to an engagement ring?

An alternative to an engagement ring is something you give to your partner other than the traditional engagement ring as a symbol of your love and commitment to them. It could be anything, from a different type of jewellery to a tattoo.

Why you might choose an alternative is a personal decision. It could be because the two of you aren’t interested in the usual traditions, your partner doesn’t like to wear rings, or your wedding budget can’t stretch to include an engagement ring.

Can anything be an engagement ring?

Yes, absolutely anything can work as an alternative to a traditional diamond engagement ring. It could be another ring, a different piece of jewellery like a necklace, or anything your partner might love and appreciate. In season three of The Simpsons, Homer proposed to Marge using an onion ring! This obviously isn’t a long-term solution, but it shows just how creative you can be with your proposal.

30 alternatives to an engagement ring

If you and your partner aren’t interested in the tradition of wearing an engagement ring, there are plenty of alternatives you can choose instead. Below are just 30 suggestions for what you can give your partner when you ask them to marry you.

10 rings that are great alternative engagement rings

1. Birthstone ring – A ring that features the birthstone of your partner, or one that features both of your birthstones.
2. A handmade ring – A ring made by a craftsperson and sold at a craft fair or online retailer such as Etsy.
3. Lab-grown stones – Lab-grown stones are environmentally- and budget-friendly.
4. Simple band – A precious metal band, much like a wedding ring, is a fantastic choice.
5. Promise ring – A promise ring can be given before an engagement ring, which the two of you might choose together.
6. Eternity ring – Traditionally given after a specific relationship milestone, but remember, traditions can definitely be broken.
7. Family heirloom – A ring that’s been handed down from a relative could be a wonderful engagement ring alternative.
8. A vintage ring – Vintage stores and charity shops can be a treasure trove for unique alternatives.
9. Wooden ring – A rustic and eco-friendly choice.
10. Engraved band – Super personal and thoughtful.

10 pieces of jewellery that are great alternative engagement rings

Instead of a ring, you could propose with a different piece of jewellery. It could be something personal to you, which you could customize further by choosing relevant birthstones, preferences or engravings.

1. Necklace
2. Bracelet
3. Charm bracelet
4. Brooch
5. Earrings
6. Watch
7. Ankle bracelet
8. Cufflinks
9. Body jewellery
10. Locket

10 alternative engagement ring ideas that aren’t jewellery

For a truly unique approach, why not skip the jewelry entirely and opt for something completely unconventional?

1. Tattoos – If you’re into body art, an engagement tattoo combines your lives.
2. Handfasting – Usually performed at a wedding ceremony, but can be a symbolic gesture the two of you could do at an engagement.
3. Handwritten letter – A handwritten letter can help you communicate just how strongly you feel about your partner, which you can give to them during the proposal.
4. Journal – Similar to a letter, a journal is something you write over time and shows how your love has grown. Another idea is a book of promises, which is a book filled with the promises you’re making to your loved one and how you intend to keep them.
5. Wedding fund contribution – Instead of an engagement ring (which can be expensive), agree to put that money into the start of your wedding fund. Or, why not donate to your partner’s favourite charity?
6. Custom artwork – This could be anything from a watercolor painting to a pencil drawing, either by yourself or an artist you both admire.
7. Plant a tree – What better symbol to start your commitment together than by planting a tree the two of you can watch grow for decades to come?
8. Keepsake box – Choose a box the two of you can fill with memories.
9. Proposal video – A video of your memories that ends with you popping the question.
10. Celebrity video – Websites such as Cameo allow you to ask celebrities to record a personalized video message, which makes for a unique and exciting way to involve your partner’s favourite actor or musician in your proposal.

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Happy Planning!

Who doesn’t love a wedding? If you’re here, you’ve been lucky enough to be invited as a guest to someone’s special day. That means, at some point, you’re likely to find yourself standing in front of the guest book, pen in hand, wondering what to write. Don’t worry — we’ve all been there! 

Whether you’re a seasoned wedding attendee or a first-timer, knowing what to write in a wedding guest book can sometimes feel like a daunting task. In this guide, we’re going to break down the art of crafting the perfect wedding guest book message, from heartfelt sentiments to light-hearted jokes. So, if you’re ready to leave your mark and make the happy couple smile every time they flip through their guest book, let’s dive in and discover how to write a message that will be cherished for years to come!

What is a wedding guest book message?

A wedding guest book message is your chance to share a heartfelt, funny, or meaningful note for the happy couple. There are no rules—just write from the heart and let your genuine thoughts shine.

You might share a favorite memory, some wise advice, or simply your congratulations. Whatever you choose, your words will become a cherished keepsake for the newlyweds to look back on and smile.

What to write in a wedding guest book

If you’re struggling with what to write in a wedding guest book, keep reading! We’ve included some example messages and top tips for nailing the tone. 

What to write for a funny wedding guest book message 

Injecting a touch of humor into your wedding guest book message is always appreciated, especially if the couple shares your fun-loving spirit.  

Try using the following examples as inspiration for your message:

• Cheers to a lifetime of binge-watching Netflix together! May your marriage be as strong as your Wi-Fi.

• Congrats on finding your lobster! Hoping your marriage will be as heartwarming as Ross and Rachel’s, but with fewer ‘breaks’ and more ‘I got off the planes.’

• Congratulations on tying the knot! Remember, there’s no problem that can’t be solved by a good cup of tea. Here’s to strong, milky, and no sugar forever.

Top tips

• There’s a line between funny and offensive. Keep the jokes light-hearted and clean. After all, the newlyweds’ families or colleagues may flick through the book during the evening!
• Balance humor and sincerity. While the goal is to make the couple laugh, don’t forget also to convey your genuine congratulations and well-wishes. Follow up any jokes with a sincere message to ensure your message is warm and well received.
• Keep it short. No one wants your rendition of War and Peace in their guest book. Keep it short, and keep it sweet. 

What to write in a wedding guest book from parents

A guest book message from parents should be sweet and sincere, reflecting the love and pride you feel towards your baby on their special day.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, try using the following messages: 

• Our hearts are overflowing with pride on your special day. Seeing the love you share fills us with immense happiness. May your journey together be blessed with endless love, laughter, and beautiful memories.

• What a day! Seeing you two up there, so in love, it just warms our hearts. We’re over the moon to welcome [spouse’s name] into our family. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and maybe a few family game nights.

• We’re bursting with pride and joy watching you two tie the knot. Your love is contagious, and we’re thrilled to be a part of your journey. Wishing you endless adventures, cosy nights in, and all the happiness in the world. 

Top tips

• Share the love. Even if you aren’t a lovey-dovey family, a wedding is the time to tell your child just how proud you are of them for making this commitment. 
• Be supportive. Let your child know you’re always there for them, no matter what. Offer words of encouragement and reassurance as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.
• Offer your advice. Offer some words of wisdom to your child that you believe will be valuable for their married life together. Whether about communication, compromise, or navigating challenges, sharing your insights can be incredibly meaningful for your child and their partner.

Heartfelt and classic guest book messages

Whether you’re a friend, colleague, or distant family member, you can’t go wrong with a heartfelt congratulations message.

Try using the following examples for a classic wedding guest book message:

• Today marks the beginning of an unforgettable adventure the two of you will share. May it be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. A huge congratulations, once again.

• You did it! What an incredible day. Thank you so much for asking us to be a part of it.

• We couldn’t be prouder of you both for taking this next step in life. Here’s to late-night pizza runs, spontaneous road trips, and a lifetime of true love.

Top tips

• Personalize your message. Try including a specific detail or memory from the time you’ve known the happy couple. Bonus points if the memory relates to both of them!
• Keep it timeless. Consider avoiding any jokes or references to current affairs. It’s unlikely anyone will remember what was in the news today in 10 years. 
• Write from the heart. Ultimately, the most important tip is to write from the heart. Let your genuine love and affection for the couple guide your words, and your message will surely be appreciated and cherished.

Words of wisdom or marriage advice

Sharing your words of wisdom or pearls of advice is a great way to show support to the newlyweds as they embark on this new adventure together. Here are some phrases or ideas to consider: 

• Always remember the love that brought you together today. Through thick and thin, may your bond grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations again on your beautiful day. 

• Congratulations on tying the knot. Remember — never stop prioritizing your relationship. Life can get busy and hectic, but it’s important to make time for each other. 

• Marriage is about finding balance and making decisions together as a couple. Listen to each other, and remember that you’re a team. It’s you vs. the problem, not you vs. them. 

Top tips

• Share from your own experiences. You don’t have to be an expert on love or marriage to give valuable advice. Draw from your own experiences in relationships, whether it’s lessons learned from your own dating history, observations of successful couples around you, or insights gained from challenges you’ve faced. 
• Keep it positive. While offering practical advice is thoughtful, keep the tone uplifting and positive — after all, no one wants to hear about the downsides of marriage on their big day! Focus on celebrating the power of love, the importance of tackling challenges as a team, and the happiness that comes from creating a shared life together.
• Be encouraging. Offer words of encouragement and support to the newlyweds as they embark on this exciting journey together. Let them know that you believe in their love and their ability to overcome any obstacles that may come their way.

Creative wedding guest book messages 

Creative wedding guest book messages are a great way to add a special touch to your guest book entry and make it stand out. Draw on inspiration from the couple’s favourite films, song lyrics, or shared hobbies.  

Here are some ideas to help spark your creativity:

• Wishing you a ‘hakuna matata’ kind of love — no worries, just bliss! Congrats!

• Congratulations on taking centre stage in the great production of love. Time for your grand finale — the reception! Break a leg, lovebirds!

• May your marriage be filled with passion, devotion, and unwavering commitment. Congratulations on becoming a real-life Noah and Allie!

Top tips

• Don’t overdo it. While it’s important to ensure the couple understands your reference, there’s no need to go over the top. Subtle references are often more effective and appreciated. 
• Don’t overthink it. Try not to get so caught up in trying to be creative that you forget to write a message at all. Trust your instincts and write from the heart.
• Have fun with it. Enjoy the process of writing your creative guest book message! Put on your thinking cap and have fun crafting a heartfelt and memorable message for the newlyweds.

Quotes or poems about love

If you’re stuck for words, using a short quote or poem is a great way to convey your well-wishes to the newlyweds. The best love quotes or love poems to use are the ones that are meaningful to you or the couple. However, if the poem you like is too long or you’re struggling to come up with something on the spot, try using one of our favourite quotes:

• “Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one.” – John Keats

• “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” – Maya Angelou

• “Love is like the wind, you can’t see it, but you can feel it.” – Nicholas Sparks

Top tips

• Prepare your quote ahead of time. If you know you want to use a quote in a wedding guest book, it’s a good idea to prepare it ahead of time. Save it in a note on your phone or keep it on a scrap of paper in your pocket so you can reference it during the reception. 
• Be mindful of the space. Consider the size of the space available in the guest book when picking your quote or poem. Opt for shorter quotes or select a few of the most meaningful lines to ensure they fit neatly in the guest book.
• Consider the theme of the wedding. If the couple is having a themed wedding, consider matching your quote to that theme. For example, an Alice in Wonderland-themed wedding could mean you use a quote from the film or classic books. 

The bottom line on wedding guest book messages

Crafting a unique and creative wedding guest book message can feel like a challenge, but with a bit of thought and a spark of inspiration, you can write something truly meaningful. It’s your chance to celebrate the occasion, express your gratitude for being part of the day, and share your heartfelt congratulations. You might even sprinkle in a little friendly advice for the couple as they embark on this amazing journey.

Personalize your message by reflecting on your experiences and, most importantly, let your sincerity shine. If you’re stuck, don’t worry — a thoughtful quote or poem can always save the day. Keep one handy (maybe even in your phone!) for those moments when inspiration takes a coffee break.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you write in a wedding guest book?

So long as your message is sincere and heartfelt, you can write whatever you’d like in a wedding guest book. Try writing a message of congratulations, a piece of heartfelt advice, a special quote, or even a short poem if you’re lost for words. 

What do you write on the first page of a guest book?

The first page of a wedding guest book should be filled in by the newlyweds. It should include a welcome message for all guests in attendance, a brief explanation of the purpose of the guest book, and guidelines for messages (if any). 

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Happy Planning!