A whopping 2.2 million people said “I do” in 2018, according to The Wedding Report. That means millions of weddings happened across the country. Still, you want yours to stand out from the mix.
As it turns out, your wedding bells can ring a bit differently than the millions of other lovebirds getting married this year. Start with your ceremony — you don’t have to stick to the traditional nuptials. Here are five types of wedding ceremonies to consider:
1. Civil Ceremony
The simplest of all your options, a civil ceremony will have you and your partner heading to the town or city hall. There, a registrar will conduct a civil ceremony to get you wed.
While this method’s efficient, you won’t have the chance to personalize your ceremony. You can’t write your vows or have readings, for example.
Make sure to check out your hometown’s rules on civil ceremonies, too. Some registrars require appointments, while others perform weddings on a first-come, first-served basis. You probably need to bring a witness or two along, as well.
2. Catholic Ceremony
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you will find an in-depth Catholic wedding. A Roman Catholic ceremony will incorporate three Bible readings, at least. The priest will lead the exchange of vows and rings, too.
Your Catholic wedding will also include prayers, blessings and religious music. Among the types of weddings available to you, this one will be one of the longest — some last up to an hour.
3. Interfaith Ceremony
Two partners who study different faiths will want to consider an interfaith ceremony. You will work with the officiant to combine both of your beliefs to make your nuptials unique. This type of wedding can save you time, too. You and your partner won’t have to schedule two ceremonies in each of your churches.
An interfaith-style ceremony would suit couples coming from two different cultural backgrounds, too. You can incorporate music, blessings and wardrobe items to highlight your heritages.
4. Non-Denominational Ceremony
A non-denominational ceremony includes spiritual elements but doesn’t adhere to one religion’s preachings.
Instead, the officiant will talk about God broadly without focusing on one faith’s interpretation of him. As such, couples without a focused faith could find a non-denominational ceremony to be the perfect type of wedding.
5. Humanist Ceremony
Humanists believe that we can be good people without the guidance of religion. Instead, all we need are our moral compasses.
You and your partner might consider this type of wedding if your beliefs align. Humanist ceremonies work for those who want a personalized wedding, too. The officiant will work with you to make it customized to your story.
Be sure to check if your state or country legally recognizes humanist ceremonies. In some places, you will have to make it official with a civil ceremony before or after your humanist vows.
Choosing From the Different Types of Wedding Ceremonies
There’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to your big day. So, consider these five types of wedding ceremonies a jumping-off point. Soon enough, you’ll find the perfect program for your wedding.
And, as you prep for your walk down the aisle, check-in with our blog as you go. Browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips!