Many Christians believe that God is everywhere and for that reason they could get married anywhere and God would still bless the marriage. Jesus said “ Wherever 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name I am the midst of them” The priest, vicar or minister is seen as God’s representative on earth, he or she forms a relationship between the couple and God.
At the wedding the father gives the bride away, this is a symbolic action as it states that his role of caring for his daughter is now over and he is handing the responsibility over to her future husband, “And a man shall leave his father and mother and become one with his wife”
The bride wears a white dress to indicate virginity and purity, often if the bride is not a virgin or has been married before she may choose to wear cream or ivory, but some still choose to wear white as they want their marriage to be a pure new beginning.
The groom has a best man to assist him but he does not have any symbolic role. In olden times if the groom did not appear at the wedding then the best man had to marry the bride!!
In a Christian marriage the most important part of the marriage service is the vows, each vow makes a promise to the future partner that they will keep out throughout their married life together. Vows are promises made before God and promises should not be broken.
The rings that are exchanged in the marriage are very symbolic, they consist of an unbroken circle with no beginning and no end. They are continuous and never ending just like God’s love for his people. They are also made of precious metal showing how sacred and special marriage is.
The music played throughout the ceremony can also be symbolic as it is chose for a special meaning. E.g. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling is a popular wedding hymn because it talks about the love between the couple and it praises and thanks God for allowing the wedding to take place.
Many of the flowers in the church are symbolic, the men wear white coronations as they are said to have come into bloom the day that Jesus was born, each flower in the bouquet can also have symbolic meanings.
Rice used to be thrown at weddings, this is an ancient symbol of fertility. It was thrown to wish the couple many children as the purpose of Christian marriage is procreation. Today people throw edible confetti instead, it is more environmentally friendly.
The veil that the bride wears symbolises the barrier between the couple until after the ceremony, it covers the brides face while she is waling down the aisle. When they re married the veil is lifted, thus means that the couple can now consummate their marriage (have sex).
Wedding bells are often rung at the end of the ceremony. This is to inform the Parish that a wedding has taken place and allow them to share this joyous occasion.