02:20
Faizan
Atheist weddings, although devoid of religion, can still contain expressions of love and commitment between two people. Wedding vows, the exchange of rings and a kiss to seal the marriage are significant ways to express your love to each other in a nonreligious setting. When planning an atheist wedding, choose a suitable officiant, a nonreligious text and readings and exclude church settings.
Nonreligious Invitations
Forgoing religious context on your invitations doesn’t mean conveying a non-celebratory or chilly undertone; on the contrary, religious wording can be replaced with messages of love. Follow formal etiquette as a guideline and select words that complement your beliefs. Choose wording such as, “In celebration and love, Parents of the bride invite guests to share in the joy of the marriage of their daughter…” You can also include a statement that advises guests that the wedding will include a nontraditional, secular service, if you choose.
Choosing a Venue
Atheist weddings allow you the freedom to choose any type of venue for your ceremony. Many reception halls have the space to accommodate the ceremony; simply decide whether you prefer your ceremony in an outside garden or in a separate room from the reception. Or, the ceremony and reception can take place in the same room; however, ensure that the venue can accommodate another designated area for guests to move into while the main room is set for dinner. You may even choose to have your guests seated for dinner while the ceremony takes place. Other options include, having a small ceremony in a park or courthouse with a large reception to follow in a restaurant or conducting the ceremony and reception at the same restaurant.
Ceremony Without Religion
Without religious text, your ceremony may be shorter than those with religious ceremonies. Adding music, readings and poetry, allows you, your partner, guests and family to properly reflect on your commitment to each other. Atheist ceremonies require a suitable officiant such as a judge or nondenominational minister, either of whom should have experience executing nonreligious ceremonies. Check your local wedding services directory, bridal magazines and bridal shops for judges and nondenominational ministers. Don't disregard nondenominational ministers; many will officiate without the use of a religious text and will accommodate your wishes.
Tradition Without Religion
Most wedding rituals originate from old traditions rather than religion and may be observed by both religious and atheists couples. While the bridesmaids are there to support a stressed-out bride, the best man -- traditionally chosen by the groom as his most trusted friend -- is on-hand to help fend off resistance from the bride’s family. Your father may still give you away, which signifies that he accepts the union between the bride and groom. Flowers symbolize fertility, and tossing the bouquet passes on the bride's good luck to the recipient.
Nonreligious Invitations
Forgoing religious context on your invitations doesn’t mean conveying a non-celebratory or chilly undertone; on the contrary, religious wording can be replaced with messages of love. Follow formal etiquette as a guideline and select words that complement your beliefs. Choose wording such as, “In celebration and love, Parents of the bride invite guests to share in the joy of the marriage of their daughter…” You can also include a statement that advises guests that the wedding will include a nontraditional, secular service, if you choose.
Choosing a Venue
Atheist weddings allow you the freedom to choose any type of venue for your ceremony. Many reception halls have the space to accommodate the ceremony; simply decide whether you prefer your ceremony in an outside garden or in a separate room from the reception. Or, the ceremony and reception can take place in the same room; however, ensure that the venue can accommodate another designated area for guests to move into while the main room is set for dinner. You may even choose to have your guests seated for dinner while the ceremony takes place. Other options include, having a small ceremony in a park or courthouse with a large reception to follow in a restaurant or conducting the ceremony and reception at the same restaurant.
Ceremony Without Religion
Without religious text, your ceremony may be shorter than those with religious ceremonies. Adding music, readings and poetry, allows you, your partner, guests and family to properly reflect on your commitment to each other. Atheist ceremonies require a suitable officiant such as a judge or nondenominational minister, either of whom should have experience executing nonreligious ceremonies. Check your local wedding services directory, bridal magazines and bridal shops for judges and nondenominational ministers. Don't disregard nondenominational ministers; many will officiate without the use of a religious text and will accommodate your wishes.
Tradition Without Religion
Most wedding rituals originate from old traditions rather than religion and may be observed by both religious and atheists couples. While the bridesmaids are there to support a stressed-out bride, the best man -- traditionally chosen by the groom as his most trusted friend -- is on-hand to help fend off resistance from the bride’s family. Your father may still give you away, which signifies that he accepts the union between the bride and groom. Flowers symbolize fertility, and tossing the bouquet passes on the bride's good luck to the recipient.
Posted in: Wedding Planning
