WEDDING SERVICE PLANNER
BLESSING OF FAMILY
The blessing of the family has tended to replace the “who gives this woman to be married to this man”? The reasons for the replacement are related to the recognition that no one can “give” another. They can, however, bless them on their way.
Please note that not only parents can be asked to signify their blessing, but children of the couple can be asked, or brothers or sisters – or the closest friends. It all depends upon the family relationships that exist. In any case when the question is put, those asked to do the blessing stand up from where they have been seated and Respond (Rx) and then sit down again.
This section of the Wedding Planner also includes a Blessing of Children / Family. This can be used, if desired, where families are “blending” and the children are to be specially recognized.
STYLE ONE (traditional)
I ask now – who blesses the marriage of this woman to this man?
Rx – We do.
And who blesses the marriage of this man to this woman?
Rx – We do.
STYLE TWO
– Would the parents/family of – Name – and – Name – please stand.
I as you, as the parents/family of this man and this woman, do you promise to pray for and support them as a couple in the new relationship which they are about to enter?
Rx – We do.
STYLE THREE
– Would the parents/family of – Name – and – Name – please stand.
Will you receive – Name – and – Name into your family and uphold them with your love as they establish themselves as a family within your own?
Rx – We will
STYLE FOUR (Steve Petty)
Will the families of – Name – and – Name – please stand
As – Name – and – Name – join their lives in marriage, they also bring you together in a new relationship, creating new bonds of trust and ties of affection. Will you give them your love, your blessing, and your support? If so will you please show them your support by saying “We will”?
Rx – We will.
Will the congregation please stand.
Friends, Bride and Groom have invited you here because you are important people in their lives. Your love and support will be important always. Will all of you, by God’s Grace, do everything in your power to preserve this marriage. Will you give them your love, your blessing, and your support? If so will you please show them your support by saying “We will”?
Rx – We will.
STYLE FIVE (David Cobb Community Christian Church DOC)
The marriage of – Name – and – Name – unites two families and creates a new one. Will the families please stand?
Will you offer N. and N. your blessing and continued love and support as they begin their life together in Christian marriage?
Rx – We will.
Will the congregation please stand? Having witnessed the intent of – Name – and – Name – to marry, let us affirm our support for their life together:
Rx – We rejoice in your union and pray God’s blessings upon you. We commend you to the God of love who strengthens all human ties faithfully embraced.
Will you with God’s help do all in your power to uphold and care for – Name – and – Name – in their marriage?
Rx – We will.
Please be seated.
POSSIBLE ADDITION TO STYLES 1, 2 & 3 (as above or as below)
And I ask you all here today, as witnesses to these vows, will you also support, as well as you are able – Name – and – Name – in their new relationship?
Rx – We will.
BLESSING OF CHILDREN (Chalice Worship,1997:Chalice Press, St. Louis)
The minister addresses each child by name:
– Name -, you are entering a new family. Will you give to this new family your trust, love, and affection?
Rx – [Each child]: I will, with the help of God.
{The minister addresses the bride and groom}:
– Name – and – Name – , will you be faithful and loving parents to – Names(s)?
Rx – [The couple]: We will, with the help of God.
by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild & Rev. Brett Blair
This article may not be written by an Apostolic author, but it contains many excellent principles and concepts that can be adapted to most churches. As the old saying goes, “Eat the meat. Throw away the bones.”
