WEDDING SERVICE PLANNER
SIGNING THE REGISTER

This is pretty basic stuff – but it must be done. Normally the signing table or lectern will be present in the place of the wedding. The Bride and Groom, and their legal witnesses (normally The Maid or Matron of Honour and the Best Man) will precede to the place of signing and sign in the order indicated. As each signs there is normally opportunity made for a couple of informal pictures to be taken.

During the wedding the couple have stood so that the woman has been to the left of the man. After the signing, they will stand so that the woman is to the right of the man. The same is true for the maid or matron of honour and the best man.

In most provinces of Canada the Bride and Groom only sign two documents at the wedding – the marriage register that belongs to the church or presider, and the completed “registration of marriage” that is sent to the government. The witnesses sign these and a marriage certificate.

When the minister is finished signing the documents, he or she then introduces the couple.

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.”