WEDDING SERVICE PLANNER
THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS

The rings are normally being held by the Best Man and the Maid/Matron of Honour. They may have received these rings from the ring bearer at the beginning of the service (during the processional) or have had them from the very start. In any case the minister will request the rings and receiving them, then bless them and hand them in turn to the groom and the bride.

BLESSING OF RINGS (one)
The perfect circle of a ring symbolizes eternity, while gold is a symbol of all that is pure and holy. As you give these rings to each other, our prayer is that your love will be the same, pure and eternal. May the Lord God bless these rings, symbols of your marriage.
– Name – take this ring and place it upon – Name’s – finger and say to her/him…

BLESSING OF RINGS (two)
The circle of a ring symbolizes unity and eternity. Gold represents that which precious and valued. As you give these rings to each other, our prayer is that your love will continue in precious unity forever. Wear these rings as symbols of your love for one another and of what you have pledged this day. Amen.

– Name – take this ring and place it upon – Name’s – finger and say to her/him…

EXCHANGE OF RINGS STYLE ONE (Traditional)
– Name – I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS STYLE TWO (Fletcher)
– Name – I give you this ring, as a symbol of our marriage, for today and tomorrow, and for all the days to come. Wear it as a sign of what we have promised and done this day.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS STYLE THREE (Palumbo)
Today we have moved from “I” to “We”. – Name – take this ring as a symbol of my decision to join my life with yours until death should us part. I walked to this place to meet you today; we shall walk from it together.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS STYLE FOUR
– Name – I bring this ring, shaped in the symbol of completeness and eternity, and I give it to you to wear so that we will always remember our marriage vows.

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.”