Things to do during non-religious ceremony?

Have you ever thought about maybe reading something to each other? For instance if you would pick a passage or poem or something that reminded you of how you felt about your FH and read it to him during the ceremony and vice versa. I think that would be really touching - especially if you don't tell the other one what you will be reading.

We are writing our own vows, so that will be pretty similar to that! Do you know where I can find good readings for other people to read?

Try googling non-religious wedding readings. That's what we did when we were looking for non-religious readings, and we found one we loved by Bob Marley. We ended up deciding not to do any readings, but our Minister loved the reading so much he's incorporating it into the ceremony Here it is:

“He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you"

Oh my i LOVEEE that! I will have to show it to df!

We are doing a reading called The Art of a Good Marriage by Wilferd A. Peterson and a period of silence/meditation instead of a prayer. During that time, people can pray or send us good wishes through whichever deity they worship. This was important to us because I am not a Christian and FH is. We are also doing something at the end called the Apache Blessing after we have been announced husband and wife. FH's family has Indian Heritage, as does mine, so that was a cool thing for us to include.

You could also do a Unity Candle ceremony. Another thing I really liked is where you both write letters to each other, then get a bottle of wine, and a wooden box that can be nailed shut (or a little chest that can be locked), then during the ceremony you put the wine, your letters, and anything else you may want to include (kind of a time capsule), and you seal the box. Then you open during your first, or 5th, or 10th anniversary. There is wording for the ceremony (I think you can just google Wine Box Ceremony).

Photo credit - http://heatherneckers.com/tag/sunflower-bouquet/

If you PM your email, I'll send you the script I have written.

Christina- Wow I LOVE that too! We are also not having a religious ceremony, but I guess I have plenty of time to think about this stuff!

We are doing a sand ceremony. You might want to consider that instead of a unity candle if you are having it outdoors. Its never a good thing if the candle gets blown out. LOL

We are also doing a wine box ceremony. It's perfect for us since we are getting married at a winery!

Were doing a sand ceremony, super excited (:

You can do a handfasting, or a reading about the hands, or water a small potted tree to plant in your yard later.

We don't plan on having a religious wedding as well. Not really sure how his dads side of the family is going to take it but whatever. My parents and his mom already know we are not super religious.

http://offbeatbride.com/2009/08/secular-wedding-ceremonies

There is a silly old irish blessing that I wanted someone to read at mine

"May you never lie cheat or steal...

But if you must lie...let it be in your bed each night

And if you must cheat...then cheat death so you wont have to spend a sing day without eachother.

And if you must steal then steal eachothers heart anew everyday,

And you're love will last forever"

While we are both practicing Catholics, and my first marriage is annulled, we chose a non-religous ceremony but will have our marriage blessed, non-ceremoniously, next year.

We did have a reading, my favorite, I Corinthians 13: 4-8.

Since it was biker themed, we also wrote our own path joining ceremony.

Last but not least, in remembrance of my sister and best friend and DH's parents, my bonus son and BIL covered Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" while we lit a candle.