Blessings for a Marriage: A Guide to Making Your Ceremony Extraordinary

A wedding is a sacred union, a momentous occasion where two souls embark on a journey of love and companionship. Blessings are an integral part of wedding ceremonies, offering wishes of love, prosperity, and divine favor for the newlyweds.

Choosing the Perfect Blessing

The key to choosing a meaningful blessing lies in finding words that resonate with the couple's religious beliefs, cultural traditions, or personal story. If their faith plays an important role in their lives, consider a prayer or scripture that reflects their values. Alternatively, a secular reading that celebrates friendship, strength, and tenderness can be equally impactful.

Types of Blessings:

• Short Blessings: Concise expressions of love and encouragement, such as prayers or scriptures.
• Non-Religious Blessings: Secular readings that focus on the beauty of love and the strength of commitment.
• Blessings from Different Traditions: Unique prayers or quotes that reflect the couple's heritage, such as Irish, Buddhist, or Spanish blessings.

Who Delivers the Blessing

Traditionally, a close relative, mentor, or the officiant delivers the blessing. However, the couple may choose anyone they feel connected to, such as a friend or a beloved family member.

How to Deliver a Blessing

When delivering a blessing, ensure you have everyone's attention. Speak confidently and with clarity, focusing on blessing the marriage, celebrating the commitment, and offering encouragement for the future. Keep the blessing brief to avoid overwhelming the couple or guests. Consider practicing beforehand to ensure confidence and clarity.

Examples of Blessings

Song of Solomon 2:10-13 Bible Blessing: "Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for winter is past...the flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come..."

Rumi's "The Marriage" Wedding Blessing Poem: "This marriage is sweet, fruitful, joyful. A sign of compassion and happiness. From now on, you are not one but two. May you live your life together with love and kindness."

Irish Wedding Blessing: "May you be as happy as the birds in the air. May your troubles be as light as the foam on the tide. May all who know you love you, and may all who love you be happy."

Buddhist Wedding Blessing by Lama Thubten Yeshe: "May you live together in harmony and peace, like the sun and the moon. May you be strong and courageous, like the mountains. May you be gentle and compassionate, like the rivers."

Spanish Wedding Blessing: "Que vivan los novios! May the couple live a long and happy life together!"

Additional Tips:

• Consider the couple's spiritual background and cultural traditions when choosing blessings.
• Practice delivering the blessing beforehand to ensure confidence and clarity.
• Keep it brief to avoid overwhelming the couple or guests.
• Remember, the most important aspect of a blessing is the love and well wishes it conveys to the newlyweds.

FAQ on Wedding Blessings

What is a wedding blessing?

A wedding blessing is a prayer or reading that expresses good wishes and divine favor for the newlyweds.

Why are wedding blessings important?

Blessings add a spiritual dimension to the ceremony, seeking guidance and protection for the couple's marriage.

How do I choose a wedding blessing?

Select a blessing that resonates with the couple's beliefs, traditions, or personal story. Consider using their names for personalization.

Who typically delivers a wedding blessing?

Blessings are usually given by a close relative, mentor, or the officiant.

How do I deliver a wedding blessing effectively?

Politely get everyone's attention, speak confidently, focus on blessing the marriage, and keep it brief.