Thank you for sharing this beautiful Memory with us Geoff Mazlin – Marrriage Celebrant..
Many years ago I officiated at a large ceremony that had all the trimmings you could say and all seemed to be so happy.
After the ceremony the groom’s mother was off to the side and looked very sad and alone.
I approached her and asked if she was OK, her response at the time took me off guard.
“Geoff it’s all about the bride today, what about my son to me he is just as important and yet all the focus is on the bride, and it is just not right!’
This emotional statement stayed with me for a while and I thought why can’t both parents be involved and started asking my couples if they were very close with their parents if the answer was ‘Yes” I suggested the option of both lots of parents giving them away, the dad still having the traditional walking his daughter down the aisle.
Couples were very excited and sometimes emotional as they realised that their loved mums and dads could all be involved in this precious moment with them.
In the ceremony after the welcome introduction I then ask the parents to stand with their daughter and son and say special words that reflect the moment – then asking the bride’s parents to take the groom as their son-in-law and giving him all their support, likewise the groom’s parents taking the bride as their daughter-in-law.
Approximately 80% of all my ceremonies now have this very personal moment and hearing the words of love and blessings from the parents is memorable for me also and ‘Yes’ there are often lots of tissues on hand.
Sometimes the bride’s dad takes the opportunity to welcome the groom into the family, which is often done later at the reception, but is again a step away from the traditions of old and creating another memory.
Step dad’s and step mum’s are also often present or children, the wording is tailored to reflect the occasion.
Hopes this helps to make planning your ceremony or someone you know who is getting married even more intimate and personal.
Geoff Mazlin Marrriage Celebrant
W: geoffmazlin.com.au M: 0407 676 550
