by Dotti Templeton
Recently, a number of us officiants were discussing the all-important, very famous, somewhat traditional tagline that comes at the end of just about every wedding ceremony, "You may now kiss the bride."
Some couples, mostly brides, actually, don't like it. They want us to say something different. They still want the kiss; they don't want those words. I understand.
The "you may now do something to somebody else" feel of it doesn't necessarily fit well in the personal, often unique and gender-equal ceremonies. What are the alternatives?
Before you choose another way to say it, think about the feel of your ceremony. Is it playful and light? Traditional? Religious? Is it romantic? Does it celebrate you both as individuals? A little bit of everything? The type of ceremony you've chosen reflects who you are, and is a good place to start as you begin to think about changing that all important directive.
From our officiants' exchange, I've come up with a few suggestions for alternatives:
"You may now seal this union with a kiss."
"You may now kiss each other."
"You may now seal your vows with a kiss."
"An ancient belief proclaims that when a couple in love kisses, a little bit of each other's soul is transported to abide in the other. At what better time than now to share your souls and a kiss."
"You may now (or Please) celebrate your love and devotion with a kiss."
"You may now (or Please) share your first kiss as husband and wife."
Of course, you can make up your own or ask your officiant to help you.
Many couples still want the traditional "You may now kiss the bride" at the end of their ceremony. If that's what you'd like to hear, it's just as meaningful and beautiful as it's always been...so enjoy!
Dotti Templeton, Wedding Officiant
www.Poetic-Ceremonies.com
Westchester County, NY
