If you and your partner come from different faiths, that’s an opportunity to have a really magical wedding ceremony. Birkat Elyon has worked with so many couples over the years, helping them save money with our gorgeous (and affordable) cubic zirconia engagement and wedding rings. Here are our tips for throwing an interfaith wedding.
GET THE OFFICIANTS TOGETHER EARLY
If you plan to have officiants from both of your faiths lead your ceremony, reach out to both of them early so that they can build it together. Typically, the officiants split speaking duties on the Big Day. Plus, they can coordinate the faith components, traditions, and blessings that are most important to you, and explain them to your guests as the ceremony goes along.
LET YOUR OFFICIANT GUIDE YOU
Besides presiding at your wedding, officiants can be helpful ahead of the wedding, helping you to navigate the particulars of an interfaith marriage. Schedule some time for the two of you to openly discuss things like how you’ll raise your kids, what holidays you’ll celebrate, things like that.
HONOR THE “VIPs”
In every family, there are special people who play a big role. It’s a great idea to include them in the ceremony as “representatives” of the blending of these different faiths; it shows unity. Note: you can also honor these important family members by gifting them afterward a piece of lovely cubic zirconia jewelry as a token of your love and respect.
UNITY CANDLE
This is a wonderful tradition showing the coming together of two people of different cultures. Wedding planners note that the couple lighting a unity candle together never fails to make a beautiful, spiritual statement to the guests.
VISUAL SYMBOLS
Find ways to blend symbols of both of your faiths into the décor. For example, for a Christian-Hindu wedding, can blend spiritual symbols like the dove of Peace with Sanskrit symbols for unity and harmony. Consider having a photo or copy of these blended symbols made as a keepsake, to serve as a reminder of your special union.