As you start your wedding planning, it’s important to decide if you should have a religious ceremony.
Whether you are religious or not, the question of should you have a religious ceremony will probably come up as you start wedding planning. Perhaps you are not, but your future spouse is. Or maybe your families are. Whatever the reason, it’s an important discussion to have with your future spouse. Below are some things to consider when deciding on (or against) a religious ceremony.
Brings a Spiritual/Deeper Meaning
A religious ceremony can bring you and your future spouse closer spiritually. Your ceremony may have a deeper meaning when religion – no matter the faith – is involved.
You May Have to Jump Through More Hoops
Some faiths require couples to attend counseling or classes, like Pre-Cana, before getting married. This can add more stress as you both take time out of your busy schedules to attend.
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Sharing Faith With One Another
Sharing your faith with each other can be special. And if one of you has to convert, that makes the ceremony even more meaningful.
The Ceremony May Feel Cold Depending on Your Religious Officiant
If you’re not very religious but want a religious ceremony, it could come off feeling cold – especially if you don’t know your officiant very well. To avoid this, it’s important to meet with them ahead of time to avoid any awkwardness on the day.
Sharing Your Faith With Guests
A religious ceremony is a way to share your faith with your guests. It could bring you closer to them, and could allow them the opportunity to learn about a faith they otherwise wouldn’t be exposed to.
It May Make Some Guests Feel Excluded
On the flip side, a religious ceremony may make some guests feel excluded. Perhaps you are getting married in a Catholic church, and some of your guests are Jewish. They could feel awkward not knowing responses or prayers.
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Easier For Your Future Children
Some faiths like to have couples to be married in religious ceremonies in order to have their children be a part of the church or synagogue. This could mean a baptism, a bat mitzvah or bar mitzvah. Getting married at a religious institution could make things easier for your future children.
The Ceremony May Take Longer
Depending on the type of religious ceremony, it could be longer than average. This shouldn’t be a problem as long as you know ahead of time, and plan your timeline for the day accordingly.
Logistics
Religious ceremonies are often held at places of worship, like a church or synagogue. This not only adds travel time to get to your reception, but there are a lot of moving pieces involved when your ceremony is not at your venue. But not to worry! You’ll know all of this ahead of time, and you’ll be able to plan your timeline and transportation accordingly.
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As with all of your wedding planning, the decision on a religious ceremony is entirely up to you and your future spouse. And remember – if some guests opt to skip the religious ceremony for whatever reason, that’s okay. Everyone has different opinions on religion and that’s not a reflection of you, your future spouse or your families. The most important thing is that you are doing what will make you both happy.