Weekend Wedding

This weekend, a couple from my class got married.  It was actually quite a contrast from the last wedding I attended.  This one was more "casual", in my church, surrounded mostly by relatives and people from church and class, but with only the bride and groom in the wedding party; as opposed to my cousin's son's wedding which was quite formal and extravagant, lakeside at a resort, surrounded by young friends of the couple I didn't know with a large wedding party with many bridesmaids and groomsmen.  

Needless to say, I enjoyed being at this one more, mainly because God was "invited".   We were in "God's House", we talked to Him in prayer, He was mentioned in the message by the pastor marrying the couple, and even the reception napkins had verses or praises/thanksgivings to God.  While this wedding most likely cost less, I thought is was more special.

If I were to find one word that best describes the wedding, it was "personal".  The bride's brother officiated, and he infused several remarks that expressed love, affection, protection, and humor.   And at the dessert reception were home-baked cookies using the bride's mom's and friend's recipes.  They also had some icees that were so good!

Since the wedding was at my church, it gave me a chance to think about some of the elements I would or wouldn't like, if I were ever to get married in my church.   This is like the fourth wedding I've attended at my church, and they were all quite different:

• I definitely would not want mine to be too casual
• I would have at least a maid of honor (especially to hold the flowers and straighten the dress) and best man (to carry the rings) in the wedding party
• Music is very important, especially to clearly indicate entrances and exits, so it would be clear to the guests; and because music can really convey emotion and make the ceremony more special
• It is nice to have other elements in the ceremony besides just the vows and ring exchange - I would like a special couple to maybe read Scripture and offer a prayer
• Communion is nice; but, seems strange to leave the guests out
• Quite a bit of decorations are needed, otherwise the platform looks quite empty
• At the reception, it is nice to introduce family members and relatives so that other guests would know
• I would probably fill the multi-purpose room, since the area by the "fireplace" is too small
• For the reception, it would be nice to offer more than just desserts, like to have other hors d'oeuvre or even enough food for a meal
• Invitations are important - at this one, many didn't even know the exact time and were unclear about RSVP
• Programs are nice, or at least some take-home momento of the occasion