Marriage customs of the latter day saints

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"Just as the happy couple wanted, this is a lovely, small, intimate gathering of close friends and family – so could someone please tell me why I'm here."

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints -- also known as Mormons or LDS -- recognize two different types of marriage ceremonies. The first type is the same secular civil ceremony familiar to most non-Mormons. The second type of ceremony is called a "sealing" and is unique to members of the LDS church. Marriages that have been sealed are believed to persevere after death, and the children born to a sealed couple are likewise thought to stay with the family in the afterlife.

1. Venue

   • A sealing may only be held in an LDS temple, of which there are more than 100 around the world. Unlike the local churches where Mormons worship on Sundays, temples are imposing structures used for special rituals and gatherings. Non-Mormons and Mormons who are not in good standing are forbidden to enter the temples. The ceremony itself is brief, and takes place within a special "sealing room." The president of the temple or a special "sealer" officiates.

   Guests

   • Since non-Mormons and Mormons who do not have a "temple recommend" - a letter from their bishop confirming they are members of the church in good standing -- may not enter the temples, most sealing ceremonies consist of the couple, the officiant and a handful of family members and very close friends. They gather in the sealing room. As in a civil ceremony, at least two witnesses must be present to sign the marriage certificate.

   Clothes

   • Since there is no processional in an LDS wedding, there are normally no groomsmen or bridesmaids. Both bride and groom must wear white in the temple. The groom may wear a white tuxedo or simply a white shirt, tie, pants, socks and shoes. The bride may wear her regular white temple dress, or she may wear a bridal gown as long as it is modest: high neck, long sleeves, no train and minimal decoration. She does not wear a veil. Guests and officiants wear all-white as well.

   Rings

   • There is no ring exchange in the LDS sealing ceremony. Many couples who wish to give and receive wedding rings may do so privately after the ceremony. Others may devise their own "ring ceremony" and exchange rings in front of their guests at their wedding reception. In this way they hope to make the guests who could not attend the sealing feel they have been able to witness at least part of the couple's big day.

   Other Information

   • The wedding ceremony itself is brief, solemn and intimate. The ceremony doesn't include photos, processional or recessional or music. After the ceremony, most couples have photographs taken on the temple grounds, and they may change out of their conservative temple attire into more elaborate, traditional wedding clothes. LDS wedding receptions are often held in the recreation room of the couple's church. Non-Mormons may attend the receptions, so they are usually large and informal with music, dancing and buffet-style refreshments.

Source: www.ehow.com

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