- Welcome & presentation
Open the ceremony by naming what this moment means.
A welcome can settle the room and establish the ceremony’s tone. The traditional presentation question can be kept, rewritten as family support, shared by both families, or omitted entirely.
Welcome and family-support examples.
Warm welcome“Welcome. You are here because each of you has been part of the lives that brought this couple to this moment—and they are grateful to share it with you.”
Family support“Who stands with this couple and offers their love and support for the marriage they begin today?”
Direct opening“Today is not the beginning of their story. It is the moment they make a new promise about where that story goes next.”
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Presentation
With the presentation, the officiant introduces the couple as married to the guests. Traditionally, this includes the bride and groom with the groom's last name (Mr. & Mrs. Smith). However, it can be whatever you'd like.
It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you....
Mr. & Mrs. Johnathan Smith
Mr. & Mrs. John and Jane Smith
John and Jane Smith
The newlyweds, John and Jane
The newlyweds, John Smith and Jane Doe
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