Weddings are one of the most romantic and magical moments in a person’s life. They bring two people together and bind them in a lifelong commitment of love and devotion. Weddings are not just a celebration of love between two people but also a celebration of the start of a new chapter in life. One of the most iconic moments in a wedding ceremony is when the officiant says, “You may now kiss the bride.” But what do they say before you may kiss the bride? In this blog post, we will explore the meaning behind this phrase and the context in which it is used during a wedding ceremony.
The Solemn Declaration
Before the couple can exchange their wedding vows, the officiant performs the ‘Solemn Declaration’, which is a legal affirmation that the couple is free to marry each other. The Solemn Declaration usually goes like this:
“I am required to ask anyone present who knows a reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, to declare it now.”
This declaration is an essential part of the wedding ceremony, as it ensures that the couple is legally allowed to marry each other.
The Exchange of Vows
After the Solemn Declaration, the couple proceeds with their wedding vows. The wedding vows express the couple’s love and commitment to each other. In traditional wedding vows, the couple promises to love, cherish, and honor each other.
After the couple exchanges their wedding vows, the officiant usually offers some words of wisdom for the couple. The words of wisdom can range from practical advice to spiritual insights. The purpose of these words of wisdom is to encourage the couple to have a healthy and happy marriage.
The Pronouncement of Marriage
After the exchange of vows, the officiant pronounces the couple as husband and wife. The pronouncement of marriage usually goes like this:
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
This pronouncement signifies the official union of the couple in marriage.
The Famous Phrase: You May Now Kiss the Bride
After the pronouncement of marriage, the officiant typically says, “You may now kiss the bride.” This phrase marks the end of the wedding ceremony and the beginning of a new chapter in the couple’s life.
The phrase, “You may kiss the bride,” has become an iconic part of the wedding ceremony. The phrase is a symbol of the love and commitment between the bride and groom. The kiss also signifies the first physical expression of the couple’s love in marriage.
The Significance of the Wedding Kiss
The wedding kiss is a symbol of the couple’s love and commitment to each other. The kiss marks the beginning of their life together as husband and wife. The kiss is also a physical expression of the couple’s love and devotion to each other.
The kiss has deep spiritual and cultural significances. For instance, in some cultures, the kiss is a seal of the contract between the couple. This symbolizes their lifelong commitment to each other. In religious contexts, the kiss is a symbol of the unity of the couple with God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phrase “you may now kiss the bride” marks the start of a new chapter in the couple’s life. It is an iconic moment in a wedding ceremony that symbolizes the couple’s love and commitment to each other. The kiss is a physical expression of the love and devotion between the bride and groom and is a symbol of the unity of the couple. The phrase and the kiss that follow are significant parts of the wedding ceremony and represent the beginning of the couple’s life together as husband and wife.
FAQ
What does the officiant say after the kiss?
After the exchange of wedding vows, the wedding ceremony reaches its climax with the momentous occasion of “The Kiss”. The officiant plays a key role in this celebratory moment by giving the go-ahead for the couple to kiss. Typically, the officiant says, “Congratulations, you may seal your marriage with a kiss” or “Congratulations, you may now kiss your bride.”
The moment between the couple is a very private and intimate one, and some officiants may take a step back to give the couple some space to celebrate alone. Others may stay nearby with a smile on their face, to share in the joyous moment.
The act of kissing, in the context of a wedding, symbolizes the couple’s commitment to each other. It represents the physical bond created by their union, and the public declaration of their love and devotion. The kiss is a well-known tradition and often the most photographed moment in the entire ceremony.
Some couples prefer to add their own unique take on the kiss. For example, instead of a simple peck or a romantic embrace, they might opt for a long and passionate kiss, or even a choreographed dance routine. In such cases, the officiant is likely to adapt and offer some encouragement or advice to the couple on how to make their celebration even more special.
The officiant’s role in the wedding ceremony is to create a beautiful and memorable experience for the couple and their guests. By providing the right words, the right energy, and the right guidance, the officiant can help to make the moment of “The Kiss” one that the couple will cherish forever.
What happens after the kiss at a wedding?
After the newlyweds share their first kiss as a married couple, the recessional begins. This is the moment when the wedding ceremony transitions into the reception or cocktail hour. The recessional usually follows the reverse order of the processional, with the newlyweds leading the way back down the aisle.
Before the recessional can begin, there are a few things that need to happen. The maid of honor will typically take the bouquets from the bridesmaids and hand them back to the bride. She will also make sure that the bride’s gown and its train are straightened out and look perfect before the couple leaves the ceremony space.
Once the bridal party and the couple have made their way back down the aisle, they will likely exit the ceremony space and make their way to a designated location for photographs. Depending on the wedding venue, this might be outdoors, in a nearby garden or park, or in a separate room or space at the same location as the ceremony.
While the couple and their photographer take photos, the guests will usually be directed to the reception area or cocktail hour. This is a chance for them to mingle, grab a drink or some hors d’oeuvres, and catch up with friends and family members that they may not have seen in a while.
Once the newlyweds and their bridal party have finished taking photographs, they will typically join the guests at the reception or cocktail hour. This is when the celebration really begins! The couple may make their grand entrance into the reception area and share their first dance together. They may also cut the wedding cake and give speeches or toasts.
The moment after the kiss at a wedding is one of excitement and joy. It signals the start of a new chapter in the couple’s life and the beginning of a celebration with their loved ones.
