Weddingbee boards

marianneinvan, I LOVE that! I'd have totally used that if I'd come across it before the wedding.

It was important to me that the our wedding ceremony be as equal as possible. (I don't judge other people's decisions, this was simply important to me.) So, when it was time to ask the "who gives this woman" question, our officiant asked "Who is here to support these two in their marriage?" At which point, my brother (and the "bridal escort") said, "On behalf of Bonnie's friends and family, I offer our support and out bless." My DH's best man/best friend then said, "On behalf of Jeremy's friends and family, I offer our support and out blessing." It was a very special moment for both of us. I'm really glad we did it the way we did.

Good luck! 

We used that - someone posted it on here before.  actually, they asked, who gives this woman to be married here today, and my dad said "she gives herself freely, with the love and support of her family and friends".  I knew it would mean a lot to him to do that, but I didn't want the traditional phrasing.

I'm using that phrase or something very similar to it in our ceremony. We're using the uber-traditional "sickness and health" one -- we like the idea that it's been used for hundreds of years for thousands of couples, and is still meaningful. Also, I'm going straight from living with my parents (when I'm not at school) to being married, so it made sense to me to have my parents "give me away".

Here is the wording from our wedding cermony and the "giving away" part. I didn't want it so it was just ME being "given away" especially being that I haven't lived at home with my parents for upteen years!  It also includes what was said to bring the children into the marriage. - Hope this helps

The minister may address the families of the bride and groom:Will the parents of Ed and Debi please stand  

The minister may address the families of the bride and groom: The marriage of Ed and Debi unites two families and creates a new one. Who presents this woman and this man to be married to each other?

Both families answer: We do.

 Will you receive Ed and Debi into your family and uphold them with your love as they establish themselves as a family within your own?

Both families answer: We will.

The minister may address the children of the bride and groom:

Will Jennifer and Rebecca please step forward.

minister addressing each child by name:    Jennifer Lynette and Rebecca Ann, you are entering a new family. Will you give to this new union your trust, love and affection and promise to do everything in your power to uphold them in their marriage?       

 Each child answers: We / I will.

Minister addressing the bride and groom: Ed and Debi, will you be faithful and loving parents to Jennifer and Rebecca, give them your trust, love and affection and promise to do everything in your power to uphold them throughout their lives?

We / I will.

*During this time we gave the girls diamond eternity pendants to wear as a symbol of our union as a family.

Then our minister went into the "Dearly Beloved....." etc.