Prairie HiveWith over 14 million members worldwide, the Mormon church is one of the largest and most influential religious organizations in the world. Though membership in the church is not required for marriage, nearly all Mormons are members and almost all Mormon weddings are officiated by ordained priesthood leaders.
Because Mormonism is such a large and complex religion, there are many different beliefs and practices within the church. Non-Mormons who are interested in attending a Mormon wedding should be aware that there may be some elements of the ceremony that are unfamiliar to them.
Why Someone Who Is Not Mormon Might Want to Attend a Mormon Wedding?
When two people love each other and want to get married, the wedding ceremony is a very special moment. It is a time when family and friends come together to witness the exchange of marriage vows and celebrate the beginning of a new life together. For someone who is not Mormon, attending a Mormon wedding may seem like an unusual thing to do. But there are actually several good reasons why someone who is not Mormon might want to attend a Mormon wedding.
Meaningful Ceremonies
Mormon weddings are typically very beautiful and meaningful ceremonies. The ceremonies often incorporate religious elements, such as prayers and hymns, that reflect the couple’s faith. Additionally, the ceremonies often include personal touches that reflect the couple’s relationship and history together. For example, a couple might choose to incorporate a reading from a favorite book or share a special dance. These unique elements make Mormon weddings particularly memorable and special for couples and their guests.
Touching and Emotional
Mormon weddings are always very touching and emotional because they are a symbol of the eternal covenant between spouses. The ceremony is performed in a temple, which is considered to be the house of the Lord. Couples are dressed in their wedding clothes and exchange rings and a kiss. The sealing of the marriage is performed by a priesthood holder who pronounces them husband and wife. The couple then walks out of the temple together, pronounced as one.
Lot of Dancing and Celebration
Mormon weddings are typically joyous occasions, with a lot of dancing and celebration afterwards. The weddings are usually very colorful and festive, and often include a lot of traditional Mormon music and dancing. After the wedding ceremony is over, the newlyweds and their guests usually celebrate with a party that lasts well into the night.
Learn More About the Mormon Faith and Culture
Attending a Mormon wedding is a great opportunity to learn more about the Mormon faith and culture. The ceremony is typically long, and includes prayers, hymns, and readings from the scriptures. The bride and groom exchange rings and vows, and are then pronounced husband and wife. After the wedding, there is often a reception where guests can enjoy food and drinks.
What Happens During the Actual Mormon Ceremony
When two Mormons decide to get married, they go through a ceremony that is rich with symbolism and meaning. The wedding ceremony itself usually lasts about an hour, and takes place in a Mormon temple.
The bride and groom start the ceremony by standing in front of a large altar, which is covered in white cloth. They are surrounded by their families and friends, who are all there to support them on their special day.
The bride and groom then recite their wedding vows to each other, pledging to love and cherish one another for the rest of their lives. They are also given rings, which they exchange as a symbol of their love and commitment.
After the vows have been exchanged, the bride and groom are pronounced husband and wife. They then share a kiss, to the delight of those in attendance.
What to Wear if You Are Not Mormon and Are Attending a Mormon Wedding
Unless you are Mormon, figuring out what to wear to a Mormon wedding can be confusing. Most Mormons follow the traditional dress code of men wearing dark suits and women wearing modest dresses or skirts. However, there is some flexibility within the church on what is considered modest, so as long as you avoid anything too revealing, you should be fine. If you are not sure what is appropriate, it never hurts to ask the bride or groom for guidance.
In general, it is a good idea to avoid bright colors and patterns, which can be seen as too flashy or informal. Black is always a safe choice for men, and women can wear any color aside from red (which is traditionally associated with weddings). You may also want to consider wearing something that is comfortable and easy to move in, especially if there will be dancing later on in the night.
What Kind of Food Is Typically Served at A Mormon Wedding Reception
While there are no hard and fast rules, most Mormon wedding receptions include a lot of simple, home cooked food. Favorites include ham, roast beef, potatoes au gratin, green beans almondine, and peach cobbler.
There is usually a buffet line where guests can serve themselves as they please. Beverages are typically served family style in pitchers or urns placed on the table. Mormons eschew alcohol and other worldly pleasures at their weddings in favor of a celebration that is focused on God.
How to Celebrate and Enjoy a Mormon Wedding if You Are Not Mormon Yourself
If you are not Mormon but are invited to a Mormon wedding, don’t worry! There are a few things you can do to ensure you have a great time.
First, be sure to familiarize yourself with the basic tenets of the Mormon faith. This will help you understand why the couple is getting married in the first place and give you a better appreciation for their big day.
Second, be respectful of the religious ceremonies and rituals that take place. Remember that these traditions are important to the bride and groom and their families, so refrain from making jokes or derogatory comments.
Finally, enjoy the celebration! Eat, drink and be merry! The bride and groom have put a lot of thought into creating a special day for themselves and their guests, so make sure to take it all in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, non-Mormons are welcome to attend Mormon weddings, but they should be aware of the customs and traditions that will be observed. If they are not familiar with the religion, they may want to do some research ahead of time so that they can better understand what is taking place. They should also be respectful of the beliefs of the bride and groom and their families. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not to attend a Mormon wedding.
