I am American, and my fiance is German, from Bavaria. It will be mainly an American ceremony, but what are some ways to include German wedding traditions, language, decoration, etc. into the wedding?
RevSusanna
Interfaith Wedding Minister
Feb 11, 2005, 10:55 AM
Post #2 of 2
(3849 views)
Re: [kbelle] including German wedding traditions
[In reply to]
YES! It is a wonderful and thoughtful thing to do! It will make the German side of the family feel very welcome.
Here are traditions, straight from my book:
-In the German tradition the bride and groom may hold candles that are adorned with flowers and ribbon throughout the ceremony. A modern adaptation would be to place the decorated candles upon the ceremony's table or altar.
-Protestant German couples place and wear their wedding rings on the right hand instead of the left. If you wish to uphold this tradition, have your celebrant explain it. (The words are in my book.)
Why not have a few welcoming words in German and English in your program as a point of outreach.
You can have someone read a scripture reading in both English and German.
You can include a reading by a German poet.
You can ask your officiant to welcome the German side of the family, perhaps including simple German words for "Welcome!" or "Blessings!"
including German wedding traditions
