Wine Ceremony with Parents...
The Wine Ceremony with Parents module usually comes near the beginning of the ceremony, just after the officiant's welcoming statements and introduction to the ceremony. It can be modified as needed to adapt to various family configurations, including step parents and grandparents as appropriate.
Each set of parents selects a bottle of fine wine to bring to the ceremony. They join the bride and groom at the front. The fathers uncork the bottles. The mother of the bride pours a glass for the groom and for herself and her husband. At the same time, the mother of the groom pours a glass for the bride and for herself and her husband.
Officiant: A good wine, like a good marriage, is the result of many years of hard work. There is the unhurried nurturing of the vine and tender care of the grape, thoughtful mix of ingredients, patient fermenting -- yielding the unique flavors of each passing year.
This wedding represents a blending of two families, the (Family Name)s and the (Family Name)s, separate until now, but united from this day forward. The traditions of both families have grown through time, maturing and mellowing like fine aged wine, eventually to be shared with those most precious to us. Today the character of each family is enriched as the vines of both family vineyards now extend and cross to create a wonderful new varietal.
{To Groom's parents)
(Mother's Name & Father's Name), do you offer this couple your goodwill? And do you toast (Bride) in welcome as a member of your family and give her your love and affection?
PARENTS: We do.
(Groom's parents tap glasses with and sip a toast with the bride.)
{To Bride's parents)
(Mother's Name & Father's Name), do you offer this couple your goodwill? And do you toast (Groom) in welcome as a member of your family and give him your love and affection?
PARENTS: We do.
(Bride's parents tap glasses with and sip a toast with the groom.)
To the bountiful harvest of their life together. And may this toast symbolize for all how sharing the partnership of marriage not only doubles the sweetness of life, but also lightens the burden of its bitterness by half.
(All tap glasses around and sip a toast with bride and groom. The parents are seated, and the wedding ceremony continues.)
