Congregation Unitarian Universalist of Puerto Rico
Parents' Presentation
Traditionally the "giving away" of the bride by her father, this part of the service now takes many forms. Sometimes all the parents present both the bride and groom. Sometimes the bride's father (or a relative or friend) escorts the bride in but there is no formal "presentation." The presentation used is not affected by the way in which the bride is escorted in, e.g., she may be escorted in by her father but all four parents do the presentation.
5-A
Will the (father/parents) of the (bride/bride and groom) please stand.
(Names of those standing), the presentation of a bride is an ancient tradition to which we give new meaning. Your presence symbolizes the many generations that stand behind both this bride and this groom. Today we honor that heritage as a gift to and _____.
5-B
Will the parents of the bride and groom please stand? (Names of those standing), you have raised and nurtured this man and this woman. Will you now give your blessings to them as they enter into this new relationship and offer them your deepest love, understanding, and support in the years ahead?
Parents' response: We will.
5-C
Will you, the parents of and , grant them your blessings and pledge them your love and acceptance? Will you honor the covenant into which your children enter today, give them your loving support, and respect the threshold of their new home?
Parents' response: We will.
5-D
As and come before us to be married, they wish to acknowledge and thank (Names of parents*) for the love and support they have given them. The flowers they give to their parents represent feelings of gratitude in their hearts. This moment marks a major change in their lives, but the ties of love and friendship with their parents continues as an ongoing part of their lives.
The bride and groom present each parent with a rose or other flower.
*If there are deceased parents you may wish to add the following after the first sentence: As we celebrate this wedding today we honor the memory of , (mother/father) of the (bride/groom). (She/he) is with us today in our hearts. The love that (she/he) gave
, lives on in that love that (she/he) brings to (her/his) marriage.
5-E
Who presents this woman in marriage to this man?
Presenter's response: I do (or her mother/father and I do.)
Please join our mailing list now
receive notices of all our services and social events
Join with us in the creation of a world that is just and compassionate, respects all sexual orientations, a planet totally free of nuclear arms and the methods of their production
New: LISTEN TO THIS WEEK'S LIBERAL RELIGIOUS HOUR ON LINE
and Pod Casts
Mail us now info@uupuertorico.org
Outside of Puerto Rico
Find a Congregation Near You in US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand!
United Kingdom, Uganda, South Africa , Singapore , Mozambique
Meet, chat, find friendship and spiritual growth with other persons who identify as Unitarian Universalistas, people like you interested in an open liberal nondogmatic religion for themselves and their children.
Still can't find a Congregation Near You?
Visit the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF http://www.uua.org/clf ). Your church at home anywhere in the world! Or in the Virtual World First Unitarian Universalist Church of Second Life Church website.