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In times long past, ‘getting engaged’ or ‘the betrothal’ was the major
part of the marrying process and the ‘getting married’ a less
significant ceremony, for the final sealing of the marriage contract.
In recent times, the “betrothal” has been downgraded into an ‘engagement party’ with very little or no ceremony.
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Increasingly
couples are seeing their engagement as an opportunity to celebrate
their commitment to marry and set goals for their relationship
An
engagement or betrothal ceremony may be small and intimate with only
immediate family and friends or it may be a larger event with the
couple's wider family and friendship network.
An ‘Engagement or Betrothal’
ceremony may
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Review the couple’s journey as individuals and as a couple
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Outline the couple’s expectations, hopes and dreams for the future
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Provide an opportunity for parents and other married couples’ to
share the challenges and benefits, and associated experiences of
married life.
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Celebrate the couple’s love and commitment to one another.
Ceremonies usually involve music, singing, story-telling, poetry, prose
and could also involve dance, processions and the use of symbols such
as lighting candles or using Dreams & Treasure boxes.
Such a ceremony could involve families, peer and community groups
participating as much as possible.
The role of a celebrant would be to:
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work with the group to plan the
ceremony for its form and content are psychologically and socially
appropriate
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lead and guide the ceremony through its various stages
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conclude the ceremony, by affirming the participants and the value of
this next stage of life’s journey
Ceremonies are usually followed by some food and drink, again
appropriate to the situation. Depending on where such an event is held,
such a meal could be a picnic, an BYO luncheon or afternoon tea in a
community hall or catered for by an appropriate restaurant or function
centre.
Being newer ceremonies finding a celebrant to use may take a
little time. Please contact us if you need assistance locating such a
celebrant.
If you have ideas to share about how such a ceremony could work or
suggestions for its components, please write to us at
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If you have been to such a ceremony and would like to share with others
the things that worked and things to avoid please register, then go to Forums and submit your experiences or suggestions.
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To find your ACCN local marriage celebrant,
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