Hawaii Mormon Wedding

Open House and the Formalities of Mormon Wedding Ceremonies

Established populations of LDS or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold special occasions such as wedding ceremonies in an open house celebration or something that you might refer to as “by the book” celebration.

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Open house in Mormon weddings is one of the common elements of wedding occasions celebrated by members of LDS. Unlike traditional Mormon weddings, open house is especially held for the family and friends with the guests as well. Celebrating a marriage with an open house is usually devoid of the normal costs associated with the formal Mormon wedding celebrations. It also allow the guests to join the celebration and share the happiness of the even without all the fuss required by traditional undertakings. Open house to modern LDS members are less expensive and more casual and serves as the best alternative for the usual Mormon wedding traditions.
Josh and Melissa's mormon wedding may be found here

In a traditional Mormon wedding, the union should only take place for couples who are considered worthy to be the member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The ceremony usually takes place in a temple for LDS members inside what they call a Sealing Room. The ceremony can only be attended by members who possess a small card. This small card will prove that the member is a current temple recommend and if you’re a current temple recommend, you have been interviewed and found worthy by appropriate priesthood leaders. They are allowed to enter the “House of the Lord”. These members are the only ones allowed to attend a Sealing Ceremony.

The wedding couple will be asked to keep the invitation to a small number of guests. Mormon weddings are usually limited to immediate families and close friends, a few guests as well. The Sealing Room can only accommodate 30 people or less. Mormon weddings are traditionally like this to keep it sacred and reverent.

To be able to obtain a temple recommend, a Mormon must have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a year and not less. To enter the LDS temple and to be able to attend wedding ceremonies of other members or their own, they will need a regular recommend to be admitted to the temple, as well as having a Recommend for Living Ordinances. It is already common knowledge for the need of a valid marriage license issued by the state. The couple should inform the temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding the time and date of their wedding.

Mormon wedding ceremonies takes no longer than thirty minutes and it can be all over. However, there are also variations that will depend on several factors. These factors include the duration of the officiator’s advice and the number of people that will attend the wedding ceremony. In the spirit of preparation and reverence, prior to the wedding ceremony, the couple should arrive 75 minutes earlier. Guests attending the wedding ceremony should arrive at the venue at least half an hour early.

Appropriate dress codes should be observed by guests who will attend the Sealing Ceremony. Guest should wear proper church clothes and the definition of proper church clothes includes a modest skirt or a dress perhaps. A nice conservative blouse, provocative blouses or tops will not be allowed. Plain white shirts and pairs of slacks or a regular suit would do for men, there’s no need for a tuxedo.

With all the fuss about traditional Mormon wedding ceremonies, you will be wondering if the bride will be allowed to wear her wedding dress. Yes, wedding dresses are allowed in the temple. Brides may wear their beautiful wedding dress as long as it is worn without the veil and the dress has no train. If there’s a train it should be bustled up so you better find a way to do that. The dress should also have a high neckline and long sleeves. Some LDS temple will provide the bride with a jacket that will make the dress appropriate for the Sealing Ceremony. The provided jacket can be worn over or under the bride’s wedding dress. In some cases, the availability of the jacket should be inquired about upon sealing appointments.

The exchange of wedding rings for a Mormon wedding ceremony is not considered as an appropriate practice. However, there are tomes when an opportunity is given for the couple to exchange wedding rings immediately after the Sealing Ceremony has been concluded. Some couples prefer to do the exchange of rings formalities on their offsite reception. They usually plan simple ring ceremonies which will be joined by their non-Mormon friends and relatives during the course of the reception.

Filming or recording a Sealing Ceremony is not allowed inside a Mormon temple. Photography session after the wedding ceremony can take place outside of the temple; it has to be brief and simple. Usually pictures are taken freely during the reception.

In general, an open house for a Mormon wedding ceremony is usually held later in the evening. Guests are welcome and they may come and go as they please during the entire event. The duration of an open house is commonly set for 3 to 4 hours long. This kind of event are usually business casual to semi-formal. It can be held in church buildings which is the usual meetinghouse. Other locations for an offsite Mormon wedding reception may include gardens, backyards and parks.

Wedding receptions basically differ when it comes to formality and style. However, with open house the event will entirely depend according to the circumstances, personal preferences and most especially the budget.

Gifts coming from the guests are very much welcomed. The common forms of wedding gifts are usually items found in the household. The bridal registry holds the lists of items about the couple’s special interests. This a common practice. Monetary contributions are much preferred for those who live very far from their parents. Gifts of large quantities may not be a blessing anymore but a transportation burden instead.