Fascinating Christian Wedding Traditions and What They Mean

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There are many things that separate a Christian wedding from a non-Christian, but the big thing is Christ. Christians who marry are making more than a legal commitment. They are making a commitment to Christ, as well as to each other, and that commitment should be obvious to everyone who attends the wedding. In a non-Christian wedding; the couple – particularly the bride – is usually the focal point. In a Christian wedding, Christ is the focal point. The wedding ceremony should be a reflection of the couple’s dedication to the glory of Jesus Christ. A Christian couple who truly want to glorify Christ through their wedding can start early. The wedding affirms before God, family and friends that the couple’s desire is to live according to God’s plan for family. Every part of the service, from the vows to the message delivered by the officiator, should reflect that commitment. There are many wedding traditions that are unique to Christian weddings that you are likely familiar with, but not sure why they’re practiced. Here are five fascinating Christian wedding traditions and what they mean.

Wearing the Bridal Veil

Many brides choose to wear a wedding veil. But what some people don’t know is why they do. Wearing a veil is a custom that goes back to the ancients, who wrapped brides from head to toe to represent the delivery of a modest and untouched maiden. The ancients who believed a wedding veil protected the bride from evil spirits. The bridal veil indicates the bride’s modesty and is included as a symbol of the temple veil that was torn in two during Christ’s demise on the cross. Since Christina marriage also depicts the union of Christ and the church, the reflection of this can be seen in the removal of the veil allowing the couple complete access to one another as they begin their new life.

The Wedding Vows

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Wedding vows are common at Christian weddings. Those who take those vows acknowledge God as sovereign in the lives of His people and submit to His plan as being the way for blessing and success. When a man and a woman marry, they begin a new existence as a unity, and this concept finds its origin in the Bible with the first man and woman. The God who created mankind also created marriage, and it is to Him we must look for the guiding principles in our wedding vows. While the traditional wedding/marriage vows are not specifically found in the Bible, they are based on solid biblical principle. A marriage is, by definition, a joining of two into one (Genesis 2:24). And that joining involves union, love, honor and submission. Christian wedding vows should reflect these principles.

Premarital Counseling

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Most couples entering a marriage are thinking about the arrangements and who to invite. They’re caught up in the preparation, getting ready to make those lifelong vows. Unfortunately, not all couples consider what comes next, which can lead to tensions within the relationship, and too commonly “til death do us part” becomes little more than words of passion. All relationships require a solid foundation to stand on. It’s common for couples to get cold feet as their wedding approaches. Sometimes it is brought on by more than the guests, but by concerns for the future of your marriage. Christian churches often mandate premarital counseling. This counseling aims to help couples open up and address any conflicts before they become potentially destructive to the relationship.