Once upon a time, our ancestors could not even imagine that a marriage could be concluded without the participation of the church. But the revolution of 1917 greatly changed the worldview of citizens: the church was separated from the state, and the religious ceremony was replaced by a civil wedding ceremony.
In recent decades, interest in religious education and the traditions of ancestors has been gradually revived. Many couples no longer limit themselves to painting in the registry office, but prefer to cement their family union not only before people, but also before God.
A church marriage (more precisely, the ceremony of the church blessing of marriage) is a complex multi-stage ceremony that involves the exchange of rings.
In this regard, many newlyweds have a question about what kind of wedding ring should be so that it does not cause any complaints from the priest. Let's understand the nuances.
L. Tuxen. Wedding of Nicholas II and Grand Duchess Alexandra Feodorovna
Answers to questions about weddings
If you want to get married, but do not know all the intricacies of this process, do not worry - our article will shed light on all doubts and questions:
Can a priest refuse to perform a wedding ceremony?
No, the priest does not have the right to refuse the bride and groom their request. Another thing is that he can ask them to reconsider their decision and take it with full responsibility, because it is assumed that the wedding is carried out once and for life - it is very difficult to file a divorce according to church customs.
Are there special conditions for a wedding?
There is only one condition - the bride and groom must be baptized. Of course, one cannot fail to note a number of church-canonical obstacles that also make marriage impossible. For example, you can get married no more than three times, and there is also a limit on the union to the fourth degree of kinship.
Is parental consent required for a wedding?
It's not obligatory. The Church always stands on the side of the newlyweds, and therefore, even if the parents are against the marriage, they cannot prevent the wedding.
Are witnesses required?
You can do without witnesses - their main function is that they hold the crowns over the heads of the bride and groom. If you decide not to invite witnesses, the crowns will simply need to be put on your head.
What rings are needed for a church wedding?
During the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds exchange rings. As a result, the groom has a silver ring on his finger, and the bride has a gold ring. The rings themselves must be given to the priest before the wedding.
Will all guests need candles?
No, only the bride and groom will need candles - they will hold them in their hands during the wedding ceremony, which, by the way, takes about 40 minutes.
Is it possible to get married and only then register the marriage at the registry office?
Previously, it was the wedding that confirmed the marriage. The procedure at the registry office is rather a formality. But it is best if you discuss this issue with the rector of the temple in which the wedding will take place. Data on marriage registration at the registry office can be submitted to the temple later - they will be entered in the Wedding record book, and then you will receive a Wedding certificate.
Is it possible to register a marriage at the registry office and get married on the same day?
Yes it is possible. The bride and groom can go to church after registering their marriage at the registry office. Another thing is that it is very tiring. Some couples get married and get married on different days.
What should the bride wear if the wedding in church is held the day after the wedding or at another time separate from the celebration itself?
It is not necessary to wear a wedding dress to your wedding. You can choose a closed dress, blouse and skirt in pastel shades. The main thing is that the outfit must meet the requirements that we discussed above.
What time does the wedding take place?
As a rule, this is the time after the Divine Liturgy from approximately 11.00 to 13.00. But the dates must first be discussed in the church by contacting the office. By the way, it is better to agree on a wedding in advance, especially if you plan to hold it in the spring or summer (during this period the number of weddings is maximum). You can get married separately from everyone else or together with another couple - the choice is yours.
Can you only get married on an empty stomach?
This is necessary if the bride and groom will receive communion before the wedding.
What to do if the groom is Catholic and the bride is Orthodox?
First you need to decide on the church in which you plan to get married. Remember, a Catholic marriage is not dissolved under any circumstances. It is easier to obtain permission for a Catholic wedding. An Orthodox marriage can be dissolved, but in order to get married according to Orthodox customs, in this case you need to obtain permission from the ruling bishop.
We hope that now wedding issues have not become an insurmountable obstacle to concluding a union in the church. We wish you strong family happiness and love for many years to come!
Tatiana Belashova
In case of divorce
Church customs say that a wedding is something eternal and indestructible. After all, having made an oath to your beloved before the Lord and confirming your words with a ring, you have performed a sacred rite. But unfortunately, modern couples often get divorced, even despite the Sacrament. The church itself also allows people to get married a second, and maybe even a third time. Everything will depend on the people and how the priest looks at it.
During a divorce, the wedding attribute is removed, and it is never recommended to wear it again, even as a simple decoration. Such a product is considered a symbol of an already broken promise before God.
It’s a bad idea to wear it to another wedding or a wedding ceremony with another chosen one. It definitely won’t bring you happiness.
Wedding ceremony
As soon as you enter the temple, you should pray. After this, the groom stands on the right side, the bride on the left. Behind them are a witness and a witness. The wedding rings during the liturgy lie to the right of the holy altar. They are carried out by the deacon. After the triple blessing, the newlyweds pick up candles if this is the first marriage of the young couple. Second or third marriage does not involve the presentation of candles.
Next comes the engagement. After the spoken words, the priest makes the sign of the cross over the spouse’s head and places the wedding ring on the ring finger on the right hand. After this, the same ritual occurs with the bride. Then the rings are changed three more times on the hands of the bride and groom.
The next sacrament is wedding. The priest also pronounces words, first over the groom, then over the bride. After which he signs the groom with a crown of a cross; at the end of the sign, the groom necessarily kisses the image of Christ. Next it is the bride's turn to do the same. Only at the end does she kiss the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
What should a wedding meal be like?
The Sacrament of Marriage is celebrated solemnly and joyfully. From the multitude of people: loved ones, relatives and acquaintances, from the shine of candles, from church singing, one somehow involuntarily feels festive and cheerful in one’s soul.
After the wedding, the newlyweds, parents, witnesses, and guests continue the celebration at the table.
But how indecently some of the invitees sometimes behave. People often get drunk here, make shameless speeches, sing immodest songs, and dance wildly. Such behavior would be shameful even for a pagan, “ignorant of God and His Christ,” and not just for us Christians. The Holy Church warns against such behavior. In the 53rd canon of the Council of Laodicea it is said: “It is not appropriate for those attending marriages (that is, even relatives of the bride and groom and guests) to jump or dance, but to modestly sup and dine, as is appropriate for Christians.” The wedding feast should be modest and quiet, should be free from all intemperance and indecency. Such a quiet and modest feast will be blessed by the Lord Himself, who sanctified the marriage in Cana of Galilee with His presence and performance of the first miracle.
Basic wedding rules
So, let's start with the fact that in the Russian Orthodox Church, weddings do not take place every day. For example, you cannot get married during a one-day or multi-day fast. One-day fasts, as a rule, are established on Fridays and Wednesdays (except for the week), and the dates of multi-day fasts must be found out directly in the church, since they change every year.
In addition, you cannot get married:
- at Christmas time (from Christmas to Epiphany);
- on Easter week;
- on Saturday;
- in the days before the twelve feasts;
- on Thursday and Tuesday (that is, on the eve of Friday and Wednesday).
Also, the rule still applies according to which a wedding in a church is impossible if the bride has “critical days.” Of course, no one will check this fact, but still take this requirement seriously.
If we're talking about the bride, let's consider the rules that the church sets regarding the bride's attire:
1. Low-key manicure.
2. Minimal makeup.
3. Weak perfume.
4. No pants.
5. Mandatory presence of a headdress (scarf or veil).
6. Closed shoes (no sandals allowed).
7. Arms, back, shoulders and chest should be covered (women's magazine Charla recommends using a cape or stole for these purposes if your outfit is too revealing).
Also, do not forget that a veil that is too fluffy is dangerous for the bride, as it can catch fire from the flames of candles, of which there are plenty in the temple.
Wedding sets
In addition to spiritual preparation, attention should also be paid to the external side. The sacrament will require certain attributes
Photos of the wedding set
Here's a list of what's included in the wedding package:
- Icons: the Savior and the Mother of God. They are selected in the same style. A wedding pair of icons becomes a family amulet for many years, carefully stored and passed on from parents to children.
- Wedding rings are a symbol of eternal love. They must be given to the priest in advance so that he can consecrate them.
- Candles that the newlyweds hold in their hands throughout the ceremony.
- The towel on which the newlyweds stand remains in the church after the ceremony. It should be white and symbolizes a cloud that seems to lift the couple to heaven. After all, marriages take place there.
- The union towel is a symbol of marriage, with which the priest ties the hands of the bride and groom.
- Handkerchiefs used by witnesses to hold the wedding crown over the head of the bride or groom. The crown is a symbol of God's blessing.
Photo of the wedding crown
- Handkerchiefs for candles. The candles are lit throughout the ceremony to prevent wax from dripping onto the bride’s hands and elegant dress; the candle is wrapped in a handkerchief.
- Wine (Cahors). After the Lord's Prayer, the young drink from the same cup. This symbolizes the complete unity of the spouses, their willingness to drink together all the joys and sorrows of life. After this, the priest circles the couple three times around the lectern. The circle is a symbol of eternity.
Wedding towel
Any manufacturer offering wedding accessories takes into account all the wishes of customers. The factory-produced set is high-quality, elegant and includes everything you need
However, given the exceptional importance of the event, which usually happens only once in a lifetime, it is better for the bride herself to make towels and handkerchiefs with her own hands, embroider them, putting her soul and the desire for a happy family life into every stitch. In addition, the ornament embroidered on a towel is not simple; each of its elements carries a certain meaning.
Based on the quality of the handicraft, the groom's relatives assessed the skill and talent of the future wife at the bride's show.
DIY dowry
What do they mean and why are they needed?
Christians absolutely need rings for their weddings, because they carry a special deep meaning and are not simple beautiful accessories.
Not a single priest will agree to get married without them, unlike the same registry office, because there you may not exchange jewelry at all, your marriage will be registered in any case. Even before the ceremony, the rings are given to the clergyman, and during the wedding they lie on the right side, that is, in front of the face of the Lord. Thus, they are not just illuminated, but endowed with special power - filled with the blessing of the Almighty. After this, the priest puts them on for the lovers, and then changes them three times for the glory of the Holy Trinity. Thus, the girl’s jewelry remains with the man and vice versa. This exchange has its own special purpose - the groom thereby promises fidelity, help in everything and protection, speaks of his intention to sacrifice everything for the sake of his beloved and take care of her, and the bride, for her part, promises to love selflessly, to be always devoted to her husband, a faithful and reliable wife throughout her life. life.
If you want to follow every custom and canon, then give preference to products made from two different precious metals, namely gold and silver, but in the same style. It has long been the custom that after an exchange, the groom eventually gets a silver jewelry, and the newlywed gets a gold one.
If we look at history, there is an interpretation according to which gold is the personification of the sun and the symbol of a man, and silver is the moon and the symbolism of a girl. It was believed that the path of a family throughout its life was illuminated by sunlight, and the moon reflected it from the sun.
According to another interpretation of the two metals, based on the words of the Apostle Paul, it was said that people in marriage are like Christ and the Church. That is, the husband represents Jesus Christ, and the wife represents the church. Based on this, gold reflects Divine grace and glory, and silver is the personification of purity and spiritual light.
In the modern world, priests have become much more relaxed about observing all the rules, so if you are not satisfied with different metals or, in principle, any of them, then you can choose rings at your discretion. The main thing is to show them to the priest before the wedding so that he gives his consent, and the ceremony will definitely take place.
Where to get married?
Of course, a couple has the right to get married in any Orthodox church or temple. Ceremonies are not performed only in monasteries. If you are planning a wedding in a large temple in the city center, which is distinguished by the beauty of its decorations and golden domes, then your couple must match: attire, candles, textiles - everything must be at the highest level. If you are wondering how much it costs to get married in a large church, then here is an approximate figure obtained by adding up all the costs: 30,000 rubles, provided that the couple already have suitable outfits, and 70,000 rubles if they need to be bought. If you do not have such a sum, then it is better to consider the option of getting married in a small church, perhaps even outside the city. The atmosphere in it is less solemn and does not require expensive beautiful attributes.
You have made an important and responsible decision to get married before God. All that remains is to find out when it is better to get married, because there are dates on which this is prohibited
You will find the necessary information on the website svadebka.ws.
- 7 photos
What else married couples need to know
There are several rules that married couples should familiarize themselves with.
After several years of marriage
The wedding ceremony is carried out only after the marriage has been officially registered. Therefore, it does not matter when the wedding procedure is carried out. Weddings can be performed for people who have been officially married for 10, 25 and even 30 years
It doesn't matter how many years have passed since marriage. The main thing is that it is officially registered in the registry office
In this case, the church clergyman will not be able to refuse to carry out the wedding procedure for a married couple.
If second marriage
Marriage for deeply religious people is considered a rather serious procedure, and therefore some people who decide to remarry are treated with skepticism. Most often, such people are denied a wedding, but sometimes the church may allow remarriage. There are two reasons why remarriage is permitted. These include the madness of one of the spouses or betrayal. In this case, you will have to contact the church in advance and describe the situation in detail. A good priest will be able to understand the person asking for help and will allow the wedding to be held again.
Debunking
Over time, some people can no longer live together and decide to separate. Therefore, they have to dissolve their previously concluded marriage. There are seven cases in which the Orthodox Church recognizes a church marriage as dissolved and invalid:
- proven fact of adultery;
- entering into a new marriage without prior church blessing;
- renunciation of one of the spouses from the faith;
- imprisonment;
- abortion committed by the wife without the knowledge of the husband;
- the emergence and development of mental illness;
- infringement on the life or health of other people.
All these actions are condemned by Christianity, and therefore any of them is considered a valid reason for dissolving a previously concluded marriage.
Choice and Behavior of Witnesses
The most important decision when preparing a wedding ceremony is the choice of witnesses.
There are two things to pay attention to when choosing them:
Witnesses who have previously gone through the baptism procedure are selected for the ceremony.
Therefore, each of them must have personal crosses. An important feature that should be taken into account when choosing witnesses is that the witnesses acquire a certain connection during the ritual. It is often equated with family ties, and therefore people who want to get married in the future should not be made witnesses
This way they will not be able to bind themselves spiritually ahead of time.
Select date
For many young couples, the problem becomes choosing a suitable date for a wedding ceremony in a church. There are several dates when it will not be possible to get married. The clergy do not allow the ceremony to be performed during:
- multi-day and one-day Orthodox fasts;
- Easter;
- moving holidays.
Therefore, it is necessary to check the calendar in advance to make sure that the selected date does not coincide with any church holiday.
Bride's wedding dress
What should a wedding dress be like? The concepts of a wedding dress and a wedding dress are different from each other. Nowadays, brides are not treated as strictly in their appearance as before. But still lovers adhere to the rules. When a bride gets married in a church, her dress should be modest. According to the rules of church traditions, the legs must be completely covered, but a neckline and a beautiful cutout on the back are allowed. The color of the wedding dress should be light tones, preferably white. White color is a symbol of purity and innocence. The bride is prohibited from getting married in dark and bright colors. The head must be covered with a veil or a light scarf. A hat is allowed. A delicate wreath can decorate a beautiful bride’s hairstyle. Before entering the church, the bride's shoulders and arms are covered with a cape. The bride's shoes should be closed. It is believed that wearing sandals to get married is a bad omen. It has long been believed that a wedding dress should have a long train. The longer the train, the happier the family life will be.
Materials
Gold is one of the metals popular in the manufacture of not only ordinary and wedding models, but also wedding rings. Today, many are moving away from the Orthodox canons, not wanting to wear a simple silver ring every day. As a material, gold has several significant advantages. It is stronger, very durable and easy to maintain. In addition, if you decorate the ring with stones, they look more interesting on a gold background than on a silver one.
Among the assortment of gold rings, special attention should be paid to models made of white gold. Such wedding rings look both gentle and noble; they can be additionally trimmed with small stones
It is best if these are diamonds or diamond chips, but small rubies, sapphires, emeralds and amethysts are also allowed
Such wedding rings look both delicate and noble; they can be additionally trimmed with small stones. It is best if these are diamonds or diamond chips, but small rubies, sapphires, emeralds and amethysts are also allowed.
Models made of yellow or rose gold are also suitable as daily decoration. Yellow color is more classic, so if your soul is more inclined to this type, you can choose something interesting.
Among the many models of silver rings, blackened jewelry has gained immense popularity.
Products made from this material resemble beautiful antique jewelry, and blackened rings will be an excellent choice when purchasing wedding paraphernalia. It is on silver rings that most often there are ready-made engravings and inscriptions. Cubic zirconia, small diamonds, and rubies are suitable as additional decoration. You can choose a silver ring with gold inserts.
Compared to gold, silver is a fairly democratic metal. Products made from it will cost much less than gold jewelry with diamonds. The only drawback is that silver jewelry is not very durable. They should be protected from excessive moisture, salt water and direct sunlight. Over time, such jewelry darkens, so it is worth remembering that silver needs regular care - polishing and cleaning.
As for costume jewelry, according to church laws, such models are prohibited.
You should not buy even the most beautiful rings if they are not made of metal. You must remember that beauty does not always depend on the amount of decor. After all, its strength lies in the simplicity and severity of the wedding ring. Orthodox priests believe that it is simple rings that testify to the most sincere and bright feelings.
You should immediately think about such an important accessory as rings. In the Orthodox faith, they are considered a symbol of the inextricable connection between two loving hearts
Wedding rings – what should they be according to the rules?
While preparing for the sacrament of wedding, future newlyweds often wonder what wedding rings should be like according to church rules. In reality, these decorations must comply with many Orthodox canons, however, today some of them are no longer observed. Nevertheless, deeply religious people remain faithful to church rules and try to take into account all the recommendations that the clergy give them.
Traditionally, the Orthodox Church sets the following criteria that wedding rings must meet:
- these products must be made of only one metal, other inclusions are not allowed;
- cannot be made from cheap raw materials, plastic, wood and other materials;
- they should not have large drawings or ornate patterns;
- wedding rings must be new; other people should not wear them before the sacrament. It is strictly forbidden to marry with a widow's accessory;
- Husband and wife should have jewelry made of different metals. According to Orthodox canons, the husband has gold, and the wife has silver, or vice versa;
- these products should have a modest and laconic appearance;
- rings purchased for a wedding should not be used to register a marriage with the registry office.
Wedding ring and wedding ring - the difference
According to the rules of the church, future newlyweds who decide not only to register their marriage, but also to undergo the sacrament of wedding, need to purchase two pairs of jewelry. Currently, this requirement is often not met, since jewelry is very expensive, and not every young person can afford to purchase several models.
However, when preparing for a church sacrament, it is important to know how wedding rings differ from engagement rings. The latter can be absolutely anything - the registry office does not establish any rules in this regard
Thus, modern couples in love often purchase luxurious jewelry with precious stones, with combined inserts, bright and noticeable engraving, magnificent ornaments and other decorative elements. Subsequently, these products are worn solely for beauty, without thinking at all about the meaning they carry.
The church and clergy, on the contrary, put forward a number of important requirements that must be taken into account when choosing accessories for the wedding sacrament. According to the canons, they should be as modest and laconic as possible, they should not have flashy or noticeable decorative elements, they should not be too conspicuous. Large gemstones and patterns are completely unacceptable.
Difference from wedding
When undergoing a wedding ceremony at the registry office, the newlyweds have the right to choose any pair of rings they like, made from any material convenient for them. This can be expensive custom-made designer jewelry, or ordinary metal and even wooden rings. Wedding rings have strictly defined recommendations for the selection of materials and design. If they are not observed, the priest conducting the ceremony has the right to postpone it indefinitely.
Note! Jewelry for a wedding and for a marriage ceremony should be different.
Sacrament Day
On the eve of the sacrament, the bride and groom are supposed to confess and take communion, and after midnight it is recommended not to eat, drink, smoke, and abstain from married life.
It is recommended to attend the morning service on the wedding day, but based on experience, this is very rare; usually couples arrive at the church at the appointed time.
wedding in the Temple of the Martyr John the Warrior
Newlyweds need to remember the following rules:
- For the wedding, the bride and groom are recommended to obtain the blessing of their parents. In former times, the sacraments were not performed without it.
- The wedding ceremony lasts from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, plus preparatory ceremonies. Take this into account when planning your timing and choosing outfits, especially shoes for the bride.
- The bride is recommended to use a minimum of decorative cosmetics: light makeup, as well as modest jewelry.
- The bride's head and shoulders must be covered. You can cover your shoulders and head with a veil and a certain style of dress, or with a wedding cape or bolero.
- Friends and relatives of the bride and groom, ideally, should attend the liturgy along with the newlyweds, or come to the beginning of the wedding ceremony.
- All participants in the wedding ceremony, newlyweds and their witnesses, must be baptized and wear crosses.
wedding of several couples at the same time - photo Pavel Timoshilov
- Church charter prohibits marrying several couples at the same time, but practice shows that this happens, especially on popular dates, for example, on Red Hill. I remember there was a wedding where 6 couples were present at the same time. If the newlyweds are ready to wait until the other couples are married, the church will not refuse a separate wedding. In large churches, a double fee may be charged for a separate wedding; if there is no desire or opportunity to pay more, it is better to come on a weekday; the likelihood that there will be several couples on such a day is less.
- If you are planning to photograph a wedding, check this opportunity with the priest in advance, since in some churches photography is prohibited, or you cannot take pictures with a flash.
wedding in the Church of All Saints in Kulishki
In this article, I talked about all the preparation details that you might not have taken into account.
However, having decided to take this step, you will need to talk with a priest who can tell you everything in detail and answer all your questions.
After all, a wedding is not just a beautiful and touching ceremony, it has a deep spiritual meaning for the newlyweds.
Church of St. Nicholas of Myra in Khamovniki
Sacrament of wedding and registration
Do you need to buy new rings for your wedding if you have already exchanged them at the registration? And again it all depends on your desire. Usually young people choose one of three options:
- Consolidate the marriage in a civil ceremony, and then remove the rings and give them to the priest to be blessed at the altar.
- Buy a new pair especially for the wedding.
- Those who consider a wedding to be a more significant ceremony simply skip the moment of exchanging rings during registration in order to receive this symbol of unity for the first time from the hands of the priest along with his blessing.
Of course, it is desirable that the wedding ring corresponds to both the centuries-old traditions of Orthodox Christians and your personal tastes. But, if you are carried away by the search, do not forget: for all its significance, this is just a symbol. The main meaning of any church sacrament is not the exchange of necessary attributes, but its spiritual component. If a small metal headband helps you feel more intimate, it will do its job. Regardless of appearance.
You should immediately think about such an important accessory as rings. In the Orthodox faith, they are considered a symbol of the inextricable connection between two loving hearts
Models and materials of church rings
Despite the seemingly strict requirements and rules regarding what kind of rings are needed, they still have a fairly diverse assortment. It should be noted that it is better to purchase such accessories in church shops, since you will know for sure that all the items available for sale meet all the requirements of the church.
Classic, without additional decor - they can be either wide or narrow. Wide jewelry should be chosen by men or women with existing fullness
Girls who are petite and thin should pay attention to fine jewelry. Decorated - most women love engagement rings with additional elements. If they are modest and unprovocative, they will be considered completely acceptable
It could be a small diamond or other precious stone. Engraving is one of the most popular ways to decorate wedding accessories. The inscription can be very different. Most often they order the names of their loved ones. However, such a product will be considered made to order, and accordingly this will increase its cost. When choosing budget options, you can pay attention to the inscriptions with church words. One of the most popular is the signature “Save and Preserve”. Ring – church shops sell special wedding rings. They are considered acceptable for the sacrament. Such jewelry looks like wide and dense rings, with a small stone in the middle. Church words and inscriptions are often used on top.
When choosing the material itself, it is worth noting that there are no clear and strict conditions regarding this topic. Nowadays, more and more married couples prefer exactly the same jewelry. Only one thing is considered unacceptable - the use of jewelry at a wedding ceremony.
Therefore, young people should choose either a gold or silver product. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Silver attracts with its low price and modest appearance, meeting the requirements of the Orthodox Church. Gold pleases the eye, but not the wallet. However, such jewelry does not require any maintenance, so it can remain in its original form for a long time.
Options
When choosing wedding rings, pay attention to the following options:
- simple, without any decoration;
- moderately decorated;
- with neat, non-provocative inscriptions;
- matching jewelry;
- rings;
- engraved jewelry;
Simple and unadorned
Classic rings, made in the form of a single strip of metal, are the best choice for a wedding. The less the headband is overloaded with decorative elements, the better for the ceremony. Remember that in this ritual, rings do not serve as jewelry indicating status and wealth, but are a symbol of marital fidelity, which the newlyweds swore before God.
Decorated
If a couple still wants to add a bit of individuality to the rings, they should choose jewelry with a minimal amount of decor. There shouldn't be any problems with just one stone inlaid into the bezel, but it's best to first discuss the purchase with the church representative who will perform the wedding ceremony. Remember - the more elaborate the jewelry, the greater the likelihood that the ceremony will not be performed.
With inscriptions
It is not forbidden to make inscriptions on the rings that meet the following requirements:
- the inscription is made in the form of a vow that the newlyweds make before each other and the Lord God;
- the inscription is made in the form of the names of the betrothed;
- the inscription does not contain any blasphemous speeches that are not pleasing to the Lord God;
- the inscription quotes an excerpt from a prayer that the newlyweds consider significant for their new family.
The same
An excellent choice would be to buy identical rings that do not differ from each other in design. This indicates harmony in a relationship where one spouse does not want to stand out and dominate the other. This behavior is approved by both the church and secular authorities. The only difference that is allowed when choosing rings is the material from which they will be made. We'll talk about this a little later.
Rings
For those newlyweds who love variety and individuality, a good choice would be to purchase church rings made specifically for the wedding ceremony. They are strikingly different from standard wedding rings, without violating the requirements of the church.
The rings have the following features:
- they have an image of a cross on them, which is the best design for carrying out church sacraments;
- In addition to the image of the cross, on the rim of the ring there is a special church engraving in the form of prayers and sayings approved by the church.
In addition, the rings are made taking into account the quality requirements of the materials used, which is considered a significant advantage.
With engraving
The engraving applied to the ring bezel should not contain any provocative images or symbols. Allowed to apply:
- image of a loved one;
- church symbols;
- the date of the wedding or other significant day in the life of the future spouses.
Note! It is best to discuss the application of any images, inscriptions and other decorative elements with the priest in advance.
If he gives a blessing, feel free to bring your ideas to life.
Wedding rings: which ones are needed for the ceremony
Beautiful wedding rings are a must-have accessory for a religious ceremony. When creating a family union, the ring symbolizes eternity, since it has neither beginning nor end.
Because of this quality, lovers around the world use wedding rings as a sign of confirmation of their intentions to unite their destinies forever.
Precious metals and precious stones also serve as a symbol of a long and lasting union.
The sacrament of blessing the union has a sacred meaning. Rings for a wedding in a church, which are the main attribute of the ceremony, differ from the wedding rings that the newlyweds exchange in the registry office.
Wedding rings for a social ceremony can be made of any metal and with any discreet or extravagant decor. Weddings are a symbol of fidelity, love, and readiness for self-sacrifice.
Deeply religious people do not perceive them as decoration, so they do not buy luxurious jewelry, but choose the simplest ones.
According to religious tradition, it is believed that the bride and groom are given church wedding rings made of different metals: for a man - gold, for a woman - silver.
The gold metal represents Christ, who is like the sun, illuminating family life and leading to prosperity. Silver is the Church, which is the earthly incarnation.
There is another interpretation: gold is a symbol of courage, leadership, strength, while silver is associated with wisdom, plasticity, and mystery.
It is customary for believers to wear Orthodox wedding rings on the ring finger of the right hand.
In other countries, wedding rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand, in the belief that there is a vein there that leads directly to the heart.
How to choose wedding rings
It is better to buy accessories together, because the future spouses will have to wear them all their lives. You can order the production of rings in a jewelry workshop according to an individual sketch.
To do this, the master is provided with photos of exclusive models from the catalog or his own sketch.
It has become fashionable to make inscriptions on the inside of the tavern with the names of loved ones, declarations of love, oaths of allegiance and other cherished phrases. Wedding rings should be:
- modest - without complex and intricate decor;
- without elaborate decorations or large stones;
- made from precious metals.
The most common and popular option is a narrow or wide rim. Flat, even, smooth wedding rings are made without any decoration. Wide rings are ideal for men or women with chubby fingers. Thin wedding rings will look great on a hand with thin, graceful fingers.
Newlyweds often want to make their wedding rings special, to add uniqueness to the accessory by sending a love message to their chosen one.
For these purposes, the newlyweds apply the names of their lovers, exclusive inscriptions, love confessions, prayers, etc. on the inside or outside of the rings in the engraving workshop.
With rocks
Although Orthodox rings should be as simple as possible, a small diamond is still acceptable, especially on a woman's ring. Diamond chips all over the rim or on its central part would also look appropriate.
A scattering of precious stones can decorate both women's and men's engagement rings. Diamonds, like precious metals used to make wedding rings, symbolize strength, durability, and reliability of family ties.
Signs with wedding rings
Gold and silver wedding rings should be purchased by the groom, preferably in the same store or on the same day, so that the family union is stronger. Returning home with a precious purchase, they say at the door: “For a good life, for a faithful family. Let it be so".
Even if close relatives have lived in a family union until a golden, diamond, or platinum wedding and want to give wedding rings to their descendants as a gift, you should not agree. It’s better to “write” your own love chronicle according to your unique life scenario.
Signs:
- The bride and groom are strictly forbidden to wear other jewelry (rings or rings) on their hands on the wedding day, even if they were presented by one of the guests.
- To make family life smooth, rings are chosen without stones, roughness, or unnecessary decor.
- No one - neither relatives nor friends - should be allowed to try on wedding bands, so you can “give them vilification” to your family happiness.
- It is forbidden to make rings for the sacrament from broken and melted jewelry of parents or relatives.
- The bride should wear the wedding band only on her bare hand, so that she is not wearing a glove, even a thin and transparent one. The ring should be in contact with the skin - it is believed that then the union will be stronger.
Who wears it on the left hand
Russia is a hospitable, multinational country, and different peoples have their own traditions, which would take quite a long time to list. Here are just a few options why the wedding ring is worn on the finger of the left hand:
- It is more comfortable
- These are the traditions of Catholic, Muslim or other denomination
- The spouses belong to different nationalities and beliefs, but agreed to wear rings on their left hands
- Decoration means the person is divorced
The magical properties of a wedding ring
- It reunites the family and protects against betrayal - if you look through it at the spouse leaving the family, he will come back.
- Protects the harvest - so that the crops are not damaged by hail, when thunderclouds appear, wedding rings are carried out to meet them. It was believed that this helps disperse bad weather.
- Heals - helps in the treatment of styes and scrofula, if the sore spots are circled with a wedding ring. And if the patient’s blood is dripped through the ring, his bleeding will be stopped. But only wedding rings taken from the hands of the dead possessed such properties (as the ancestors believed).
- Protecting babies from the evil eye - for this, the wedding ring was placed under the head of the newborn in the cradle and at the bottom of the bath when bathing.
- Amulet for livestock - so that animals do not get sick, bear offspring, give a lot of milk and eggs, the cow is milked through a wedding ring.
You can believe in these signs or not, the main meaning and purpose of wedding rings does not change. They are an integral part of the sacred ceremony and an ancient symbol of marital love and fidelity, the unity of two loving hearts.
Other interesting articles:
And that’s all about him: the bride’s underwear. How to entertain guests at a wedding banquet: 5 win-win options. A wedding without a banquet is a sign of the times. The bride and her golden dress: beauty secrets.
Unusual wedding rings on the hands of famous people
Today it is very difficult to surprise someone with the shape, design or material of a ring; the choice of jewelry is fantastically huge. Public figures have only one thing left to do: compete in the cost of wedding rings, the size of the stones, the quality of their cut, and the color of the inserts, which is unusual for wedding jewelry. Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, Holly Berry, Paris Hilton - they all happily show off rings with diamonds, emeralds of several carats and worth millions of dollars.
The beautiful Anna Kournikova does not lag behind Western celebrities - her ring is incredibly expensive and at the same time not typical for the Hollywood star party: an Australian pink diamond of excellent quality, purity of color, and transparency at one time conquered even the most unscrupulous paparazzi.
As a result, for celebrities, better almost always means more, and the unusualness of wedding or engagement rings most often fades into the background. The same cannot be said about the aristocracy: moderation, high style, classic design are the main priorities when choosing wedding rings for members of royal families in different countries.
Duchess of York Sarah | Crown Princess Victoria of Denmark | Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway |
What to do if your wedding ring is lost?
There are various signs associated with the loss of rings. They have a bad or alarming coloration. If a wife has lost her wedding ring, the girl should not be blamed for what happened. The spouse is also not to blame for the possible loss of the ring. The main task is to decide how to proceed:
- Losing a wedding ring will lead to divorce or serious family conflict. In fact, everything depends on the relationship, the actions of the two partners.
- According to legend, if a man loses his wedding ring, his wife is cheating on him.
- It is believed that lost jewelry will lead to troubles in personal or financial affairs, or health problems. This is only a sign, but it is advisable to take into account the inscriptions on the wedding rings.
- In rare cases, loss predicts the imminent death of a partner. It is not advisable to believe this sign, but it is better to focus on health or intuition.
Initially, you need to look for the lost jewelry and not fall into hysterics.
In many situations, jewelry can be found within a couple of days.
Sometimes you can talk to your spouse and buy new jewelry made of white gold or another precious metal that has positive energy.
This is especially important if the couple has matching silver wedding rings and will need to worry about getting new jewelry with a similar or identical design. Paired silver wedding rings
Paired silver wedding rings
The unpaired ring that remains is allowed to be donated to the parish and a prayer can be read to ward off possible troubles, bad thoughts, and experiences.
A wedding ring is a symbol of true love, the desire for a joint relationship, so it is advisable to keep the jewelry that was used in the wedding and give it appropriate meaning.
If you lost
If suddenly you, through negligence, managed to lose your accessory, then you urgently need to purchase a replacement for it, namely, buy a new one. Then you should bring it to the cathedral, explain the current situation to the clergyman and ask to consecrate it. After all, according to tradition, it is necessary to put the product on the throne again.
Remember that losing your wedding decoration is not a good sign, so be extremely careful with it.
Sources
- https://VseoSvadibe.ru/kolca-dlya-venchaniya.html
- https://wedus.online/tradisii/venchanie/aksessuari/koltsa.html
- https://market.russam.ru/articles/moda_i_stil/p23560-kakie_koljtsa_nuzhny_dlja_venchanija_v_tserkvi/
- https://pravoslavy.ru/liturgiya/koltsa-dlya-venchaniya
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How much does a church wedding cost?
There is an ancient custom of leaving an offering in the church after the ceremony. Previously, young people were supposed to bring freshly baked bread wrapped in a linen towel to the temple as a sign of gratitude.
Today, the gratitude of young people is more often expressed in monetary terms - as much as they can. There are, of course, some approximate limits (from 500 to 1500 rubles).
It is better to clarify this delicate point with your priest: the accepted donation size may depend on the locality, the specific church, the position of the local clergy, etc.
Everyone’s financial situation is different, and sometimes newlyweds are not able to make a large donation for the sacrament. In any church they will treat this with understanding: after explaining the situation to the priest, the young people can leave an amount feasible for them.
Signs with wedding rings
Gold and silver wedding rings should be purchased by the groom, preferably in the same store or on the same day, so that the family union is stronger. Returning home with a precious purchase, they say at the door: “For a good life, for a faithful family. Let it be so". Even if close relatives have lived in a family union until a golden, diamond, or platinum wedding and want to give wedding rings to their descendants as a gift, you should not agree. It’s better to “write” your own love chronicle according to your unique life scenario. Signs:
- The bride and groom are strictly forbidden to wear other jewelry (rings or rings) on their hands on the wedding day, even if they were presented by one of the guests.
- To make family life smooth, rings are chosen without stones, roughness, or unnecessary decor.
- No one - neither relatives nor friends - should be allowed to try on wedding bands, so you can “give them vilification” to your family happiness.
- It is forbidden to make rings for the sacrament from broken and melted jewelry of parents or relatives.
- The bride should wear the wedding band only on her bare hand, so that she is not wearing a glove, even a thin and transparent one. The ring should be in contact with the skin - it is believed that then the union will be stronger.
What is the difference between wedding and engagement rings?
Engagement and wedding rings.
Nowadays, when going to a jewelry store, you may be faced with the problem of choice. There is a wide range of products on the shelves. Both wedding and engagement rings are available. However, those newlyweds who are getting married on the same day should really take a moment and decide which product is best to buy.
Let's start with the fact that the registry office doesn't care what kind of ring you have. It may not be a precious metal at all, but an ordinary fake, imitation of gold or silver. Rings, wide rings, and narrow wedding bands are considered acceptable.
Therefore, the choice is simply huge. Moreover, jewelry stores cannot but rejoice, because on the shelves there are both very budget and cheap options, as well as more complex, expensive ones. Choose based on your financial capabilities and desires.
Church canons are more strict and demanding. Therefore, if you have a registration and a wedding on the same day, then it is best to select accessories based on the requirements put forward by the church. In fact, she does not make too serious prohibitions. Both silver and gold items are acceptable in our time.
But the church still advises to be modest and down-to-earth. In this regard, the bride and groom should avoid too elaborate stones, patterns and curls. The ring should not attract the attention of others.
It should be a symbol of modest, pure and quiet love. As one famous expression says: “Happiness loves silence.” It is this basic requirement that should be taken into account when choosing a gold ring for your wedding.
This is interesting: What is the name and ceremony of a Muslim wedding?