Different Styles of Ceremonies There are as many styles of wedding ceremonies as there are people who marry! They are influenced by religions, regulations, nationalities, generations and of course, imagination. Add in changes down through the centuries and the unique touches overlayed along the way--  Now you begin to see the challenge faced by a wedding officiant. How can we possibly know and understand all the options? Well, part of the knowledge comes from training and years of experience. Another part can come from collecting books and texts of different cultures and beliefs-- a personal reference library.  But the most important part is a matter of listening to the words and feelings of brides and grooms. Sometimes, without even knowing, they guide us to a text or tradition that perfectly suits their desires. Other times, they share their dreams of a wedding, and we go from there to create a truly unique ceremony.   Whatever path is followed, a ceremony usually falls into one of four general groups-- (1) the traditional religious style, (2) a traditional but secular (non-religious) style, (3) a more contemporary religious style, or (4) a contemporary secular style. Within each group there may be thousands of variations in language or content.  And often, we craft a ceremony with elements from more than one group. We have provided here, a basic example from each group, just to provide food for thought...         Copyright © 2005 Wedding Ceremonies- Michigan. All rights reserved.