The Ring Warming Ceremony
Meaning - This ceremony includes the witnesses by allowing them to add their blessings to the couple’s wedding rings. This ceremony represents that good marriages need support from their families and in return the couple enhances the world around them.
Time - Could vary depending on the number of people chosen to “warm” the rings
Placement - This Ceremony Enhancement done just before the Ring Ceremony but could be started at the beginning of the service if the entire congregation is asked to warm the rings.
Example of the wording for this Enhancement:
Spoken by the Officiant
During this ceremony _____ and _____ will exchange rings. These rings are the visible signs of their commitment to one another. However; in the spirit of the importance of family support to a marriage, _____ and _____ have asked for all of you to participate in a Ring Warming Ceremony.
May I have the rings please?
Action
Rings should be brought forth and placed into a small bag together. They are passed around in the container so that if they are accidentally dropped they will remain together and be easily retrievable. Once they are in the bag they will be held up for all to see.
We are going to pass the wedding rings to all of you. We ask that you, their family and friends, each take a brief moment while you are holding their rings to wish them health and happiness, and all that is noble and good in life. Please warm their rings with your love, and then pass them on to the next person.
Action
Begin passing the rings to the designated participants
Two people in love do not live in isolation. Their love is a source of strength with which they may nourish not only each other but also the world around them. And in turn, we, their community of friends and family, have a responsibility to this couple. By our steadfast care, respect, and love, we can support their marriage and the new family they are creating today.
Action
Once the rings have been passed to everyone this final statement is added.
These rings that have come back to us now not only contain precious metal; they contain that which is more precious……..that which is priceless - your love and hope and pledge of support for this union.
Thank you everyone.