Are you trying to think of a way to include a special moment in your wedding ceremony to honour your mums? How about Last Kiss before the First Kiss?
After you have made your wedding vows and exchanged wedding rings, just before the announcement and your First Kiss as a married couple, your Celebrant invites your mums to come forward, or you could go over to where they are. Guided by your Celebrant (hopefully me!), your mum gives you a kiss (and/or you give your mum a kiss) - either way it's always an emotional moment and makes happy memories and great photographs...
The following is an example of words that could be used. In this case it is for two grooms and although it is loving, it is fairly formal. However, it doesn't have to be this formal. The words would be written to suit you and reflect your personalities and of course, it isn't limited to birth mums (or any mums) these suggestions are just for the purposes of this blog! If I am your Celebrant I will create something unique to you, in a style that suits you.
(Image by Anna Hardy Photography)
"And now treasured guests, it is time for _______ and _______'s last kiss before they are pronounced as husbands together.
Their mother's lips were the first to kiss them, and show them love, after they gave them life and brought them into this world.
And today, their mother's love - together with their blessings - will be first to send them on their way to their new life together.
Mums. . . please kiss your sons!
Thank you ladies, please be seated.
And now, _____ and ______ it is my privilege and pleasure to announce to you, your families and your friends, that you are husband and husband together, would you like to seal this moment with a kiss?"
Kissing the mums at this point of the wedding ceremony is quite often combined with the symbolic act of giving a rose (or any other flower or gift that you wish).
This is an extract from a less formal wedding that took place in the garden of Anna's parents. Originally, the couple were going to cut two stems from a rose bush in the garden, but there had been a lot of wind and rain the night before and the petals had bruised - so we went with the contingency plan of taking two roses from Anna's bouquet (in case you hadn't guessed, the couple's first kiss happened when Georgie was a little hungover - this was included in the love story that was told earlier in the ceremony) :
"In a moment, I will invite you to share a kiss, often called the ‘first kiss’.
But, of course, it isn’t your first kiss. Even the first kiss that you shared when Georgie had a huge headache and was surrounded by the aroma of Jack Daniels, wasn’t your first kiss. Your very first kiss was from your mum, on the day that you were born. Is that right Wendy and Elaine?
So, before I ask you if you would like us to all witness your first kiss as a married couple, please each take a rose from Anna's bouquet. Anna and Georgie please give your mum the flower that you have in your hand. Now, can you please both kiss your mum and your mum-in-law, to thank them for everything that they have done since they brought you, and their child, the love of your life, into this world.
Excellent! Now, how about that Mrs and Mrs kiss?"
If you would like to include this, or any other symbolic element, to personalise your ceremony, speak to your Celebrant (who will hopefully be me!) who will be delighted to work with you to ensure that you have exactly the ceremony that you want.
Hi, I am Lorraine Hull, an award-winning Celebrant, based in Liverpool.
I am most usually asked to conduct ceremonies in North-West England and North Wales but I am happy to travel anywhere within the U.K. or abroad.
At the risk of shouting (and sounding extremely cheesy) "I LOVE MY JOB!".
I really love getting to know the couples and families that ask me to be part of their special celebration, whether that is for a Wedding/Civil Partnership, Renewal/Reaffirmation of Vows, Naming/Welcoming, or Celebration of Life/Funeral
I love hearing, writing and telling love and life stories (and also finding out about hopes and dreams - which are the stories of the future!)
I love to create and conduct unique, meaningful ceremonies that are perfect for each couple, individual, and/or family.
I love helping to create and celebrate happy and poignant moments, which form memories that will last a lifetime (that also includes the memories that I get to keep too - what's not to love?)
I believe that ALL people (and animals) should all be treated kindly, fairly and with respect.
I think for myself and act for others. I advocate anti-racism, the appreciation and celebration of diversity, dignity, justice, equity and equality for ALL through everything that I say and do: Love is Love, Family is Family, Life is Life.
You may like to know that I was trained to the highest level as a Celebrant and have continued my professional development. I hold Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. I adhere to a strict code of conduct and I am committed to identifying, developing and sharing best practice with my Celebrant colleagues, so that we can all be the best Celebrants that we can possibly be.
To contact me please email: lorraine@liverpoolcelebrant.co.uk or call: 0744 932 3988