INVITATION WORDING

Memories are created by sharing
special moments with loving
family and friends
Please join us as our son / daughter

(name)

is called to the Torah as a Bar / Bat Mitzvah
(day, date)
(time)

(venue)
(street address)
(city, state)

(parents' names)

With the richness of tradition and the promise of tomorrow
we invite you to share this special moment as our son / daughter

(name)

becomes a Bar / Bat Mitzvah
on (day, date)
at (time)

(venue)
(street address)
(city, state)

(parents' names)

(parents', family names)
cordially invite you to the
Bar / Bat Mitzvah of their son / daughter

(name)

(day, date)
(year)
at (time)

(venue)
(street address)
(city, state)

With great pleasure we invite you
to share our happiness
at the Bar / Bat Mitzvah
of our son / daughter

(name)

on (day, date)
at (time)

(venue name)
(city, state)

(parents' names)

With great pride and love
we invite you to share with us
the B'nai Mitzvah of our sons / the B'not Mitzvah of our daughters

(name and name)

(day, date)
(year)
at (time)

(venue name)
(street address)
(city, state)

(parents' names)

Memories are created by sharing
special moments with loving
family and friends
Please join us as our sons / daughters

(name and name)

are called to the Torah as B'nai / B’not Mitzvah
(day, date)
at (time)

(venue)
(street address)
(city, state)

(parents' names)

Memories are created by sharing
special moments with loving
family and friends

Please join me as my son / daughter

(name)

is called to the Torah as a Bar / Bat Mitzvah
(day, date)
at (time)

(venue)
(street address)
(city, state)

(parent name)

With pride, joy and mostly with love
I invite you to join my family as we celebrate
the Bar / Bat Mitzvah of my beloved son / daughter

(name)

(day, date)
at (time)

(venue)
(city, state)

Please share in my joy
on a special day in my life
when I become a Bar / Bat Mitzvah
(day, date)
(year)
at (time)

(venue)
(street address)
(city, state)

(Bar / Bat Mitzvah name)

My parents
(parents' names)
my sister (sibling's name) and I
would be honored to have you share
my Bar / Bat Mitzvah celebration
(day, date)
at (time)

(venue)
(street address)
(city, state)

(bar / bat mitzvah's name)

As my father and grandfather before me / As my mother and grandmother before me
I will be called to the Torah
as a Bar / Bat Mitzvah
on (day, date)

Please join me and my family
in ceremony and celebration
at (time)

(venue)
(street address)
(city, state)

(bar mitzvah's name)

With pride, joy and mostly with love
I invite you to worship with me
as my beloved husband / wife
(bar / bat mitzvah's name)
is called to the Torah as a Bar / Bat Mitzvah
(day, date)
(year)
at (time)

(venue)
(street address)
(city, state)

(spouse name)

From Generation to Generation
we carry on with the richness of tradition
and the promise of tomorrow

The family of (Bar / Bat Mitzvah name)
invites you to join them in worship
as he / she is called to the Torah
as a Bar / Bat Mitzvah
on (day, date)
(year)
at (time)

(venue name)
(address)
(city, state)

Kindly reply
by (date)

M _____________________
____ accepts
____ regrets
____ number attending

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Please reply by (date)

M _____________________
____ will attend
____ will not attend

____ will require round trip bus transportation

The favor of a reply is requested
on or before (date)

M______________________
______will attend the Kiddush Luncheon
______will attend the Party

______ will not attend

Kindly reply
by (date)

M _____________________
____ accepts
____ regrets
____ number attending

Please initial each guest’s entree selection
____ Beef
____ Fish
____ Kids Meal

The celebration continues
At 6 o’clock in the evening

19 East
19 East 22nd Street
Chicago, Illinois

Let’s celebrate!

Please join us for a party to honor XXX
at six o’clock in the evening

19 East
19 East 22nd Street
Chicago, Illinois

Party

Please join us for dinner & dancing
at six o’clock in the evening

19 East
19 East 22nd Street
Chicago, Illinois

Please Join us for a
Reception
immediately following the ceremony

19 East
19 East 22nd Street
Chicago, Illinois

Let’s celebrate!

Please join us for a party to honor XXX

Saturday, September 10th
at six o’clock in the evening

19 East
19 East 22nd Street
Chicago, Illinois

We have arranged accommodations at a discounted rate for our guests. Reservations must be made by September 1st to guarantee the group rate. Please reference the Stein Bar Mitzvah when contacting the hotel.

The Hilton
123 West Street, Chicago, Illinois
888.123.4567
www.thehilton.com

Hampton Inn & Suites
123 West Street, Chicago, Illinois
888.123.4567
www.hamptoninnandsuites.com

Small parking garages may be found as close as 72nd and 73rd off of Fifth Avenue but we suggest using the Metropolitan Museum’s garage at 80th Street and Fifth Avenue. It is large enough so that you will always find a space and it is open 24 hours.

For additional information about Michael’s Bar Mitzvah, please visit
www.michaelsbarmitzvah.com

Due to limited parking at the Onteora Mountain House, please consider using the shuttle bus service we are providing to the synagogue from both the Hilton and Holiday Inn. Please indicate on the response card if you will require shuttle bus transportation to the Bar Mitzvah.

Bus transportation to Venue 610 for Michael’s friends will be provided by your host. Buses will depart promptly from the Troy Middle School at 4:15 PM and return at 10:30 PM.

Valet parking at 19 East will be provided by your host. For directions to 19 East, please visit their website at:
www.19east.com

Please join for a brunch
at ten o’clock in the morning
Sunday, November 11, 2017

123 Washington Street
Deerfield, Illinois

Hosting many out of town guests or if you are having a destination wedding? It is also recommended to include details on accommodations and transportation. This could include:

• Nearest airports
• Transportation options from airports to lodging
• Accommodation Options
• Transportation from lodging to wedding venue
• Phone numbers and websites for relevant businesses

Please Save the Date for our wedding
December 6, 2019

Samantha Ludley and Mike Preston

Formal invitation to follow

Your presence is requested at the wedding of

Shawna Anderson
and
Blake Carlson

on Saturday, the thirtieth of May
Two thousand nineteen
Mankato, Minnesota

Invitation will follow

A Date to Remember
May 30, 2019

Crystal Wellington
and
Jacob Barter

will be getting married

Invitation to follow

We’re getting married by the slopes!
Get your skis ready for the wedding of

Samantha Jane Ludley
and
Michael James Preston

December 6, 2014

Vail, Colorado
Formal invitation to follow

Save a place for us on your calendar!

Andrea Carter and Christopher James

will unite in marriage
on May 30, 2019

Invitation & details to follow

Save the Date
June 26, 2019

Sarah Ford
and
William Miller

Are Getting Married!

Atlanta, Georgia
Formal Invitation to Follow

We're tying the knot!

Joanie and Adam

will be married on
June 22, 2019

Grand Isle, Vermont
Invitation to follow

Travel, lodging, and information
www.joan&adam.com

This is the part of the program which will guide your guests through your order of service. This information will depend entirely on the type of service you are having and the elements you decide to include. However, below is a sample service: Prelude Seating of Mothers/Parents and Grandmothers/Grandparents Processional (of the bridal party) Bridal Processional Greeting (given by the officiant) Declaration of Intent Exchange of Vows and Rings Unity Candle (or something unique to your wedding style) Declaration of Marriage Prayer or Blessing Presentation of the Couple (Now you get to kiss. Enjoy this moment!) Recessional

Traditionally, this section includes the Officiant, Parents, Grandparents, Flower Girls, Bridesmaids, Ring Bearers, Groomsmen and Ushers. Make sure to include the first and last names of each participant. Some couples also choose to include the relationship to the individual such as friend, brother, sister, cousin, etc..

This is an optional addition if you choose to include a special thank you to share your appreciation.

If the couple has lost any loved ones, you can choose to also include a meaningful message listing the names of the deceased.

A practical addition to the program, this is an optional addition if you are moving. This makes it easy for friends and family to get in touch in the future!

Front Cover Bride's name and Groom's name Date Name of Church Location Inside Page 1 The Wedding Party: Parents names Grandparents of the Bride names Grandparents of the Groom names Maid of Honor name Best Man name Bridesmaids names Groomsmen names Flower Girls names Ushers names Honorary Bridesmaid name Ring Bearer name Minister name Musicians name Inside Page 2 Prelude Seating of the Grandparents Seating of the Mothers "Name of Song," Composer Processional "Name of Song," Composer Entrance of the Bride "Name of Song," Composer The Marriage Ceremony Statement of Purpose and Prayer Reading of Scripture Book of the Bible Chapter: Verse Promissory Vows Giving of the Bride Reading Covenant Vows Exchanging of the Rings Lighting of the Unity Candle "Name of Song," Composer Pronouncement of Marriage Prayer and Blessing Introduction of the Couple Recessional "Name of Song," Composer Note for Back Cover (Optional) Thank you for sharing our special day with us! —Bride's name & Groom's names

Front Cover A Meeting for Worship To Celebrate the joining of Bride's Name and Groom's Name In Marriage Date and Time Meetinghouse Name City, State Inside Page 1 Explanation of the ceremony: A member of the meeting will explain the Quaker ceremony traditions to wedding guests. All in attendance participate in silent worship and meditation. When the couple feels moved to do so, they will rise, take each other by the hand, and exchange vows and rings before God and their friends. The couple then signs the marriage certificate (to be presented and read aloud by the groom's father). Return to silent worship from which all are welcome to share as they are moved, leaving a period of silence for reflection between messages. Brief, heartfelt words are often best; songs, poems and even humor are acceptable. You may find you are called to speak of the joys, challenges, and richness of married life. [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name] signify the end of the meeting by shaking hands with each other and with the wedding guests. All present are asked to sign the wedding certificate as witnesses. Note for Back Cover (Optional) All are welcome to a reception immediately following the wedding. Directions to the reception site Thank you for all of your love and support! Groom's Name and Bride's Name [switching the order from the front, indicating that they are equal partners]

Front Cover Wedding of Bride's Name and Groom's Name Date Temple Name City, State Inside Page 1 The Wedding Processional Rabbi Cantor Name Bride's grandmother Name Bride's grandfather Name Groom's grandmother Name Groom's grandfather Bridesmaids Name Relation to the Bride Name Relation to the Bride Name Relation to the Bride Name Relation to the Bride Name Relation to the Bride Woman of Honor Name Relation to the Bride Groomsmen Name Relation to the Groom Name Relation to the Groom Name Relation to the Groom Name Relation to the Groom Name Relation to the Groom Best Man Name Relation to the Groom Groom's Name will walk to the huppah with his parents, Father's Name and Mother's Name Bride's Name will walk to the huppah with her parents, Father's Name and Mother's Name Inside Page 2–3 Jewish Reform Ceremony Explanation (Optional) Wedding Ceremony A Jewish wedding is not merely between two individuals, or their families and circle of friends; it is a cause of celebration for the entire Jewish people. A wedding is not just about two people finding happiness; it's more about the potential of this couple to make the world a better place by the virtue of being together as one. It is a Jewish belief that when two people who are destined for each other get married, they complete one another. The marriage of Bride's Name and Groom's Name was blessed at Temple Name on Date in a ceremony called aufruf during which Bride's Name and Groom's Name were called to the bimah and given honors before the Torah. Prior to the ceremony, the civil marriage license was witnessed and signed by Witness' Name and Witness' Name The ketubah (Jewish marriage document) was witnessed and signed by Witness' Name and Witness' Name The ketubah was traditionally a revolutionary concept, protecting the bride's rights and obligating the husband to look out for her welfare. Today, the ketubah reflects the equality of bride and groom and reflects their mutual obligations to each other. The wedding takes place under the huppah, symbolic of the home Bride's Name and Groom's Name will build together. The huppah has no walls; the marriage begins with just a roof, and Bride's Name and Groom's Name will build the walls with love and friendship, based on a foundation of respect and trust. The huppah is open on all sides so that family and friends will always feel welcome. A blessing of krikat erusin, or betrothal, is recited over the wine, followed by another in praise of God, who brought Bride's Name and Groom's Name together. Bride's Name and Groom's Name drink from the same cup of wine to represent the life that they will share from this day forth. Next comes the giving and accepting of rings. Jewish custom requires that wedding bands be made of a single piece of metal with no adornments breaking the circle, representing the wholeness achieved through marriage and the hope for an unbroken union. Groom's Name will place the ring on Bride's Name's right index finger to represent that marriage is an act of law, saying, “Behold, you are set apart for me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel." After reciting his vow, he will transfer the ring to its permanent place on her left ring finger to represent that the marriage is an act of love. The bride does the same to the groom. The ketubah is then read and presented to Bride's Name. After the chanting of the seven marriage blessings— shva b'rachot —the couple drinks from a second cup of wine. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Groom's Name will step on a glass and break it. This ancient practice has many interpretations. One of the most traditional is that it reminds us of the destruction of the holy temple in Jerusalem and the many losses that have been suffered by the Jewish people. Another explanation is that love, like glass, is very fragile and must be protected because, once broken, it is hard to put back together again. A more contemporary interpretation is that the sound travels through time and space to share their joy with all who have loved them, both those who are separated by distance and those separated by time. Immediately following the ceremony, Bride's Name and Groom's Name will leave the huppah and spend their first few minutes as husband and wife alone together in a private place. This is called yichud, or seclusion.

Front Cover
The Celebration and Blessing of Marriage Uniting

Bride's name and Groom's name

Day of the week, Date
Name of Church
City, State

Inside Page 1
The Wedding Party

Parents of the Bride: names

Parents of the Groom: names

Grandparents of the Bride: names

Grandparents of the Groom: names

Matron of Honor: name

Best Man: name

Bridesmaids: names

Groomsmen: names

Pianist/Flutist: name

Guitarist/Violinist/Soloist: name

Cellist: name

Trumpeter: name

Officiating Ministers: names

Inside Page 2
The Marriage Ceremony

The Musical Prelude

Honoring the Grandmothers
Seating the Mothers
"Name of Song" Composer

The Processional
"Name of Song" Composer

The Fanfare and Bridal
Processional
"Name of Song" Composer

The Service of Worship

Presentation of the Bride

Homily

Declaration of Intent

Exchange of Vows

Exchange of Rings

Celebration of Communion
"Name of Song" Composer

Prayer of Blessing

Pronouncement of Marriage

The Recessional
"Name of Song" Composer

Note for Back Cover
(Optional)
We are so honored and blessed to have each of you here this day to witness our wedding and to celebrate with us. It is in God's perfect timing and with His clear calling that we, with great joy, join our lives together.
We wish to thank our parents who have unconditionally loved us, prayed for us and supported us every step of the way. Outside of our personal relationships with Jesus Christ, they have played the greatest role in leading us and shaping us into the people we are today. This day is more wonderful because of their investment in our lives. We would also like to thank our families and friends. From our childhood to today, our memories with you bless us, make us laugh and brighten our days. You are truly priceless treasures in our lives.

With love,
Bride's name & Groom's name

Front Cover The Marriage Ceremony Uniting Bride's name and Groom's name Day of week, Date Time Name of Church City, State Inside Page 1 The Marriage Ceremony Prelude Processional "Name of song" Composer Bridal Processional "Name of song" Composer The Invocation The Scripture Lesson Book of Bible Chapter: Verse(s), reader's name The Wedding Message reader's name The Marriage Vows The Exchange Rings Declaration of Marriage Lighting of the Unity Candle "Name of song," Composer The Prayers The Lord's Prayer The Benediction Introduction of the Married Couple The Recessional "Name of song," Composer Inside Page 2 The Wedding Party Parents of the Bride names Parents of the Groom names Grandmother of the Groom name Grandfather of the Groom name Matron of Honor name Bridesmaids names Flower Girls name Best Man name Groomsmen name Ushers names Officiant name Organist name Note for Back Cover (Optional) Please join us at [name of the reception site] following the ceremony. Cocktails begin at [start time of cocktail hour]. With Gratitude Thank you for joining us on this joyous day! Being surrounded by our loving family and friends has made this day what it is meant to be—a celebration of love. Following the ceremony, we hope you can join us for dinner and dancing at name of reception site. With Love, Bride's name and Groom's name and our families

Front Cover The Marriage of Bride's name and Groom's name Date Name of Church, Unitarian Universalist City, State Inside Page 1 Processional Welcome Unity Bouquet As they join their lives together in marriage, creating a new family, [bride's name and groom's name] celebrate the heritage they bring from their distinct families. To symbolize the beauty of their soon-to-be-intertwined lineages, I invite their mothers, [bride's mother's name and groom's mother's name], to come forward with their individual bouquets and unite them in this vessel… Reading Community Vow Though [bride's name and groom's name] have chosen one another from all other possible partners in the world, and love one another deeply and truly, they will need your love and support in the years to come. Reading Charge to the Couple Vows Exchange of Rings Blessing or Prayer Proclamation PRESBYTERIAN (dropdown) Front cover Welcome Family and Friends to the Celebration of Marriage Uniting Bride's name and Groom's name Date, time Church Name Location Inside Page 1 Wedding Party Maid of Honor name Best Man name Bridesmaids names Groomsmen names Flower Girls names Parents of the Bride names Parents of the Groom names Leaders of Worship names Inside Page 2 The Service of Marriage Organ Prelude Bridal Processional "Name of Song" Composer Welcome/Statement of the Gift of Marriage Prayer The Consent Scripture Readings: Book of the Bible Chapter: Verse number Read by: Name Book of the Bible Chapter: Verse number Read by: Name Homily Exchange of Vows Giving and Receiving of Rings Light of the Unity Candle The Prayer Prayer of Thanksgiving Declaration of Marriage Benediction Recessional "Name of Song" Composer Note for Back Cover (Optional) Dear Family and Friends: We would like to thank you all for your love and support. Thank you for sharing in our special day. We would like to extend a special thanks to our parents for their unconditional love and guidance. With all our love, Bride's name and Groom's name

Front Cover A Celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony Bride's name and Groom's name Day of the Week, Date Name of Church City, State Inside Page 1 Maid of Honor Name Best Man Name Wedding Party Names listed Altar Servers Names listed Programs Name Guest Book Attendant Name Presiding The Very Reverend Name Name of Church Choir Under the direction of Name With deep gratitude and love! Thank you for joining us today and sharing our joy! What a blessing it is to begin our new lives together knowing that those whom we love so dearly are celebrating with us as we sanctify our marriage in and through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! May He bless you, even as He has blessed us so abundantly, for many years to come! With love, Bride's name and Groom's name Inside Page 2 Introduction Holy Matrimony is the Sacrament of the Orthodox Christian Church by which a man and a woman are united together "in faith, and in oneness of mind, in truth, and in love," acknowledging that their love is rooted in the God Who Is Love Itself. The marriage ceremony as celebrated today traces its present form back to the fifth century. It consists of two distinct services—the Betrothal and the Crowning. The Betrothal The Betrothal was originally celebrated separately from the Crowning, marking a couple's pledge to marry at a later date—a type of "liturgical engagement," so to speak. The exchange of rings takes place at this time. The rings are blessed by the priest, who takes them in his hand and, making the Sign of the Cross, says, "The servant of God, [Groom's name], is betrothed to the handmaid of God, [Bride's name], in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The exchange of rings shows the unity of two wed into "one flesh" and the sharing of the bond of love in which each will be enriched by the union. By themselves, the newly betrothed are incomplete; together, they are made perfect, whole and complete. Each will be enriched by the other in the Sacrament of Marriage. The bride and groom are given candles to hold—a reminder that it is Jesus Christ, the "Light of the World," Who will guide them through the years they will share as husband and wife. The Crowning The Crowning begins with the chanting of Psalm 128. The Crowning is the focal point of the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom are crowned as the "king and queen" of their own kingdom, the home, which they will guide with wisdom and love as an extension of the Kingdom of God. The crowns also recall the victorious crown of martyrdom, since every true marriage involves self-sacrifice from each spouse. Placing the crowns above the heads of the bride and groom, the priest proclaims, "The servants of God, [Groom's name and Bride's name], are crowned in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Inside Page 3 The Scripture Readings "Thou hast set upon their heads crowns of precious stones; they asked life of Thee, and Thou gavest it them." The words of Psalm 21 introduce the two scripture readings. The first, Ephesians 5:20-33, reminds us that the love Christ has for His People, the Church, is the same love a husband and wife must have for one another. The second, John 2:1-12, recounts Christ's first miracle, performed at the marriage feast at Cana in Galilee, at which He changed water into wine. In remembrance of this blessing, wine is given to the bride and groom in a "common cup." This cup signifies a life of harmony in which there is a mutual sharing of joy and sorrow. The drinking of wine from the common cup serves to impress upon the couple that, from that moment, they will share everything in this life as they anticipate the life of the world to come. The Joining of Hands and Procession Joining the hands of the bride and groom, the priest leads them in taking their first steps together as husband and wife. The circular procession (in the early days of the Church, it was an actual dance) reminds the couple of the eternity of marriage, at the center of which is Christ Himself. The Final Blessing The crowns are removed as the priest prays that God will "receive their crowns into Thy Kingdom, preserving them spotless, blameless and without reproach." The final blessing is imparted, after which the priest, on behalf of the assembly, wishes the couple many years of blessings and grace as they delight in their love for one another—a love that finds its source and fulfillment in the God Who Is Love Itself. Glory to God for all things!

Front Cover A Celebration of Marriage Bride's name and Groom's name Date Name of Church or Chapel City, State Inside Page 1 Celebrant name Concelebrant name Parents of the Bride names Parents of the Groom names Matron of Honor name Best Man name Ushers names Ring Bearer name Flower Girl name Organist name Soloist name Musicians name(s) Inside Page 2 Prelude Processional "Name of Song," Composer Bride's Processional "Name of Song," Composer Liturgy of the Word Opening Prayer First Reading—Book of the Bible Chapter: Verse, reader's name Responsorial Psalm: Name of Psalm, reader's name Second Reading—Book of the Bible Chapter: Verse, reader's name Gospel Acclamation—Book of the Bible Chapter: Verse, reader's name Homily Inside Page 3 Sacrament of Marriage Exchange of Vows Blessing and Exchange of Rings Unity Candle "Name of Song," Singer's name Prayer of the Faithful reader's name Response: Lord Hear Our Prayer Presentation of the Gifts Liturgy of the Eucharist Eucharistic Prayer Lord's Prayer Nuptial Blessing Sign of Peace Communion “Name of song," Singer's name Presentation of Flowers to the Blessed Mother "Name of Song," Composer Final Blessing Recessional "Name of Song," Composer Note for Back Cover (Optional) Thanks so much to all of our family and friends for your love and generosity. We are so grateful all of you were able to join us and share in our special day. Bride's name and Groom's name

Front Page Bride's name weds Groom's name Location Date Inside Page 1 Barat Groom's name arrives for the wedding with his family and friends. Bride's name's family and friends receive them. Jayamala Bride's name greets Groom's name and acknowledges him as her betrothed in the presence of all assembled by garlanding him. Groom's name reciprocates. Ganesh Pooja The priest commences the marriage ceremony under the mandap by invoking God to accept the wedding prayers and to bless the assembly and the couple to be married. The parents of the bride are then asked to join the ceremony. Madhuparka Bride's name parents offer madhuparka (a mixture of yogurt and honey) to the groom who accepts it with a prayer that he may imbibe its purity and sweetness. Shakochar The priest invokes the memory and the blessings of the respective fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers of the bride and groom for the holy matrimony. Panigrahan and Kanyadaan In the Hindu way of life, a married woman is given special status and respect in society. This is a very special moment for the bride, as she accepts her change of status from an unmarried woman to a wife. The father of the bride gives away ("daan") his daughter ("kanya") to the groom, who affirms his commitment to the marriage. Inside Page 2 Granthibandhan The priest ties the knot to bind Bride's name and Groom's name together for life. Throughout the ceremony, oblations are made to God to invoke His blessings in the form of a "Havan" (ceremonial fire). Samagree (crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar and rice), Ghee (clarified butter), Camphor, and Samidha (twigs) are offered into the Agnikunda (fire pit). Shilarohan and Lajahuti Bride's name's brother gives her "Kheel" (purified rice) and she offers it to God. The brother then assists Bride's name to step upon a rock, which symbolizes strength of purpose and firmness. Groom's name asks Bride's name to be firm like a rock, to resist foes and to help thwart undesirable forces. Parikrama Bride's name leads Groom's name three times around the Agnikunda, offering oblations to God each time. Groom's name then leads Bride's name four times around the Agnikunda. Saptapadi Groom's name stresses to Bride's name the need for harmony and devotion in life, while the couple walks together seven steps, vowing: With God as our guide let us take: The first step for prosperity The second step for strength The third step for wealth The fourth step for happiness The fifth step for progeny The sixth step for nature's bounty The seventh step for companionship Exchange of wedding vows (Vachan) Shuaang Groom's name places sindoor (red powder), the traditional mark of a suhaagwati stree (married woman) in the parting of Bride's name's hair. Aashirvaad The couple receives the blessing of all assembled and are showered with rice and flowers.

Front Cover The wedding of Bride's name and Groom's name Date Location/Mosque City, State Inside Page 1 Baraat Welcome The groom arrives at the wedding venue with his baraat (procession of his family and friends). A band plays traditional music to announce their arrival. The groom shares a drink of "sherbet" (a juice drink prepared from fruits and/or flower petals) with the bride's brother. The bride's sisters play pranks and welcome the guests with flowers and sometimes sprinkle rosewater on them, symbolizing the purity and fragrance of the divine. Mahr The marriage gift (mahr) is a divine injunction. The giving of mahr to the bride by the groom is an essential part of the contract. "And give the women (upon marriage) their mahr as a (nikah) free gift." (Quran 4:4). Mahr is a token commitment of the husband's responsibility and may be paid in cash, property or movable objects to the bride herself. The amount of the mahr is not legally specified; however, moderation according to the existing norm is recommended. On the day of the Nikah, the elder members of the two families decide the amount of mahr. The mahr may be paid immediately to the bride at the time of marriage, deferred to an alternate date or a combination of both. The deferred mahr, however, becomes due in the event of death or divorce. Nikahnama One matrimonial party expresses willing consent to enter into the marriage and the other party expresses acceptance of the responsibility in the assembly of the marriage ceremony. For the contract to be legal, it must be signed by the groom, the bride, and their two respective witnesses. The written marriage contract (Agd-Nikah) is then publicly announced. Inside Page 2 Sermon The assembly of nikah is addressed with a marriage sermon by the Muslim officiant. Customarily, in marriage societies, a state-appointed Qadi (Muslim judge) officiates over the nikah ceremony and keeps the record of the marriage contract. However, any trustworthy practicing Muslim can conduct the nikah ceremony, as Islam does not advocate priesthood. The documents of the marriage contact/certificate are filed with the masjid (mosque) and local government for the record. Prophet Muhammad made it tradition to have the marriage sermon delivered in the assembly to solemnize the marriage. The sermon invited the bride and the groom as well as participating guests in the assembly to a life of piety, love, kindness, and social responsibility. The Khutbah-tun-Nikah begins with the praise of Allah. His help and guidance are sought. The Muslim confession of faith that "there is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger" is declared. The three Quranic verses (Quran 4:1, 3:102, 33:70-71) and one hadith (prophetic saying) form the essential text of the marriage. This hadith says: "By Allah! Among all of you I am the most God-fearing, and among you all, I am the supermost to save myself from the wrath of Allah, yet my state is that I observe prayer to sleep too. I observe fast and suspend observing them, I marry woman also. And he who turns away from my Sunnah has no relation with me." (Bukhari) The Muslim Officiant concludes the ceremony with Dua (prayer) for the bride, groom, their respective families, the local Muslim community and the Muslim community at large. Nikah (marriage) is considered as an act of worship. It is considered virtuous to conduct it in a mosque, keeping the ceremony simple. The marriage ceremony is a social as well as religious activity. Islam advocates simplicity in ceremonies and celebrations. Inside page 3 Blessing the Groom The groom receives blessings from the older women and offers them his salaam (Islamic greeting). The guests pray for the newlyweds. Reception Dinner is a lavish spread. The women and the men usually dine separately. After dinner, the newlyweds sit together for the first time. Their heads are covered by a dupatta while they read prayers under the direction of the maulvi (priest). The Quran is placed between the couple and they are allowed to see each other only through mirrors. Postwedding Rituals Rukhsat The bride's family bids her a tearful farewell before she departs for her husband's house. The bride's father gives her hands to her husband and tells him to protect and take good care of her. Welcoming the Bride The groom's mother holds the Quran above the head of her new daughter-in-law as she enters her new home for the first time after the wedding. Chauthi The Chauthi is the fourth day after the wedding, when the bride visits the home of her parents. She receives a joyous welcome on this day. Walima (The Marriage Banquet) After the consummation of the marriage, the groom's family hosts a banquet. It is a joyous occasion that brings together the two families, their relatives and other well-wishers.