I've heard this suggested a couple of times, but I've never actually seen it. The idea is that the officiant has his/her back to the guests, so that everyone can see the bride and groom (not just a profile or the backs of their heads).
I'd love to hear from anyone who has been to (or who had) a ceremony like this. Did it work? How did people react? Was it weird/distracting for the couple, looking out at all the faces?
I'm considering this for my wedding, but would like to hear from anyone who's experienced it.
2006-09-20 05:47:35 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
I spoke with someone yesterday who said that they did it at her son's wedding, and according to her, it was the best thing about the whole ceremony. I think the idea is that, not only can everyone see the couple, but they can see all the guests who are sharing in the moment with them.
2006-09-20 06:06:53 · update #1
And we will be having a civil ceremony, not a religious one.
2006-09-20 06:14:53 · update #2
I was in a wedding like that. The attendants stood behind the B & G who were facing the guests. The Priest would face the guests when he was speaking to the crowd, and faced the B&G when he was addressing them. From my view, I didn't like the fact that I could see the crowd looking at me, but I would LOVE to be in the crowd looking at a wedding party and seeing more than their backs.
2006-09-20 06:57:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It has never worked- we had three weddings where couples insisted on it and it was super tacky. One couple wanted to stand on a platform ABOVE the minister with his back to the guests!
It's distracting for the couple and the officiant blocks the view to the couple. It's really really tacky. The officiant/mininster should not have his back to the guests, it's disrespectful. One couple had the minister stand to the side and it was really awkward with the rings. They also lost the moment when they are pronounced husband and wife where they then turn to face the guests.
It simply does not work. It confuses the guests and degrades the officiant.
Trust me, the guests can see the couple just fine in the traditional profile setup facing each other. The only time the guests see their backs is perhaps during the greeting.
2006-09-20 07:48:58 · answer #2 · answered by logical_centrist 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've been to a couple and the general rule is that it is appropriate for a civil ceremony, officiated by a Judge or JP or other non-religious officiant but is improper for a religious service, in which the Clergyman is speaking as much to the congregation as to the couple being married.
In a religious wedding ceremony, the priority should be the spiritual aspect not the visual.
2006-09-20 06:11:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I haven't but I don't think this would work because all you would see the officiant's back. That's why through most of the wedding the bride and groom are facing each other. Also the wedding is not for the guest it is for the bride and groom.
2006-09-20 05:52:21 · answer #4 · answered by glitter3317 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes i have attended a few weddings like this, and they are certainly nicer to attend, you see/feel the emotion and the guests get more out of the ceremony i feel. (rather than looking at the priest and the back of the bride and grooms heads for an hour plus)
Anything you choose will be lovley
Congrats and best of luck
2006-09-20 07:06:24 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ goddessofraine ♥ 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are pros & cons to this. Some photographers complain that there is this black blob in the center of all their photos (clergy in a robe). Others have no problem with it & say they get wonderful photos. Especially if the officiant has room to move from side to side.
The guests love to see the faces of the couple as they make their vows to each other. Sometimes, when space allows, we try to place the couple in a wing or V fomation so the couple can be better viewed by the guests.
You really need to discuss your options with both your officiant & photographer.
2006-09-20 06:26:29 · answer #6 · answered by weddrev 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
seen it, loved it! It gives the guests a deeper connection to the bride and groom. I loved it. To bad I saw it after my wedding or I would have! Everyone loved it. The bride said it was an awesome feeling to know that everyone could see them actually taking their vows. The groom didn't care one way or the other as long as he could marry her.
2006-09-20 20:49:36 · answer #7 · answered by mrslang1976 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have been to over 500 weddings due to the nature of my business but i have only seen this done once! i feel more people/guests find it odd and are not paying attention to the ceremony because they are still wondering why u are standing the wrong way. i like the fact that the guests see you . godd luck on your big day.
2006-09-20 05:52:47 · answer #8 · answered by sammi girls mom 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not personally, but you would just have to rearrange the audience. It's true though, you would have to figure out what to do with the officiant so he/she doesn't block everyone's view of the Bride and Groom. Hmm... I wonder how that would work.
2006-09-20 05:56:32 · answer #9 · answered by stuckinamoment 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i've seen it, and it was really different. i thought it was cool. it was a nice change from seeing the backs of people for so long. the guests were surprised but they liked it, because you could see everything. it depends on the people getting married, though. if you don't mind facing people, go for it. =]
2006-09-20 06:05:42 · answer #10 · answered by JoAnna 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋