Introduction as a married couple at wedding?

Question

At the end of the ceremony, does our officiant have to introduce us to the crowd?" (ie "Ladies and gentlemen it's my pleasure to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Smith") I am hyphenating my name, and since we won't have the same last name I think this would sound weird. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Don't feel you have to bend to tradition. Just make sure that you and your fiance will be happy with how things will go.

You don't have to have an introduction at all, but if you'd like to have one, you could just have your officiant alter the wording a bit. For example:

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you for the first time, John and Jane as... husband and wife!" And then the crowd goes wild with applause!

I don't think the last names are needed for such an introduction. The point is that you're now married - husband and wife, wife and husband. I think first names only - when phrased like that (or similar) sound nice.

Thanks for posting this question. I just read my answer to my fiance and he likes the idea of leaving out the last names - so that's what we'll probably end up doing too.

Answer 2

I, too hyphenated my name and use it regularly. When the officiant introduces you to the crowd, he is still correct when he calls you Mrs. Smith, it's just not going to be Mrs. Doe-Smith. You are still BOTH. I use my hyphenated name on all legal documents, I use my maiden name for work, and I use my married name for everything else. Those that know me, know how I feel about my maiden name (I LOVE IT) and didn't want to give it up. It's the first day and Mr. and Mrs., enjoy it and don't fret the small stuff. Good luck!

Answer 3

Definitely don't need to do this at the end of the ceremony. It is nice to be introduced at the start of the reception; however, you don't need to say the typical "Mr & Mrs." You could just say something like, "For the first time as husband and wife, Joe & Sally." People know your last name, and if they don't you probably shouldn't have them at your wedding. We are doing this at my wedding since we aren't sure how we are going to work the last name thing.

Answer 4

Its just a tradition. I think you ought to let him introduce you traditionally, as Mr. and Mrs. Smith. You'll have the rest of your life together to show everyone your individuality from your husband. Being introduced like that in no way makes it official. And in just a few short weeks, everyone will see the hyphen on your return address when you send out those thank you notes.

Answer 5

he/she could just say :
"ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom"
and then the music can start and you can make your way down the aisle.

or how about
"ladies and gentlemen, i present to you, jack smith and jill robinson-smith"

or just forgo the itroduction and have the officiant say something totally different like,
"ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom wish you all happiness and joy in your lives. take care."

the ceremony would feel a tad awkward without some kind of a closer.....
plus, you need to think about your introduction at the reception, too.
they usually do "mr. & mrs. smith" there too.

if you did Mr.SMith and Mrs. robinson-smith, then that would make it more uniform at the ceremony and reception.

have you asked your DJ or officiant about this??
i'm sure, if they've done enough weddings, that they would have some suggestions.

take care.

Answer 6

You're paying this person to perform the ceremony, so don't be afraid to speak up and say whether you want it or not.

You officiant doesn't have to do anything you don't want! If you'd prefer to drop that part, just request that he do so.

Many are breaking with tradition now days, and it's kind of cool. It can make for an interesting wedding!

Answer 7

Personally I hate when they announce the couple as Mr and Mrs John Smith. Where did the bride's names go in that announcement. I think you can personalize the announcement to what makes sence to you. Mr Smith and Mrs Smith-maiden name is perfectly fine.

Touches like this will personalize your wedding to reflect you guys as a couple.

Answer 8

In the Episcopal religion there is no formal announcement made at the end, nor is there a "you may kiss the bride", the prayer ended we stood up kissed quickly and turned and left.
No one missed it in our ceremony, at least no one mentioned that it wasnt done to either of us afterwards. So if you choose not to do it, it wont be a big deal.

Answer 9

What is the big deal for one night? Let the officiant just say Mr & Mrs Smith. You know who you are.

Answer 10

usually you'll be introduced as "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith," giving his full name. I don't think it matters that you'll be hyphenating it; during the ceremony it'll be pretty formal when it comes to the introduction :)