Many Christians choose to get married in church. The service is always performed by a minister or priest.

Wedding customs vary but the most important parts of the ceremony are very similar.

Before their wedding, the couple visit their minister or priest to discuss the arrangements for the day itself. They also talk about the meaning of the service so that they understand the promises they will make to each other.

On the day of the wedding, the groom and the best man arrive early at the church to greet the guests. The best man is a close friend of

the groom.

The bride arrives later than the groom and the guests. She walks into the church and down the aisle with her father. Then she

stands next to the groom, facing the alter.

The service begins with a hymn and a reading from the Bible.

After this, the congregation are asked if they know any reason why the bride and groom may not get married! If no one answers, the wedding can go

ahead.

In ancient times, some people thought a vein lead from this finger straight to the heart.

The bride and groom are now husband and wife. There are prayers, another reading from the bible and a talk by the priest. The service ends with a blessing.

Then the couple sign the marriage register, which makes their marriage official. The service is followed by a party, called a reception. After this the couple

leave for a special holiday, called a honeymoon.

Down

1. This person conducts the wedding ceremony.

1. These are given to the bride and groom.

2. The best man looks after these.

3. At the wedding there is a reading from the ___

4. To make the marriage legal the couple have to sign the marrige ______.