The Tradition of “Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace”
Weddings are an occasion where traditions are honored and celebrated. One such tradition is the moment during the ceremony where the officiant asks the congregation, “Does anyone object to this marriage? Speak now or forever hold your peace.” This phrase has been used for centuries and is believed to have originated from the Anglican Church’s Book of Common Prayer. The idea behind this tradition is to give anyone with a valid reason to object to the marriage an opportunity to speak up before it’s too late.
Should You Include “Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace” in Your Wedding Script?
While the tradition adds a bit of drama to the ceremony, it is not a requirement to include it in the wedding script. Many couples opt to leave it out as it can make some guests uncomfortable, and it can also be seen as outdated. However, if you and your partner feel that the tradition is important to you, then go ahead and include it. It’s your wedding, and you should do what makes you happy.
What to Do if Someone Objects?
If someone does decide to speak up during the ceremony, it’s important to handle the situation with grace and tact. The officiant should listen to the objection and determine if it is a valid reason to halt the ceremony. If it is, then the wedding will be postponed until the issue is resolved. If it’s not a valid reason, then the ceremony will continue as planned.
Alternatives to “Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace”
If you decide not to include the tradition in your wedding script, there are other ways to acknowledge the importance of your guests in your ceremony. You can have your officiant ask the guests to show their support for the couple by saying, “Will you, the family and friends of [bride and groom], support and encourage them in their marriage?” This is a great way to involve your guests and make them feel like they are an essential part of your special day.
Conclusion
In the end, whether or not to include “Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace” in your wedding script is entirely up to you. It’s a tradition that has been around for centuries, but it’s not a requirement. If you do choose to include it, remember that it’s meant to be a formality and not a source of drama. If you decide not to include it, there are other ways to acknowledge the importance of your guests in your ceremony.
FAQs
What is the purpose of “Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace” in a wedding ceremony?
The purpose of the phrase is to give anyone with a valid reason to object to the marriage an opportunity to speak up before it’s too late.
Is it necessary to include “Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace” in a wedding ceremony?
No, it’s not necessary to include it. Many couples opt to leave it out as it can make some guests uncomfortable, and it can also be seen as outdated.
What should you do if someone objects during the ceremony?
The officiant should listen to the objection and determine if it is a valid reason to halt the ceremony. If it is, then the wedding will be postponed until the issue is resolved. If it’s not a valid reason, then the ceremony will continue as planned.
