Emphasize worship. God is the primary witness to our covenant promise to each other. Of course, God is the ultimate example of covenant loyalty. Therefore, although our society says this is the bride’s day, in reality it is really God’s day. It is God who is honored when a man and woman commit themselves to loyalty and purity in their new life together. Simply translated, a wedding ceremony is in fact a worship ceremony.
The most important consideration therefore, should be to examine every element of our ceremony to assure that it does not trivialize the significance of the covenant promise, relationship, or the worship. Music is one of the most powerful elements in worship. It can bring us to our feet or take us down on our knees. When choosing music for your ceremony, the overall sentiment should be one that represents or demonstrates Christ-like compassion and enduring love in a way that is appropriate and leads people to worship.
This does not mean that secular music cannot ever be chosen. There is plenty of poetry and other creative expression within the Bible that doesn’t directly mention Christ. But it does express the attitude of Christ’s love and loyalty - that is the key. If there is a secular song that is significant to the two of you that creatively symbolizes such expression, then use it.
Sacred Symbols from the Bible and Christian Tradition
Ecclesiastes 4:12 illustrates that Christian marriage is about more than the union of one man and woman. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” This passage teaches us that God performs a miracle in marriage, uniting us together with Him as one. The simple act of the bride and groom braiding a cord of three strands can be a sacred symbol of that union created on your wedding day. You may choose to incorporate a specific color for each strand. A gold strand can represent God at the center of your marriage. A purple strand may represent the groom -- the majesty of God as head over the husband. A white strand may represent the bride, as in the purity of the bride of Christ.
Another symbol of unity would be the joining of hands in prayer. You might invite the entire congregation to join hands in prayer asking God to unite you in oneness of mind and heart.
Of course, candles are often used to symbolize Christ, “the light of the world,” and the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost that should burn in the hearts of the bride and groom to light and guide their path throughout life. Consider lighting a unity candle or incorporating candles into your ceremony.