Simply I Do Ceremonies
By Susie
Celebrant, in Columbus, Ohio
Specialized in writing personalized weddings and memorial services
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chair ceremony

8/29/2012

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I am partial to chairs.  Odd as that may be to read it's true.  I take notice of chairs all the time and I convince myself that there are certain types of chairs I must own, such as a hammock chair or reading chair.  My favorite chair is a very large over stuffed chair that sits at an angle in front of my living room window.  I love this chair because it allows me to sit in it indian style very comfortably.  I have adopted quite a few rocking chairs.  It seems the people that I know often want to rid of their hand-me-down rocking chair.  So they ask me "Do you want this old chair?" and I can't help but to sing "Yes!"  I also can not seem to get rid of any of my kitchen chairs, regardless of how they look.  I will paint them, drape them in fabric, turn them into a plant stand or junk art anything but throw them out.  So it isn't that odd that in my mind I have created a chair wedding ceremony.

I visualize the two chairs in the ceremony as being fashioned after the two that are being wed.  I will give you an example,  If I were to create two chairs that represented my husband and I, I would use wooden straight back chairs equal in size.  For my husbands chair I would cover the entire thing in a map.  A modge-podge of countries, states, oceans, and mountains wrapping around it's legs and across it's seat to represent my husband's traveling soul.  I would hang a necktie from one post and a ball cap from the other, binoculars would dangle down one side.  My chair would be painted a sage green with a pale yellow pillow on it's seat.  I would tie a bouquet of sunflowers to grow up it's one side.  From one post I would hang a cross as well as japa mala beads to represent my diverse spiritual side.  I would drape a string of pearls down it's back and an open book of poetry would hug the top of my chair.

The two chairs are to sit empty off to the side.  Shortly after the opening words by the officiant and maybe after a short reading, soft music will begin to play and two people will retrieve the chairs and take them to where the bride and groom are standing.  The chairs should be placed down so that they are facing each other and the bride and groom shall take a seat.  Not a word yet spoken, just the sound of music.  As the couple sits, giving their guest a touching profile, the officiant will circle the chairs spreading rose petals as she goes.  When a full circle of rose petals surrounds the couple the music stops and the officiant begins.  She may comment on how uniquely different the two chairs are.  Yet they each have the same purpose "Support"  
This couple has chosen to take their vows in chairs, to signifying that they will always support one another.  

A chair is that place you go to to think things through.  It is a place to ponder, to dream, to relax.  In marriage, your partner should be that place as well.    A chair holds you up when you clumsily sit down, or when you brew, or pout, or cry.  Your life partner should hold you up through those things as well.  A chair supports you when your ill with fever, wrapped in blankets, looking like hell as should you partner.  And it supports you when your happy or being entertained or socializing.  At times you may notice your chair becoming wobbly or worn out and if you want it to last, you must take to fixing it in order to keep it stable and solid, just as you must do in your marriage.  When the officiant is done with this analogy the couple with clasped hands and gazing eyes repeat their vows with promises of support.

Now it is time for the ring exchange and the officiant speaks of the circle of rose petals that surrounds the couple.  The red rose is the symbol of love and a circle is the symbol for eternity, just as the wedding ring is a circle.  A circle has no beginning and no end and represents a love that is timeless and complete.  The bride/groom may say "I give you this ring as a symbol of my never ending love and support."  

After the ring exchange the chairs are removed and the couple stands in the center of a circle of rose petals to seal their marriage with a kiss.






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    Susie Newman

    I believe in the ceremony of things. I believe in making personal occasions PERSONAL.

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