How do Jehovah's Witnesses celebrate bridals?

Answer 1

Jehovah's Witnesses call their "church" Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses, where they have a matrimonial ceremony.

A minister, or elder, signs the marriage licence. After the wedding ceremony there is usually a reception or dance in a regular dance hall. Bridesmaids and groomsmen participate. Of course they have their wedding cake. Alcohol in weddings is usually optional, but they all drink responsibly. They enjoy dancing. Music is also chosen selectively. Gifts are given by family and friends.

In most cultures weddings end around 1 am.

Further details ["wedding customs" that are not usually observed ]

*We do not toast the bride and groom as that could be construed as imitating a false religious ritual (Watchtower 1st Jan 1968).

*We do not throw rice or confetti as that too has pagan origins.

*Lucky horseshoes are also not suitable.

*We do not throw a garter or bouquets to the crowd as that to is associated with 'good luck'.

*Shoes and bottles etc would not be tied to a wedding vehicle as that too is wishing 'luck'.

*The custom of the groom not seeing the bride before the ceremony because it would be unlucky is also a superstition we do not adhere to.

*"good luck" items such as "something old, something borrowed, something blue'" are not procured.

*Carrying the bride over the threshold also has 'good luck' as an origin and therefore we do not practiced.

*Although in most cultures Witnesses will exchange rings this is by no means universal as because of the possible pagan associations some Witnesses conscience will not allow rings. [Watchtower 15th Jan 1972 says ''Of course, a wedding ring is by no means a Christian requirement. One Christian might decide not to wear a wedding ring, because of conscience, personal taste, cost, local custom, or some other reason. Yet another Christian might decide to indicate his married status by means of a wedding ring. Hence, in the final analysis the decision is a personal one, to be made in accord with the conscientious views one holds.'' ]

To summarize; anything that is associated with superstition, good luck or fertility wishes are generally not observed.

Large social gatherings are generally not encouraged amongst Jehovah's people and therefore weddings, being the exception, have to be tightly controlled by responsible elders in our congregation to make sure that our conduct does not bring reproach on our organization and God's name. This is especially the case if alcohol is served. The overall responsibility for anything going wrong at one of our weddings lies with the newly married groom.