Mix and Match: Including Friends Of Other Faiths In Your Ceremony and Celebration

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer)

So, she (or he) has been your best friend well before you were interested in the opposite sex and now that you’re getting ready to get married, you just couldn’t imagine her (or him) not playing a special part in your ceremony and celebration (of love). But, there seems to be one “hitch” in your plans to get hitched. You’re BFF is of a totally different faith and it’s got you wondering if you should or could include her or him.

That all depends on where and how you’re getting married, and who is conducting the ceremony. Many houses of worship and religious officiants have specific rules about who can participate and who can represent the bride and groom. And, it is often based on the dogma and tradition of both your religion and your friends and what is allowed and considered comfortable in each. Still, it’s like a friend of another faith, though she (or he) may not want to participate in readings or prayers) can still stand in as a witness for you and the groom and can respond when the officiant asks for support for the couple from family and friends. Just make sure to have a talk with your officiant and your friend beforehand to clear the air, and to let each know what they can expect. In addition you may also want to post information about your ceremony in your program so that those of other faiths can follow and know what their options are.