The Secondary Sponsors in a wedding entourage will carry the symbols to be used in the religious ceremony of the wedding. Traditionally, there is a male and female pair to represent the symbols such as the candle, the veil, and cord for both sexes.
These are the Secondary Sponsors:
- Candle Sponsors
- Veil Sponsors
- Cord Sponsors
Their Roles:
Candle Sponsors
Symbolism: to light the path of the couple
Must Do: The male and female candle sponsors will light the candles at the altar. Male candle sponsor will light the candle at the groom’s side of the altar. The female candle sponsor, on the other hand, will light the candle at the bride’ side of the altar.
Must Have: While the candles to be lighted are usually provided by the church, make sure that these are available on site. The wedding planner / coordinator should have this on his/her checklist together with the lighter or safety matchsticks (posporo). Both male and female candle sponsors will usually march down the aisle with the lighter or matchstick in their possession.
The Unity Candle ceremony
In Christian denomination weddings, and some Catholic weddings, too, the Unity Candle lighting ceremony is a time honored tradition. It involves both the bride and groom. After the candle sponsors light the candles at the altar, they will hand over their lighted candles to the bride and groom. In turn, the bride and groom will light the unity candle together to symbolize that they have become one and will shine in their marriage as a singular flame and no longer two separate entities.
Veil Sponsors
Symbolism: to clothe the couple and to cover them with the mantle of God’s protection.
Must Do: Male and veil sponsors will approach the couple and lay the veil on the head of the bride and on the shoulder of the groom. DO NOT put the veil on the groom’s head!
Must Have: The veil. The veil sponsors usually will march down the aisle with the female holding the symbol.
Cord Sponsors
Symbolism – to bind the couple together
Must Do: Following the veil sponsors, the male and female cord sponsors will put the cord over the head and onto the shoulders of the bride and groom.
Must Have: The Cord. The veil sponsors will usually march down the aisle with the female holding the symbol.
RELATED: Choosing Your Entourage
Given the symbols and the roles of the secondary sponsors in a wedding entourage described above, pick from among your possible choices among closest friends, family, and relatives the ones you think will be perfect for the job. Word of Caution: veil will be secured with a safety pin or a similar pointed object. It will be a good idea to assign it to someone with good eyesight and careful enough not to injure you or your wedding fineries.
RELATED: Where to Start?
RELATED: How Much To Spend?
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