At the end of the wedding, just before the “Declaration of Marriage,” we incorporate parting words to warmly send the bride and groom on their way. This so-called charge, can take many forms, but often couples like to pay respect to their family traditions with familiar words. For example, those of Jewish background like the “Seven Blessings,” whether traditional or contemporary versions. The Irish Blessing below, is a favorite of couples with Celtic ancestry.
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon the fields.
May the light of friendship guide your paths together.
May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.
May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from your lips,
a twinkle from your eye.
And when eternity beckons, at the end of a life heaped high with love,
May the good Lord embrace you with the arms that have nurtured you
the whole length of your joy-filled days.
May the gracious God hold you both in the palm of His hands.
And, today, may the Spirit of Love find a dwelling place in your hearts.
