Emma and I are both Christians, and we’re not ashamed of it.  It is entirely natural to us that our wedding should be a Christian one.  We’re not ashamed of that and wouldn’t dream of apologising for it, but we do realise that if you aren’t a Christian, you may have a few questions about us and what’s going to happen.

Firstly, the stereotype of church as being a rather boring club where nothing’s changed for hundreds of years and nobody really believes it any more couldn’t be further from the truth.  We’re not like that and nor are the churches we attend.  They’re as modern as anything else in today’s world, although it is certainly true to say that the activities that go on inside have been going on for 2000 years.  Any way, on to some questions you may have…

We’re certainly hoping people will be nice, but we all have our off days!

They’d better not do.  Frankly, it’s rude.

This is one of the things that people all over the world, whatever their belief get wrong.  It isn’t about marketing or arguing people into submission.  It’s certainly never about fear or damning messages.  That’s not what Jesus was about and that’s not what we should be about.

Ask them.  See the bit above about nobody trying to convert you.  Ask away.  Might be worth avoiding anybody who sang or prayed far too enthusiastically though!

Just talk to us.  We don’t bite and won’t harrass you.  It’s safe to ask us questions.  We’ll also admit that we don’t always have the answers.

It’s a wedding where 2 people who follow Jesus are married in front of God as well as legally.  You’ll find it all very familiar, but maybe with a slant that’s new to you.  In a Christian wedding, there is:

More properly called worship.  This is usually very modern music with a great band.  People sing along, they may clap (the English ones probably won’t!), and it is fairly common for Christians to raise their arms during this time.

Nobody is expecting you to do any of this.  Sing if you want to.  Feel free not to, (not knowing the song is a wonderful excuse!)  Just please don’t feel awkward – it’s the last thing we’d want, and we would never ask you to take an active part in something that was contrary to what you personally believe.

Stay in your seat, close your eyes, put your hands together and try deperately to remember the Lord’s Prayer?  Sorry – that’s not how it will work.

There will be some prayer that will be familiar (somebody at the front speaking) and people do typically close their eyes, but many don’t.  Just do what you feel comfortable with.

There will also be a time when people who believe in Jesus are invited to come forward and pray for us.  Again, this is very common, although you may not have seen it before.  If you don’t believe in Jesus (or do but are uncomfortable with us, or the stage is too crowded), then just stay sat and observe how strangely Christians behave behind closed doors!

Yep, there will be a reading and then somebody will give a bit of a speech.  We’re really hoping it’ll be interesting and thought provoking.  Don’t worry – nobody’s expecting anythging of you during this part.

You’ll have seen this many times before.  In our case, some of the words may be different (there’s little likelihood of Emma promising to obey me!) but this is basically the bit you’re all used to.

Just drop us a line and we’ll answer you, plus we’ll update the website if it was something others are likely to ask.