The Declaration and the Kiss

Part 1- The Declaration

The celebrant will retell the guests of the importance of the day and what we have all witnessed that day, recap some points in your vows and promises and pronounce you husband and wife, wife and wife, husband and husband.

An example of how this usually goes down- 

“Throughout this ceremony, (Partner one) and (Partner two) have vowed, in our presence, to be loyal and loving towards each other. They have formalized the existence of the bond between them with words spoken and with the giving and receiving of rings. Therefore, it is my pleasure to now pronounce them husband and wife.”

Part 2- The Kiss

I'll now be asking you to have a big smooch. 

Have a few practice kisses in the week leading up to your ceremony, it may sound silly but there is nothing worse than one member getting a bit more excited than the other and the photo is of one pulling away! If I happen to ask you to have another kiss, it may be because some hands went over the face during the first one or the photographer may have been signaling me for another one. If it seems like it is taking a while for me to say kiss her already, it may be because I can see the photographer isn’t quite in the right spot just yet.

Some details to consider in regard to the declaration and the kiss-

Even though you are getting married, consider how you would like your kiss to look on the day.

Do you want a long passionate kiss in front of Grandma or a more subtle kiss.

Discuss if a “dip” will be included in your kiss, if the dipped partner doesn’t know it's coming, your photo will be of a terrified face instead of a happy one.

Consider how you would like to be referenced for the kiss- you may now kiss your bride, kiss your wife etc.