Quaker Glossary

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Affirmation and commitment – To make a formal declaration.
Best man – The groom’s right hand man.
Bouquet – Bunch of flowers.
Bridesmaids – Assistants to the bride.
Ceremonial – Formal ceremony.
Civil ceremony – Non-religious, abiding by the laws of marriage.
Door keeper – The person who greets the guests as they arrive at the meeting house.
Elders - Senior members of the congregation.
Legalities – Lawfulness.
Meeting for worship – A religious Quaker service.
Meeting house – The Quaker place of worship.
Priest – A person ordained for religious service.
Procession – The formal order for the entrance of a wedding party.
Recessional – Hymns sung as part of the marriage ceremony.
Registering officer – The person who registers marriages at a Quaker meeting house.
Sanctity – Sacred obligation.
Sermon – Speech presented by the priest at a wedding.
Silent communication – The essence of a Quaker meeting for worship.
Superintendent registrar – The official legal recorder of marriage.
Union – Being united in marriage.
Veil – A piece of decorative material used to conceal the bride’s face.

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