White Bible Ceremony

In the southern United States, the White Bible Ceremony is an old tradition for the bride-to-be, along with the groom-to-be. The couple is honored at a private or public gathering. They are presented with flowers and a white Bible. Each flower is a symbol of an important ingredient necessary for a successful marriage.
This can be an intimate gathering of family and close friends or it can be open to all of the wedding guests, whatever the couple wants. This can be performed by a minister or by one or more family members. Some couples have the mothers of the bride and groom do the ceremony. Other couples include both sets of parents and even grandparents in this important evening.
Consider having this ceremony as a part of your pre-wedding activities, even if you are not from the south. It is a passing on of a beautiful formula for a successful marriage from one generation to another.
The formula? Basically seeking God's guidance in your daily life as a married couple through reading His Word and praying together.
The White Bible Ceremony presents items to build a beautiful bouquet.
You will need:
2 Red Roses
1 Yellow Rose
1 White Rose
1 Red Carnation
1 White Carnation
Bouquet Greenery
Length of Ribbon (about 20")
New White Bible (preferably NIV)
Try not to get a King James Bible if you want the bride and groom to read it often. I prefer the NIV or New International Version Bible as it is easy to understand. King James Bibles usually cost less but are difficult to understand. This means that the King James Bible will probably not be opened very much.
There is a greater chance that the NIV Bible will be read more often by the couple since it is easy to read and understand. If you purchase a study Bible, the couple can better apply the words and teachings to their lives.
There are other modern translations for the couple to receive as well but the NIV is currently the most accurate modern translation.
The ceremony wording can be written by the officiant or a family member or it can be found online.

It is okay to write the wording for your own White Bible Ceremony based on the sample wording below or you can use the sample as is.
Have the couple stand up in front of everyone during the ceremony or they can sit in chairs or on stools facing the audience.
The flowers should be presented to the bride-to-be. As she receives each flower, she will create a bouquet in her hand. The groom-to-be can help her tie it together when the ribbon is presented. Then he can hold the bouquet as the White Bible is presented to her.

________________________________________
We are so happy that (bride's name) and (groom's name) will soon be joined together as man and wife. We, as your family and friends, congratulate you and wish you all of the happiness and joy you deserve as you begin your new life together.
Today we will be giving you two important things which will help you to form a strong marriage in Christ.
The first item is a bouquet of flowers that we will build, flower by flower. Each flower stands for something that no Christian marriage should be without.
The second item is a Bible. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. Each day, as husband and wife, it is important for you to get into the Word of God, both individually and together as a couple. The answers to all of life's problems are inside this book.
(Present the first red rose.)
A man in love sends red roses on special occasions. Roses symbolize love and unity.
Soon, you will build a new home together. Love will be the foundation of your home. The love that the two of you share is romantic or eros love.
Because you are both Christians, you also have God's love, agape love. This is a patient and unselfish love that comes only from Jesus Christ. This is the kind of love you will need in order for your marriage to survive and thrive.
(Present the yellow rose.)
The yellow rose represents a sincere heart, which you both must have. It also stands for unity. United in Christ, you will grow together as one with sincere love for each other, putting each other's needs ahead of your own.
(Present the second red rose with the white rose.)
The red and white roses together represent unity and passion. Allow Christ to unite the two of you as he is one with his Father. Remember that you will be partners for life so decide now to be united in purpose and in passion.
Talk things over before making hasty decisions. Consult each other. Listen calmly and allow your partner to express his or her emotions. Do not stop communicating openly with each other.
(Present the red carnation.)
This red carnation represents your engagement which was a big decision for both of you. Hopefully, you both prayed to God for guidance in choosing the best possible mate when you started dating. God helped you to make this decision.
You will make many decisions during your marriage. Always remember to pray first and ask God for his divine guidance, not just in the big things, but in all things.
(Present the white carnation.)
This white carnation represents purity. Only Christ can cleanse and purify your hearts and minds from all unrighteousness. Pray often for cleansing so that you are pure in heart as you share your lives.
(Present the greenery.)
This green foliage symbolizes your growth in Christ as you share your lives with each other. As you become more spiritually mature in Christ, you will draw closer to each other and your relationship with each other will deepen.
When and if you are given the gift of children, you will show them how to live a godly life.
(Present the ribbon.)
This ribbon is to tie your bouquet together in the same way that your love for each other binds you together.
When you say your marriage vows you will promise to live with each other for better or worse. We ask God's blessings on your marriage for the better. But there will be times when it seems to be for the worse.
During these times, read God's Word, pray, and trust God to lead you through the tough times. He will never leave you or forsake you.
(Present the White Bible)
(Bride's name) and (Groom's name), turn to God's word each day, looking for Divine guidance from your heavenly Father. He will provide you with everything you need for a successful union.
Read the Bible everyday, in good times and in bad, in times of sorrow and in joy, in times of financial success and failure, in times of illness and in health, as your children are born, as you raise them , and as they leave your home as young adults.
Read your White Bible together and pray, expecting the Lord to bless you greatly.