There are a variety of resources for brides, both in print and online. But few address the unique concerns of the bride getting married in a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Use these suggestions for LDS wedding planning to help the day run as smoothly as possible
Please note that this article is about planning for the logistics of a temple wedding; for spiritual preparation see Preparing for an LDS Temple Sealing.
Reserve the Temple for an LDS Wedding
Never assume that a sealing room in any temple, large or small, will be available at any date or time.
Many temples are closed on Mondays, and each temple has its own special schedule of closing dates for cleaning. Before planning anything pertaining to the wedding day, call the temple to reserve a sealing room first.
Get a Temple Recommend
Another thing temple brides-to-be need to know before getting married is how to get an LDS temple recommend. Schedule an appointment with the local bishop or branch president to get the recommend process started, after which a second interview with the stake president is necessary.
One must also realize that it may take longer than anticipated to get recommend interviews, so it's best to call a month or more in advance, just to be safe.
Arrange Time for the Temple Endowment before the Wedding
All brides and grooms must receive the LDS temple endowment before a Mormon temple sealing. Some may have already gone through the endowment ceremony prior to a mission or other circumstance, but those who have not will need to make proper arrangements.
It is up to the bride whether she receives her endowment immediately before her sealing or a few days prior to it.
Choosing an LDS Wedding Dress
Latter-day Saints are expected to wear their temple garment at all times after receiving it, so temple wedding dresses should obviously allow for proper wearing of the garment underneath. However, all brides should understand that there is a difference between a modest wedding dress and a "temple ready" wedding dress.
In the temple, dresses worn must be:
- White
- Modest neckline
- Long-sleeved
- Floor length
- No train (or detachable)
Brides who want to wear a short-sleeved dress, however, shouldn't panic. They can either wear a dickie under their dress for the sealing, or they can change into an ordinary white temple dress.
LDS Wedding Photography Tips
Whether they hire a professional or just utilize their family members, most couples take wedding pictures outside the temple. It's important that couples personally explain the significance of the temple to the photographer.
For most couples being sealed in the temple, the temple is more than just a pretty backdrop for their wedding ceremony, so it's important to explicitly state whether you'd like special shots including the temple or temple spire.
Laws and Traditions of the Land
Be aware of marriage laws in your country of residence. Call the appropriate government office and ask what is necessary. Most countries require couples to apply for a marriage license a few months in advance of the wedding. Most countries accept a temple sealing as a legally binding act, but some require a civil ceremony outside the temple.
Though the actual sealing is the only part of an LDS wedding believed to have any truly eternal significance, there are many aspects to planning a wedding day. Especially if there are non-Mormon family members involved in the wedding, traditions such as an LDS wedding ring ceremony, a reception and dance, or a groom's dinner the night before the wedding may be appropriate.
Most wedding planning resources don't adequately cover the unique issues involved in planning an LDS wedding ceremony. Mormon brides also need to know how to reserve a sealing room, schedule recommend interviews and an endowment session, choose a dress for the temple, take pictures, and satisfy local marriage laws.
Source:
- Jay M. Todd, “Information For Brides and Grooms Planning a Temple Marriage,” New Era, June 1971.
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