How to Handle Someone Objecting to the Marriage

It's widely feared but rarely heard, except in television and movies. It's the breath-holding moment during a wedding when the officiant asks if anyone objects to the marriage. Current safeguards such as the marriage license process have all but eliminated legal objections to a wedding. However, if your wedding officiant opens the door for objections by uttering the infamous, "or forever hold your peace..." you should know how to handle the situation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Remove the phrase which allows for objections from your wedding ceremony. This eliminates the opportunity for objections and is common in modern weddings. Most officiants are accommodating to this request or suggest it themselves.
2. Control access to your wedding ceremony. If there is someone whom you fear might object to your marriage, do not extend an invitation to that person. Instruct your ushers to escort this person from the wedding if necessary.
3. Remain calm if someone stands up and objects during the wedding ceremony. An emotional reaction will draw focus to you in a negative way. Allow the officiant to handle any objections, while you remain focused on your intended. If the objection is an emotional one, such as an ex-lover who objects on the grounds that he or she is still in love with the bride or groom, the officiant should dismiss this interruption and continue on with the ceremony.
4. Decide if there is merit to the objection. If the objection is one that questions the integrity or morality of your partner, you should consider that there might be truth to the objection. For example, if someone objects to the marriage because the bride slept with the best man the night before the wedding, the groom should consider the possibility that it might be true and decide whether or not he wants to proceed with the vows.
5. Make light of the situation after the ceremony is concluded. Guests will soon forget the dramatic interlude during the wedding if the bride and groom seem to have taken it in stride. Dwelling on the interrupted ceremony during the reception only prolongs the negativity. Have fun and celebrate the successful conclusion of your wedding and guests will follow your lead.

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