How to Plan an Interfaith Wedding Ceremony

Arranging a ceremony for two people of different religions can be a harrowing obstacle when planning a wedding - or it can be the perfect opportunity to share your spiritual beliefs and begin to blend your two worlds.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Sit down with your fiance and discuss one another's values. Identify what is most meaningful to each of you about your wedding ceremony and your religions, then start to find ways to compromise.

2. Do your research. Talk to other couples, look to the many resources available in your community, set up a meeting with religious authorities.

3. Mull over the possibility of asking both your respective clergy members to officiate at the wedding. Or, as an alternative, you might even consider having two separate ceremonies.

4. Choose a neutral setting in which to hold the ceremony and reception, such as a private home or a public park.

5. Keep a good perspective. Remember, each couple's wedding day is unique to them - this is a way to further personalize your ceremony.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out local college campuses for clergy comfortable with performing interfaith marriages, or try the American Ethical Union at [phone].

• You may want to consult your parents and include them in as many ways as possible - for instance, ask each side to read from their respective religious texts. This way, both families feel included instead of offended.