Weddings with Today's Families in Mind is an accessible handbook that provides pastors with practical information about performing meaningful wedding ceremonies while being sensitive to such things as the multitude of family dynamics that are not considered "traditional" (e.g., the bride and groom having step parents, step siblings, ex-spouses, etc.) as well as other factors (bride and groom from different religious and cultural backgrounds, weddings outside of your church building, and more.)
Part I: Preparation for the Wedding covers meeting with the couple to gather family information, handling potentially sensitive issues at the rehearsal, and keeping family involved in the wedding.
Part II: On the Wedding Day discusses pre-ceremony factors, family-focused seating plans, processionals that work, the importance of the pastor's words, lighting of the unity candles, the recessional, and the wedding reception.
Part III: Special Circumstances includes ecumenical and interfaith weddings and cultural considerations, weddings in which some are "challenged," renewal of vows, gay and lesbian weddings, weddings outside your church building, and officiating the wedding of a close family member.
