For our LDS brides, your sealing is the most sacred part of your wedding day. But for many couples, some of the people they love most, like a grandparent, a sibling, a best friend, can't be in the sealing room with them.
A ring ceremony is a lovely way to include them. It's short, it's heartfelt, and when it's done well, it's one of the most tender moments of the whole day. At La Fête, about 40% of our temple weddings include one, so we've seen what works. Here's how to plan yours.
First, What the Church's Guidelines Say
The Church's General Handbook (section 27.3.2.7, "Exchanging Rings after a Temple Sealing") gives a few simple guidelines:
Exchanging rings isn't part of the sealing ceremony. Couples may exchange rings in the sealing room afterward, but not anywhere else in the temple or on temple grounds.
Couples may exchange rings at a later time so family members who couldn't attend the sealing can share the moment.
The ring exchange should be consistent with the dignity of a temple sealing. It shouldn't replicate any part of the sealing ceremony, and couples shouldn't exchange vows after being sealed.
Your bishop is a wonderful resource if you have questions about your own situation. In short: keep it simple, sincere and celebratory, and save the vows for the temple.
When to Hold Your Ring Ceremony
Most of our couples choose one of two timelines.
Option 1: Ring Ceremony + Luncheon
This one is perfect for an intimate group of close family and friends right after the sealing. Because La Fête is a four-minute walk from the Provo City Center Temple, everyone can head straight over after temple photos.
Sample timeline:
12:00 PM: The bride and groom arrive at La Fête from the temple
12:15 PM: Ring ceremony (15 to 20 minutes)
12:45 PM: The room transitions to the luncheon layout
1:00 to 2:30 PM: Luncheon
2:30 to 4:00 PM: A break to rest, touch up and recharge in the bridal suite or party room
Our luncheon block (10 AM to 2 PM) is $1,700 on weekdays and $2,300 on Fridays and Saturdays. If you're also hosting an evening reception, an all-day rental or our Fête Complète package (11 hours, 11 AM to 10 PM) keeps the whole day under one roof.
Option 2: Ring Ceremony Just Before the Reception
Many couples hold the ring ceremony about 30 minutes before the reception doors open. Your invited ring-ceremony guests arrive first, share the moment, and then the room opens up for the party.
Sample timeline:
5:15 PM: Ring ceremony guests are seated
5:30 PM: Ring ceremony
5:50 PM: The ballroom transitions to the reception layout while the couple greets family
6:15 PM: Reception doors open
A Simple Ring Ceremony Program
Shorter is sweeter. Most ring ceremonies run 15 to 20 minutes. Here's a program that works beautifully:
Prelude music as guests are seated
Welcome and opening prayer, offered by a parent, grandparent or close friend
A brief explanation of the sealing for guests who may be unfamiliar with it, shared warmly and simply
A musical number (optional, and wonderful if a sibling or friend sings or plays)
Short remarks from a parent, grandparent or your bishop about marriage, family or the two of you
The couple shares their feelings: a few heartfelt words from each of you to the other
The exchange of rings
A closing thought and prayer, followed by a kiss and your walk back down the aisle together
Words, Not Vows
Since vows belong to the temple, many couples share loving words and hopes for the future instead. A few prompts to get you started:
"I give you this ring as a symbol of…"
"When I think about our life together, I look forward to…"
"The moment I knew it was you was…"
"As I give you this ring, I look back on… and I look forward to…"
Write them down, practice them out loud once, and keep them under a minute each. (You'll be emotional. That's the point.)
Who Should Lead It?
Many couples ask their bishop. Others choose a parent, grandparent or a beloved family friend. Pick someone who knows you well and will help guests feel the spirit of the day. Ask them early, and share the program with them a week or two ahead.
Setting the Room at La Fête
Our 4,000-square-foot ballroom, with herringbone floors, arched details, picture-frame moldings and warm lighting, was designed with sealing-day couples in mind. Here's how a ring ceremony comes together:
The backdrop: our mantle feature and large built-in bookshelves make an elegant focal point. Style them with florals, candles or framed family wedding photos.
Seating: up to 180 cross-back chairs come with every rental, set up for your ceremony.
The flip: after the ceremony, our team resets the room for your luncheon or reception. Room transitions are $150 each, and they're included at no extra charge in the Fête Complète.
Florals: Kennedy, our in-house florist with 12+ years of experience, works right here in the building. She knows exactly how the ballroom looks in afternoon and evening light, and La Fête couples get a discount.
Music: add our Mocktail Hour ($450) for a live pianist and a curated mocktail bar. It's beautiful for prelude music and for welcoming guests while the room transitions.
Getting ready: the bridal suite is yours from your booking start time, and the party room gives your family a comfortable place to gather.
Your complimentary La Fête wedding planner will help you build the ring ceremony into your day-of timeline, so your officiant, photographer, musician and family all know exactly when to be where.
Little Touches With a French Twist
A printed livret (program) with your names, the order of the ceremony and a short welcome note for guests who aren't familiar with temple weddings
A ribbon-tied ring box carried by a nephew, niece or little sister
A memory table on the mantle with your parents' and grandparents' wedding photos
A "first toast" with sparkling cider right after the ring exchange
Plan Your Ring Ceremony With Us
When you tour La Fête, we'll walk through your sealing time, your ring ceremony and your reception together, and make sure the timeline actually works, not just on paper.
Come see it in person. La Fête is a French-inspired venue in downtown Provo, built to make your day easy, from getting ready to the last dance. Every package includes complimentary wedding planning, and packages start at $2,300.
Or call or text (385) 585-1040.
À bientôt!
