Ritual Toolbox: List of Tools with Their Icons List of Figures; Foreword by Tui de Haan; Acknowledgements; Preface; PART I - PRELIMINARIES; 1. The Proposal; a) Tools: Destressing Techniques; 2. Why Marry? a) Tool: Inventory for Couples; b) Marriage and the Law; 3. Ritual Power; a) Tool: Questionnaire on Ritual Identity; b) Repacking Ritual; PART II - CRAFTING THE CEREMONY; 4. Planning the Ceremony; a) Toolbox for the Planning Phase; b) Totally Personalizing Your Ceremony; 5. Creating the Ceremony; a) Toolbox for the Creating Phase; b) Ritual Design; 6. Realizing the Ceremony; a) Toolbox for the Realizing Phase; b) The Ultimate Guest Experience; PART III - LIVING HAPPILY; 7. Epilogue; a) Signs Your Relationship is Working; b) Renewal and Separation Rituals; Appendix; References; Index
Description
Psychotherapist Gordon-Lennox (Crafting Secular Ritual; Emerging Ritual in Secular Societies) aims her book toward those who wish to design a secular wedding ceremony unique to their own bond and personalities. Helpful questionnaires and checklists assist couples in sorting through their individual values and communicating them simply and sincerely. Every aspect of preparing for the ceremony is covered, from composing vows to choosing someone to preside over the service, in addition to destressing techniques for the big day and intense situations leading up to it. VERDICT This no-frills guide to customizing wedding rituals is perfect for those who are willing to put the time and energy into the process.