From the announcement of their engagement to the day of their wedding, a young couple can be put through an incredible amount of stress. A cynic might say that society intends this period as a kind of torture test to see if the couple is really ready for the rigors of marriage. With the countless decisions to be made and the numerous other people whose interests and wishes must be accommodated, a young couple needs the tact of a diplomat, the patience of a saint and the endurance of a marathon runner when preparing for their wedding day.

__________ and __________, I congratulate you on having passed this torture test. I congratulate you for surmounting all the hurdles and hassles which presented themselves in recent weeks and months, and for navigating your way to this time and place, whe…