The opening is usually a greating to guests, combined with some sentiment of the occassion - either generic or more personal. In some weddings, the opening is directed to the bride and groom rather than the guests, and the focus of the opening is more along the lines of inspiration to the couple, for the commitment they make.
"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of ________________ and _____________________ in marriage. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife."
"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of ____________________________ and _________________________ in marriage. Through their time together, they have come to realize that their personal dreams, hopes, and goals are more attainable and more meaningful through the combined effort and mutual support provided in love, commitment, and family; and so they have decided to live together as husband and wife.”
"To all present I say: We are gathered here, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is! We do not create this marriage, because we cannot. We can and do, however, celebrate with __________ and ___________ the wondrous and joyful occurrence that has already taken place in their lives, and the commitment they make today."
"Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the joining of ____________________________ and _______________________________ in marriage. With love and commitment, they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife."
"Welcome everyone. ____________ and ___________ have chosen you, those special and important to them, to witness and celebrate the beginning of their life together. Today, as we create this marriage, we also create