DEAR ABBY: In the last five years or so, most couples whom I have married have asked that I omit that portion of the service that asks if anyone present objects to the marriage that is about to take place. However, before each ceremony, I ask the bride and groom separately if they are sure they want to go through with the wedding. A number of times one or the other has said "No," the ceremony has been canceled with the church filled and the reception waiting. -- THE REV. W. LEE TRUMAN, FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, WHITTIER, CALIF.
DEAR MR. TRUMAN: With the church filled and reception waiting! Although it beats going through with the marriage, one can imagine the humiliation, heartache and headaches of all parties concerned -- not to mention the outrageous expense.
Your experience makes a strong case for insisting that all couples have premarital counseling, which nearly all churches, synagogues and temples now offer.