Variations on Ceremonies
Brief descriptions of some options to use in the body of the ceremony.
The Unity Candle: one of the most common ceremonies. The couple each take a lit candle and simultaneously light a third larger "unity candle." They may blow out their individual lights, or leave them lit, symbolizing that they have not lost their individuality in their unity. Stores are now selling elaborate unity candle setups, including a candelabra that holds the central unity candle higher than the others. You may also have your unity candle personalized with your names and the date, allowing it to be a keepsake from your wedding.
Rose Ceremony: A simple unity ceremony where the couple exchange roses.
Variations: the families exchange roses, the couple exchange roses with their families, the bride and groom exchange roses, then present their mothers with the roses.
Wine Ceremony: The the couple each take a carafe of wine and pour it into a single glass, which they both drink from.
Water Ceremony: The couple each pour a different colored water into a single glass, creating a third color.
Sand Ceremony: similar to the water ceremony, the the couple both pour different colored sand into a glass.
Salt Ceremony: Native American weddings often include a salt ceremony, where the couple passes a handful of salt to each other without spilling any. Repeated three times. This salt may also be exchanged with each other's families.
Breaking Bread Ceremony: The couple tear off pieces of bread, and then each eat a piece. Sometimes the bread is also shared with family and friends. It symbolizes their future as a family together.
Garland Ceremony or Lei Ceremony: The couple exchange garlands of flowers. This is a common part of Indian weddings, where the ceremony is called varmala or jaimala, It also represents their new unity, blessed by nature. In Hawaiian weddings, the couple typically exchange leis. The families may also exchange leis with the couple. Leis represent the love and respect you have for the person you are giving it to, and the unity of the new family.
Circling: In Eastern European ceremonies, the couple circle the altar three times, which are their first steps together in marriage. In Hindu ceremonies, couples circle the fire seven times, sealing their bond. The unbroken circle represents the unbroken commitment to each other.
Broom Jumping: An African-American tradition that has its roots in slavery times when slaves couldn't marry. Typically the family places the broom on the ground, and the bride and groom jump over it together. The broom can then decorate a place of honor in their home.
Lasso Ceremony: Lasso or rope is placed around the couple's shoulders, usually by the Officiant. Sometimes rosary beads, or orange flowers are used instead of rope. It can also be placed around the couple's necks, or wrists.
The Unity Candle: one of the most common ceremonies. The couple each take a lit candle and simultaneously light a third larger "unity candle." They may blow out their individual lights, or leave them lit, symbolizing that they have not lost their individuality in their unity. Stores are now selling elaborate unity candle setups, including a candelabra that holds the central unity candle higher than the others. You may also have your unity candle personalized with your names and the date, allowing it to be a keepsake from your wedding.
- Variations: All guests are given a candle, and the first guest's is lit. Guests pass the flame until all are lit, and then the bride and groom together light their unity candle. This variation typically includes a proclamation that this ceremony represents the unity of friends and family supporting the couple in their marriage.
Rose Ceremony: A simple unity ceremony where the couple exchange roses.
Variations: the families exchange roses, the couple exchange roses with their families, the bride and groom exchange roses, then present their mothers with the roses.
Wine Ceremony: The the couple each take a carafe of wine and pour it into a single glass, which they both drink from.
Water Ceremony: The couple each pour a different colored water into a single glass, creating a third color.
Sand Ceremony: similar to the water ceremony, the the couple both pour different colored sand into a glass.
Salt Ceremony: Native American weddings often include a salt ceremony, where the couple passes a handful of salt to each other without spilling any. Repeated three times. This salt may also be exchanged with each other's families.
Breaking Bread Ceremony: The couple tear off pieces of bread, and then each eat a piece. Sometimes the bread is also shared with family and friends. It symbolizes their future as a family together.
Garland Ceremony or Lei Ceremony: The couple exchange garlands of flowers. This is a common part of Indian weddings, where the ceremony is called varmala or jaimala, It also represents their new unity, blessed by nature. In Hawaiian weddings, the couple typically exchange leis. The families may also exchange leis with the couple. Leis represent the love and respect you have for the person you are giving it to, and the unity of the new family.
Circling: In Eastern European ceremonies, the couple circle the altar three times, which are their first steps together in marriage. In Hindu ceremonies, couples circle the fire seven times, sealing their bond. The unbroken circle represents the unbroken commitment to each other.
Broom Jumping: An African-American tradition that has its roots in slavery times when slaves couldn't marry. Typically the family places the broom on the ground, and the bride and groom jump over it together. The broom can then decorate a place of honor in their home.
Lasso Ceremony: Lasso or rope is placed around the couple's shoulders, usually by the Officiant. Sometimes rosary beads, or orange flowers are used instead of rope. It can also be placed around the couple's necks, or wrists.
Copyright © 2012
Renee Ukena - Edwardsville, IL
Contact me at [email protected] to discuss your ceremony and start your journey together
Renee Ukena - Edwardsville, IL
Contact me at [email protected] to discuss your ceremony and start your journey together