Ceremonies
The Unity Sand Ceremony
This Ceremony is an alternative to the Unity Candle Ceremony and is similar in its symbolism. The relationship of the bride and groom is symbolized through the pouring of two individual containers of sand (representing their individuality) into one container representing their union. As the sand from the two containers is poured into the third container, the individual sands no longer exist, but now is a combination of the two. If you are having a beach wedding, this ceremony is MUST!! It is also an excellent ceremony to include children and/or family members as it not only symbolizes two individuals coming together as one but many times a family becoming one.
I furnish a basic sand ceremony set to use at the ceremony. However Making Memories offers several different types of sets that can be personalized and will make a beautiful keepsake of your Special Day for years to come! Additional pieces can be purchased to include children and/or parents.
The Rose Ceremony
The Rose Ceremony is simple yet profoundly moving. The bride and groom exchange a rose, representing their first gift to one another as husband and wife.
In more elegant days, flowers were used as a means of communication. Each flower had a special meaning. In the old language of flowers, a single red rose always meant "I love you". The Rose ceremony gives recognition to the new and most honorable title of "Husband and Wife".
This ceremony originated in a classic rose ceremony from a lost and elegant age. Though the words of the classic Rose ceremony have long ago been lost, this ceremony was rewritten by the Hon. Mark Ovard explaining the true meaning of the ceremony and in ways that can endure through your married life together. This is a unique and meaningful addition to any marriage ceremony, that will also inspire your guests.
Hands of the Bride & Groom
This Ceremony is deeply moving and promises to be part of your ceremony that you and your guests will be talking about for years to come. Promising not to leave a dry eye, you will find this is the defining moment in your ceremony and it will truly be the moment that you will be 100% sure the hands that you are holding during the Blessing, are the hands you want to hold for the rest of your life.
Here is an Excerpt of this Beautiful Ceremony:
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he/she promises to love you all the days of his/her life . . . These are the hands that will give you support as he/she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized. God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another."
Family Vows Ceremony
Blending family vows, are appropriate, even encouraged when the marriage will create a new family with children. It is most important to welcome the children as a part of the new family that will be created by the union. When you compose your vows to them, include an introduction and acknowledgement of the children, a warm welcome to the family, your commitment as a parent, and your pride in having each individual child a part of your now larger family. In fact, right after both bride and groom bestow the children with their vows, is a perfect time to present every child with a special jewelry gift such as a ring, a pendant, a tie pin etc.
Any one of these ceremonies work perfectly when including family members:
- The Unity Sand Ceremony
- Unity Candle
- Rose Ceremony
- The Lei Ceremony
- Family Circle of Love (w/ Poem &Song)
Unity Candle Ceremony
The wedding unity candle is used during the wedding ceremony and is referred to as the Unity Candle Ceremony or Unity Candle Lighting. This touching unity candle tradition has become very popular in recent years. Using the wedding unity candle in your ceremony symbolizes spiritual life, light, love and caring. To utilize the practice of a unity candle arrangement in your wedding ceremony you generallyneed 2 taper candles, a pillar-style, unity candle and unity candle holders for them.
There are many ways to incorporate the unity candle ceremony into your own wedding ceremony that will make it most meaningful to you, your fiancé and your families. It can be a way to celebrate the joining of two people and the joining of two families. You can even choose to have a unity candle reading.
The candle lighting ceremony is also often used to remember and honor loved ones unable to attend your wedding ceremony but, who remain present in your hearts (called a memorial candle). It is important to note that how you choose to incorporate this touching unity candle tradition is entirely up to you.
Remembrances
If you've lost a parent, grandparent, or friend, a brief moment of remembrance of them at your wedding is a fitting way to acknowledge their presence with you spiritually, and in your hearts. In the ceremony you can honor specific people, or you can ask your Officiate to include a general acknowledgment of loved ones who are not able to join you for your wedding.
There are different ways you can honor your loved ones:
- The most common Wedding Memorials are candles, which can be lit just before your unity candle ceremony, or at any other time you and your Officiate feels is a right time.
- You may also display a single rose or flower arrangement in a vase and have your Officiate lead you in a moment of silence or prayer or recite a poem.
- Tossing a stone or shell into the water with a prayer.
Other Ceremonies Available
Click on the ceremony for a brief description
- Beach Unity Sand Ceremony
- Lei Ceremony (couple provides leis)
- Hand Fasting Ceremony
- Family Sand Unity Ceremony
- The Loving Cup Ceremony (wine)
- Cord of Three Strands (Christian)
- Blessing Stones Ceremony
- Message in a Bottle Vows
- Jumping the Broom
- Unity Candle Ceremony (Not recommended for outdoor ceremonies)
- Breaking of the Glass Ceremony
- Family Circle of Love
- Ceremony (w/ Poem & Song)
Ceremony Types — What are they?
A civil ceremony is a beautiful ceremony that doesn't reference God or any other spiritual deity. Civil ceremonies may have traditional or contemporary readings and there are no prayers or blessings.
A non-denominational ceremony is typically Christian, without adhering to any particular denomination (Catholic, Baptist, etc) A non-denominational ceremony may have traditional, Christian and/or contemporary readings.
A Spiritual ceremony is a beautiful ceremony that often incorporates traditions, blessings, and/or prayers of non-Christian faiths. ie. Muslim or Buddhist.
Interfaith/intercultural ceremonies incorporate traditions, blessing, and/or prayers from more than one faith or culture. ie. Buddhist and Christian elements, African and Hisp anic cultures.
A christian ceremony is a ceremony with emphasis as Christ at the center of your marriage; an expression of worship, reflecting joy, celebration, community, respect, dignity and love; a testimony of your live before God, demonstrating your Christian values. May include prayers and scripture readings.
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