Extra Ceremonies

Blessing Stones

When a wedding is outside and near water, Blessing or Wishing stones are either gathered at the site or provided by the couple not only for themselves but for the wedding party and guests as well. After the ceremony all follow the bride and groom to the water, make a wish or blessing for them and cast their stone into the water. The ripples that are made represent the love and good wishes for not only the couple, but for all the world... as our ripples cross and re-cross one another's, so do our love and good wishes touch and retouch all around us and those with whom we come into contact.

Breaking of the Glass

The traditional Jewish wedding ceremony includes a “Breaking of the Glass” This tradition represents the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Many times couples save the pieces of glass from the ceremony in a symbolic box. The Groom is offered a glass on a wooden pallet or wrapped in a cloth napkin, smashes it with his foot. The breaking of the glass symbolizes the fragility of life, because whatever we see before us as whole can be broken at any moment. It reminds us of the need to care for one another; for just as glass can be shattered easily, so can the marriage bond can be shattered with a single act of infidelity or repeated acts of emotional irresponsibility.

The Cord of Three Strands (God's Knot)

The cord of three strands symbolizes the joining of one man, one woman, and God into a marriage relationship. Marriage takes three; you, your soon to be spouse, and God. It is God who teaches us to love. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage.

"The Cord of Three Strands" ceremony is a great addition to a traditional wedding ceremony. It adds a unique element to your ceremony that friends and family will remember. It can also serve as a substitute for the unity candle especially in situations where candles may not be used, or may be difficult. The Cord of Three Strands works especially well as a substitute in outside weddings.

At a certain point in the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom braid the Cord of Three Strands together. The groom holds a small metal ring with three attached strands. The bride then braids the strands together, symbolizing the union of God, husband and wife.

The colors of the cords is significant:

• Gold Strand - Represents God at the center of the Marriage
• Purple Strand - Represents the Groom
• White Strand - Represents the Bride

You can purchase the Cord of Three Strands through the Christian wedding web shop.

Hand Fasting Ceremony

Hand fasting is an ancient Celtic ritual ceremony in which the couples hands are tied together with ceremonial ribbons or cloth. The ribbons may be tied in a bow or the cloth draped across the hand. This Celtic ceremony represents the intention of two people to join their lives together and to love and cherish one another. The couple saves the ribbons or cloth as a keepsake. Some words that can be used in this ceremony are:

"As your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. Above you are the stars and below you is the earth. Like the stars your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow."

In traditional Celtic handfasting, the ribbons that bind the couple's wrists are made up of thirteen different colors, each with its own special meaning.

Jumping the Broom

The most widely known African-American wedding tradition is “Jumping the Broom”. This ceremony takes place at the end of the ceremony when the couple is departing. "Jumping of the Broom" originated during the time of slavery in the United States. Slaves, not having citizenship rights, were denied the legal or religious rite of marriage. It is a ceremony in which the bride and groom signify their entrance into a new life and their creation of a new family by symbolically “sweeping away” their former single lives, former problems and concerns, and stepping over the broom to enter upon a new adventure as husband and wife. The straw end represents the brushing away of all their old cares and worries. The wooden handle represents the strength of your commitment to each other, and the straight, unconditionally committed path you will follow together in marriage. Some say that whoever jumps the highest will be the boss of the house! Friends and family members of the bride and groom sometimes decorate the broom for them.

The Lei Ceremony

The Lei Ceremony has it origin in Hawaii where the bride and groom exchange Leis to express their love, affection and respect. There are several different ways you can incorporate the Lei Ceremony at your wedding. It is also a great way to include children and family members.

Love Letter

A Love Letter exchange is a romantic ceremony that will enhance your wedding and serve as a lasting reminder of the commitments made to one another. Heart felt letters, encapsulating your thoughts and feelings are locked away to be revealed on a special anniversary or when you are going through a difficult time in your marriage.

The Loving Cup Ceremony

The Loving Cup Ceremony originated in the 15th century by the Celts. It also has its roots in Scotland, French and Jewish cultures. There are many versions of the Loving Cup ceremony. Most couples choose to use a crystal wine glass and have their names and the date of their wedding etched in glass.

The purpose of the Loving Cup ceremony is for the bride and groom to share their first drink together as wife and husband and to show the coming together of two families. Any liquid can be used but the most popular is a wine that the couple likes or grape juice.

Special words can be added to include the Bride and Groom's parents (and friends) as part of this ceremony. The cup can then passed down from generation to generation, ensuring happiness and good fortune to all who drink from it. This is a special moment for the couple to toast their love, devotion, and friendship.

Message in a Bottle Vows

When you are writing your own vows, or do not wish to repeat them after an Officiate, the "Message in a Bottle Vows" bring a special touch and meaning to your wedding vows. They are especially meaningful for a beach setting. Your vow are placed in a glass bottle by your feet and when it comes time to say your vows, you (or the Officiate) reach down, take them from the bottle and speak them to one another. There is a small fee for this ceremony to cover the cost of preparing your vows on the parchment paper and the special keepsake bottle.