Often times when couples are getting married there is a need for having something outstanding or different to make it a little extra special for you as a couple. You plan your menu, your venue, décor- right done to the last detail but often times allow for a kind of “generic” ceremony. Ceremony is like 45 minutes – an hour and most couples want to get your family involved. The ceremony, though short is a big deal (yeah we know it’s where we say I do isn’t it?!). One such thing that helps the couple to add greater symbolism to their union is a “Unity Ceremony”. These are little meaningful mini ceremony that helps the couple to seal their union.
As a couple, there is something beautiful and magical of a unity ceremony with your wedding ceremony. It is your chance as husband and wife to add your own ‘tradition’ to your ceremony. This will be a take away for you as a married couple.
Here a few popular ones and some extra creative ones:
Sand/Water Ceremony– this usually have two small container with two different color sands one for the bride and the other for the groom. There is a 3rd container that is larger than the 1st two. This is the main container where the bride and groom will pour their respective color sands into. Resulting in the uniting of the two color sands. The big container that now has the two color sands will be your first souvenir as husband and wife.
You could also so switch it up a bit with colored water- please experiment with the water colors before the wedding day
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Unity Candle Ceremony– it can include the extended family. Three candles are used in this process two smaller candles with a larger one in the middle. The two on the sides are lit for the bride and groom who will then take the candles and light the middle candle together symbolizing their union. The unity candle ceremony is done just before the exchange of vows with the wedding officiant giving the couple instructions and sharing the symbolism of the unity candles with wedding guests.
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Tying the Knot Ceremony– this is one of the oldest! It joins the bride & groom at the wrist with cords/vines (you can be creative with cord/rope or ribbon) tied to into a knot. It is often said that this is where the phrase ‘tying the knot’ comes from.
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Love letter Wine Box Ceremony– the bride & groom should write love letters to each other, detailing why they fell in love and what they truly admire in each other. They then choose a wine, that’s special to both of them. On the day of the wedding, the letters and wine (you may add glasses) will be sealed with the wedding officiant giving the instructions and explaining the procedure. The couple should choose their method of sealing (you can drive nails into the box before the ceremony and finish the process at the wedding ceremony). The intention of this will – should the couple hit on hard times that they would open it, drink some wine and read their love letters. This will serve as great therapy for the ‘bad times’. Hopefully it will be saved for an anniversary!
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Tasting of the Elements Ceremony– taken from the Yoruba tradition, it symbolizes the promise to love your partner “for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.” Vinegar, lemon, cayenne pepper, and honey are traditional choices used to represent the bitter, sour, hot, and, of course, sweet parts of life and a new marriage.
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Lasso Wedding (Unity Ceremony)– involves the couple being draped in a floral garland or rosary twisted into the symbol of infinity!
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Planning your wedding you must do your best to be creative and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
