There is a lot that you can add to your ceremony that can symbolise the joining of two lives, the coming together of two families or even if you want to express your gratitude to your mother. Have a read through some of the ideas below.

Sand Ceremony

A Sand Ceremony represents the joining of two lives and is an appropriate addition if you’re having your ceremony on or near the beach. The Bride and Groom each have a glass container (such as a small vase) of sand which represents their own individuality, beauty, strength and character and are qualities they take into the marriage. They pour their individual containers into another larger glass container symbolising the joining of their lives.

This ceremony can also incorporate children and other family members. A sand ceremony works particularly well when blending families; giving each child a glass container of sand and recognising his or her importance within the family unit.

Unity Candle Lighting

This is similar to the ‘Sand Ceremony’ in the sense that it symbolises the joining of two individuals or the joining of two families. Two candles, representing you as individuals, are used to light a single candle as a visible symbol of your commitment to each other.

This is obviously better suited to indoor ceremonies but, if you’d like to do this outside, you will need a ‘hurricane-style’ candle holder to ensure the flame is sheltered by any breeze.

Rose Ceremony

If you want to acknowledge your mothers, a Rose Ceremony is a perfect way. It will let them know how much they are appreciated and the roses are a promise that, no matter how far apart you may be, that they are not forgotten and a reminder that they are always in your hearts and thoughts.

Acknowledgement of Past Loved One

Although a wedding is a happy occasion, it is also a time to reflect on deceased family and friends whose presence is greatly missed on your special day. Their acknowledgement can be done in a simple yet dignified manner.

Sharing Wine Ceremony

In this ceremony the goblet of wine represents the cup of life. As a couple, you are invited to drink from the cup and share your first drink together as husband and wife.

Box, Wine & Love Letter Ceremony (by Carol J. Merletti)

For this ceremony you will need a wooden box or container that will hold a bottle of wine and two glasses. Before the ceremony you write each other a love letter, expressing your thoughts about the good qualities that you found in your future partner and the reasons for falling in love. Under no condition can you read each other’s letter. During the ceremony the letters are sealed and placed in the box with the wine and glasses.

The idea is that, should you ever find your marriage in difficulty, you open the box, drink the wine together and then go to separate rooms and read the letter that you wrote to one another to reflect upon why you fell in love in the first place.

The hope is that you’ll never have a reason to open the box and, if this is the case, you can open the box on your 10th anniversary.

Warming (or Blessing) of the Rings

This is something that involves all of your guests. Your wedding rings are placed in an organza bag and passed around. Your friends and family are asked that, when they hold the rings, they are to pause and make a wish for your future. In this way the thoughts and well-wishes of those who mean the most to you will be with you forever, embodied in the rings you wear as a symbol of your devotion to each other. 

Handfasting

Handfasting is believed to be a Celtic wedding tradition and is where the term ‘tying the knot’ came from.  It was a term used to describe their traditional marriage ceremony in which they were literally bound together.

There are a few variations and one of these is to have some long coloured ribbons draped over your wrists – each colour has a different meaning. For example a blue ribbon symbolises a safe journey and longevity, a brown ribbon represents understanding and patience, a pink ribbon for romance, honor, partnership and happiness, etc. Once all the ribbons have been presented, your wrists are then tied loosely together.

Your hands are then removed from the ribbons with the knot intact and the tied knot placed into a bag for safekeeping.