Sand-pouring ceremonies are among the most beloved unity ceremony ideas. Couples can combine two containers of colored sand to symbolize how their lives have come together as one unit.
A love lock ceremony is an adorable and creative way to commemorate your relationship. Simply attach one or more locks to trees, fences or pieces of art in your home that you can display as part of this tradition.
Lighting the Unity Candle
An Unity Candle Ceremony is an intimate way for couples to symbolize their love and commitment during wedding ceremonies, usually after vows are exchanged and rings given out. Sometimes it can also serve as an introduction for mothers/children/grandmothers/fathers (if applicable) who will light individual candles later during the ceremony.
The two side candles symbolize each individual lives of their marriage partners while the center candle signifies their newfound oneness in marriage. Together they light the candles together to represent how their lives have now come together yet still allow each individual life to continue growing and developing in its own way.
If you’re hosting a Unity Candle Lighting ceremony, ensure your guests have ample lighters available – this is especially essential if the wind can be gusty during an outdoor ceremony.
Your rehearsal can help ensure everything runs smoothly on your special day and gives everyone an understanding of what to expect.
Some couples opt for a Wine Ceremony instead, which involves selecting several wines to blend to form their special blend and drinking it as a symbol of their union. This option adds creativity and fun to their ceremony without needing an open flame – plus guests are even invited to take part by pouring wine into their glasses at this unique ceremony!
Combining the Unity Sand
Couples planning their wedding often incorporate some form of unity ceremony. These ceremonies symbolize the joining together of two lives into one, making a beautiful addition to any event. Unity ceremonies can be as elaborate or simple as desired and there are various ways they can be customized to reflect both personalities and preferences.
A traditional sand unity ceremony involves the symbolic joining of two colors of sand in a glass vase, typically by means of an officiant who will explain its significance before initiating it. First, the groom will pour some of his sand into the vase to form one layer and then follow suit by pouring her own to create another layer – once combined, an officiant may say a few words on how their lives have now joined as one.
Your choice of vase determines whether or not you can use your sand as a decorative centerpiece, store it away safely in an individual box, or add a personal note or message so you and your spouse will always remember this special moment when looking at it together.
Make your ceremony even more personalized by inviting family and friends to participate by pouring their own colored sand into a larger container. This is also a great way to include children. Just ensure there is enough sand available and that the container can accommodate it all!
Taking Communion Together
One of the more classic unity ceremony ideas involves lighting candles. This option is ideal for couples who wish to keep things straightforward but still incorporate faith into the ceremony. Before each family–traditionally the mothers–light two taper candles beside each other before lighting one larger “unity candle” together during their ceremony to symbolize their unity. Since its flame isn’t protected, indoor ceremonies would likely fare better given any wind gusts that might blow out its flame.
An additional spiritual unity ceremony idea involves taking communion together as part of your wedding ceremony. Communion is the sacrament that commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with His followers, providing a time of reflection, personal self-examination, and celebration of God’s love for us. If this idea sounds appealing for your wedding ceremony, make sure everyone understands its meaning and significance – this may require pre-wedding Bible reading/study sessions as well as making sure both you and your partner are prepared.
Keep in mind that Communion is meant only for Christians; although non-Christians can observe and appreciate its meaning, they cannot take part unless they choose Jesus as Lord and Savior. Therefore, it would be helpful if your LifeGroup or families discussed what Communion entails prior to participating – perhaps asking one member of your group to lead in praying over the bread and leading your group through this first part of the ceremony so as to create an enjoyable experience without confusion from what people are seeing.
Creating a Cast or Mold of Your Hands Together
Create an artistic keepsake from a cast or mold of both hands together as part of the unity ceremony for your wedding! It makes for an engaging photo op and will add that extra touch to your keepsakes and keepsake memories! Plus it makes for great keepsakes as keepsakes! This can happen either before or after your ceremony and makes for fantastic photo opps as well.
Handfastings are an attractive and romantic ceremony idea for unifying a couple. A handfasting is a Celtic tradition in which couples bind their right hands during part of the ceremony to represent their commitment and partnership, also making for an effective symbolic way to include children into your ceremony.
Alternative wedding ceremony options such as this candle lighting ceremony may be ideal for outdoor weddings where open flames aren’t permitted. Simply light multiple small candles during your ceremony and combine them into one larger one at the end. It is also an effective way to include parents and grandparents in the ceremony!
If your wedding features wine as its theme, this idea makes an excellent addition. Couples can pour a bottle of their preferred vintage into an attractive display container before or after saying their vows and drink it right afterward – adding another personal touch and offering your guests something tasty!
Nature enthusiasts may appreciate incorporating an outdoor touch into their ceremony! Planting a tree together as part of their unity ceremony ceremony can be an unforgettable and fun gesture – not only is it a lovely reminder of their shared love and roots that connect them, but it’s also an engaging way to add the outdoors into proceedings!
Planting a Tree
One of our favorite unity ceremony ideas is planting a tree together as part of your unity ceremony. Not only can this act symbolize your love and commitment, but it’s also a wonderful way to give back to our planet that sustains us – plus they will have something beautiful from their wedding day to display on their mantle or shelf at home as a keepsake from this special occasion!
Your celebrant should prepare a small pot/hole in the ground where you and your partner can plant any type of tree or houseplant you choose, while inviting any chosen family or friends to participate as needed. Your celebrant might highlight its significance or simply ask you both to scoop in dirt and water during a song, reading or other moment during your ceremony. You could invite anyone you want to join this task too if desired!
Your celebrant may take time to talk about the significance of each species you’ve selected, while guests can share more personal insights by pouring water over its roots to help the couple plant it as deeply as possible. A bucket of water could also come in handy so any guests could help water the roots during planting time if required.
Add personalized and distinctive elements to your wedding to make it even more personal, unforgettable and fun for guests and you. They will love being part of this memorable ceremony while you will have something you can look back upon with fondness for years! For more helpful advice on creating the wedding ceremony of your dreams, get your copy of Navigating Your Wedding Ceremony now.