Adding a unity ceremony to your wedding is a wonderful way to bring the ceremony to a close.
It is usually an element that commemorates your marriage and symbolizes your union. There are many different ways to do this. You are only limited by your imagination! I encourage my couples who want to include a special unity ceremony to find one or even create one that is meaningful to them. These special unity ceremonies offer couples to a chance to personalize their wedding.
Below are some of the more common options and a few others that you may not have thought or heard of. I have experience with all of these and find that they add a meaningful addition to any wedding. I hope that these spark your creativity and that you find the right unity ceremony that speaks to the both of you.
During the ceremony the both of you and I will be assembling a clock. I will explain how the hour hand, minute hand, and second hand represent the past, future, and present. It is a beautiful worded ceremony that is both meaningful and symbolic. The clock is personalized with your names and wedding date.
#2 Unity Candle Ceremony
The ceremony includes three candles. Two candles one for each of the couple. They represent their individuality. In some cases, the mothers/fathers of the couple light their child's candle. This is a good way to include parents. During the ceremony the couple take their individual candles and together they light the third candle. While doing this I will talk about the two flames joining together as one that it cannot be divided.
#3 Sand Ceremony
This is a fun one because it can also be done with children or even parents. This ceremony includes a large jar or vase with several small jars with different colored sand depending on the number participating in ceremony. Before you will begin pouring I will talk about how the individual grains of sand representing each individual member. Each bring their individual selves to this union. As the sand is poured individually or together into the vase or jar I will talk about how these grains will always remain individual and yet apart of a whole as they are combined into one.
#4 Tree Planting Ceremony
This is a great option for people who love nature. I use some beautiful wording in talking about the symbolism about planting a tree, keeping it alive through water and sun light, and watching it grow, just like your relationship together. You can use soil from your childhood homes. This will bring together each of your pasts into your new relationship. Don't forget the analogy of a family tree.
#5 Beer Ceremony
It is fun to watch the two beers get poured into a single glass and then combine as the couple took a sip. You can do a beer unity with a favorite or local brew and use it as n opportunity to signify your first drink as a married couple.
#3 Sand Ceremony
This is a fun one because it can also be done with children or even parents. This ceremony includes a large jar or vase with several small jars with different colored sand depending on the number participating in ceremony. Before you will begin pouring I will talk about how the individual grains of sand representing each individual member. Each bring their individual selves to this union. As the sand is poured individually or together into the vase or jar I will talk about how these grains will always remain individual and yet apart of a whole as they are combined into one.
#4 Tree Planting Ceremony
This is a great option for people who love nature. I use some beautiful wording in talking about the symbolism about planting a tree, keeping it alive through water and sun light, and watching it grow, just like your relationship together. You can use soil from your childhood homes. This will bring together each of your pasts into your new relationship. Don't forget the analogy of a family tree.
#5 Beer Ceremony
It is fun to watch the two beers get poured into a single glass and then combine as the couple took a sip. You can do a beer unity with a favorite or local brew and use it as n opportunity to signify your first drink as a married couple.
#6 Wine Ceremony
This is traditionally a Jewish Ceremony but I have reworded this ceremony to fit anyone. I will talk about each of you after taking your first sip about being willing to staying together even through the "bitter" times life will bring. Then after taking a second sip I will talk about that life offers sweetness and it can be double when you have someone to share it with. Another option is to talk about your past, present, and future.
#7 Champagne Toast
Love the sound of a pop as a champagne bottle when it is opened? Enjoy your first drink as a married couple as your guests cheer you on. This will happen after the kiss and before being announced as a couple.
#8 Handfasting/ Blessing of the Hands Ceremony
This can be done with or without fasting cords. Without the cords you will just hold hands. If you use cords an option is having someone (parent/child) tie the cords while I recite the "Blessing of the Hands" poem.
#9 Knot Tying Ceremony
During this ceremony I can talk about a three fold cord placing God in the center of your relationship - your cords. I can also do the ceremony with using only two cords (non-religious). Talking about the fisherman's knot which gets stronger when pressure is applied to it. It can also be referred to as the "lover's knot" which is fitting for the event.
#10 Love Letter/Time Capsule Ceremony
This ceremony is not necessarily about unity but it adds a great addition to your wedding. After reading your written vows to each other you place them in a box along with a love letter that you have written and few other items that remind you of how you met. You may also place a bottle of wine. The box can be opened up on your first anniversary. At that time you can read your love letters and be reminded on your wedding day.
#11 Truce Bell Ceremony
This offers a couple a symbol of the day they were married. During the ceremony I will talk about how when problems arise one person can ring the bell ending the argument. This serves as an attention getter. Calling for a truce. It serves as reminder of the vows and commitments you made on your wedding day. "Wedding Bells"
# 12 Jumping the Broom Ceremony
This is performed at the end of the wedding after the Kiss and before the announcement. It symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and the bringing of the new. Your family and friends cheer you on as you perform your first act as a married couple.
#13 Rose Presentation Ceremony
This is not necessarily a unity ceremony either but a great way to honor mothers. A rose is presented to mothers or any other honorary guests (Grandmother-Aunt). Some couples can give it to your new mother-in-law or your own mother.
Love Wins Wedding Officiant (314) 378-8280
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