Ceremonies

Unity Candle

The wedding ceremony ritual of lighting a unity candle represents the joining of two people and their families. Before the parents from both sides take their seats, they (traditionally the mothers) each light a taper candle and place it next to a pillar candle that remains unlit throughout the ceremony. After the couple exchanges their vows, they light the pillar candle using the flames from the taper candles, signifying several generations of commitment. 

Sand Ceremony

The sand ceremony is very similar to the unity candle. Rather, other than a candle, the bride and groom each have vials of sand (typically of different colors) that are poured together into a larger glass container. It is said that once the sand is poured and combined, the sand can never be divided again, just as the sanctity of marriage can never be divided and broken. 

Tree Planting Ceremony

This wedding ceremony has no official religious or cultural ties, but the tradition itself symbolizes you and your spouse beginning a new life together. Taking care of your tree (or whichever type of plant you choose) will remind you to nurture each other throughout your marriage. Choose a type of tree that resonates with you the most. During this ritual, you and your spouse will take turns adding soil and water to the seedling.  

Time Capsule

Before the wedding, you and your spouse write love letters to each other and then seal or lock them inside a box during the ceremony. Traditionally, the letters are accompanied by a bottle of your favorite wine or champagne—and any other mementos you want to save as a keepsake. You'll eventually open the box at a later date, such as an anniversary or life milestone. 

Jumping the Broom

This tradition dates back to the 1800s and is believed to have origins in western African weddings and Wiccan communities. Jumping the broom takes place at the very end of the wedding ceremony, after the officiant pronounces the couple as officially married. The newlyweds jump over a broomstick before the recessional to symbolize sweeping away their old lives and welcoming their new life together. 

Ring Warming

Believed to be an Irish or Gaelic wedding ceremony tradition, the warming of the rings takes place when the couple’s wedding bands are passed around by guests during the ceremony. Each person is asked to briefly hold the rings in their hands while also saying a short, silent prayer for the couple (if desired). The rings are returned to the couple with blessings and positive energy for a long, happy marriage. 

Rose Ceremony

A rose ceremony can be performed after the exchange of vows. In this case, the bride and groom each have a rose that they exchange to one another that will symbolize their first gift to each other as a married couple. The roses can then be dried and preserved.

Roses can also be given to each of the bride and groom’s parents as a gift and uniting the families together.

Love Letter/Wine Ceremony

Then the bride will hand her letter to the groom and the groom will hand his letter his bride. The couple will then place their letters in the box along with their favorite vintage, close the lid and together, turn the key to lock the box for safe-keeping. 

The love letter box is only to be opened for one of two reasons. First, if ever the husband and wife are facing difficult times and questioning their marriage, they are to open the box, have a glass of wine or other beverage they chose to insert, and then read the letter written for them in privacy to reflect on the reasons they married many years ago.

The second reason to open the lock box is for an anniversary date the bride and groom may choose to reflect on the beginning of their marriage and life together.