There are plenty of ways to make your wedding ceremony special, from personalized vows to a thoughtful music playlist. But if you’re looking for a heartfelt way to customize the formal portion of your big day, consider including a unity ceremony to honor your marriage. You might be familiar with common wedding unity ideas, like lighting a candle or pouring sand, but you aren’t limited to these options. In fact, there are plenty of creative wedding unity ceremonies that’ll personalize your big day. Whether you’re looking for a cultural practice or a unique idea that shows off your personality, we’re here to help. We answer the most common questions about wedding unity ceremonies below. Plus, we’ve also rounded up 25 modern wedding unity ideas that’ll make your ceremony unforgettable.
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Before deciding what wedding unity ceremony, if any, is right for you, it’s important to understand what’s involved in a unity ceremony so you have a good grasp of all the details. We’re taking a look at frequently asked questions about unity ceremonies so you can make an educated decision about what’s best for your wedding-planning needs.
A wedding unity ceremony “is one of my favorite parts of any wedding as it is completely personalized to who the couple,” shares wedding planning expert Jaclyn Watson of Jaclyn Watson Events. “It is all about your journey and the two of you uniting as one. It is a time when you can share with your guests anything that you want and fully immerse them.” Expert wedding officiant Minister Sharnise Sears goes on to explain that “a unity ceremony is a special part of the weddings ceremony where the couple has the opportunity to demonstrate a unique part of their relationship. This can be expressed through religious or cultural traditions or it can even be something unique and created by the couple.”
A wedding unity ceremony is a symbolic act included in a wedding ceremony that honors a couple’s commitment to each other. It’s common to include a unity ceremony after saying vows and before exchanging wedding rings, but you can weave it into the schedule at any time. Some wedding unity ideas are pulled from cultural traditions, like a Greek Stefana crown exchange or a Hindu Hasta Milap ceremony. A cultural unity ceremony is a meaningful way to incorporate your heritage in your nuptials, especially if you and your partner are looking to fuse your religions or backgrounds.
A wedding unity ceremony doesn’t have to be religious though. Now, more couples are finding creative ways to represent their union that feels modern and personal. From planting succulents to blending your own bottle of wine, the sky’s the limit when it comes to unique wedding unity ideas. In fact, the more personal your unity ceremony, the better—guests will always remember the special way you and your S.O. honored your partnership.
You might wonder if you need a unity ceremony at your wedding. Ultimately, the choice is yours. While you don’t have to incorporate a unity ceremony after you exchange vows, it’s a thoughtful ceremony option to honor your commitment. Plus, most wedding unity ideas include a special keepsake (like a plant or a wedding day time capsule) that you can enjoy after the big day.
“Unity ceremonies are not something you have to do, but it is an excellent way to customize their wedding ceremony. Couples should consider it because it shares an intimate moment that reflects who you are as a couple and allows the guests to see that and be a part of it. It is a symbolic tradition that the couple can have fun with and look back on in the years to come,” says Watson.
If you’re not sure what kind of wedding unity ceremony is right for you, work with your officiant to find a symbolic ritual that fits your vision. Whether you want to include a religious or cultural ceremony, or you have an idea for something totally unique, they’ll help you weave it into the timeline.
The timing of the unity ceremony is another decision that should be made with your wedding officiant. Often a unity ceremony will happen shortly after exchanging wedding vows, but prior to your vows, or even at the very end of the ceremony might be best, depending on what you’re planning to do.
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There is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding unity ceremonies. “I always encourage couples to either create a spin on the traditional unity ceremonies such as allowing family or friends to be apart of that moment or to do something completely unique like incorporate things they love to do together,” says Minister Sears.
Whether you want a religious or cultural unity ceremony or something that’s just for fun, your options are nearly limitless when it comes to selecting a ritual to incorporate into your wedding ceremony. Let these modern ideas inspire you.
Plant parents, take note. If you and your S.O. are aspiring horticulturists, consider having a tree-watering ceremony at your wedding. This unity ceremony alternative is especially appropriate for nature lovers or those looking to brighten up their home with a new plant. After watering the tree during your ceremony, it’ll grow and flourish in your newlywed nest alongside your marriage.
For a more hands-on option than watering a plant, you and your partner could consider actually planting some greenery. Have a container with some trowels and dirt to sprinkle atop the plant as a symbol of your relationship and the tending you’ll give to it to help your love grow. Of course, this option has the potential to be slightly messier than just watering a botanical so make sure to partake carefully to avoid ruining a wedding dress or tuxedo.
How about cutting a log at your wedding? This unique unity ceremony idea is an old German wedding tradition that serves as the first obstacle for newlyweds to tackle together. In front of family and friends, couples must rely on teamwork and determination to saw through a log together. While it may not be the most subdued wedding unity idea, it’s a fun alternative for couples looking to shake up their ceremony with something memorable.
Guac, anyone? There are no rules that say your wedding unity ceremony has to be tied to religion. If you’re looking for unique unity ceremony ideas, consider whipping up your favorite snack in front of your guests. As you and your S.O. mix the ingredients, ask your officiant to share why this food is special to you. Perhaps you enjoyed chips and guac on your first date, or maybe every Tuesday is taco night at your place. Regardless of the reason, guests will enjoy seeing you do something that’s special to your relationship. (Psst: Don’t forget to have a bag of tortilla chips nearby to enjoy your first dip as newlyweds.)
Not everyone is born with a green thumb. If a tree-planting ceremony feels like too big of a commitment, opt for a more manageable plant instead, like a succulent. Task your wedding planner or a family member with setting up planting tools, dirt and a pot before the ceremony. Then, after sharing your wedding vows, mark your new beginning by planting a shrub together.
Perhaps a unity candle ceremony isn’t bold enough for you. If you really want to wow your crowd, start a bonfire instead. Perfect for an outdoor wedding, this unique unity idea will certainly make your nuptials stand out. Create a designated fire pit before the ceremony, and signify your love by sparking a bonfire. This is an exceptionally great idea if you dream of serving S’mores at your wedding reception.
Getting married is called “tying the knot” for a reason. If you’re looking for a symbolic wedding ceremony idea, literally tie a knot with your spouse to signify your bond. We recommend using a fisherman’s knot to tie a piece of rope—not only is it the strongest knot, it gets tighter with pressure, making it a beautiful representation of your relationship. Spend a few days practicing your knot-tying skills before the ceremony to impress your loved ones.
Handfasting ceremonies are rooted in Celtic tradition. In this ancient ritual, a couple’s hands are tied together to symbolize the binding of two lives. While it’s commonly seen in Pagan or Wiccan ceremonies, handfasting can be included in any religious or secular wedding.
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If you or your partner are Greek, you might want to participate in a Stefana crown unity ceremony. This religious practice is often included in Greek Orthodox weddings. After a marriage service, the officiant (or a family member) places joint Stefana crowns on the couple. Both headpieces are tied together with a ribbon, which is blessed during the ceremony. The crowns represent the couple’s welcome into God’s kingdom.
Common in Hispanic, Filipino and Latin cultures, the Catholic lasso ceremony involves a cord, flower garland or oversized rosary that’s draped over the couple’s shoulders. The lasso can be placed by the officiant, or the couple can choose “lasso godparents” (another married couple they respect) to lay the cord. While you can buy a new lasso for your wedding date, some are passed down through families to serve as “something borrowed.” It’s encouraged to use a special draping technique that begins on one person’s shoulder and crosses over to the other’s, creating a figure-eight shape. This symbolizes the couple’s commitment to each other in front of their family, friends and God. “It’s originally a Catholic tradition, but some non-religious couples still incorporate it because of its deep symbolism,” explains Lisette Gatliff of Lisette OC Photography. “Many couples choose not to do any kind of unity ceremony, but it should be something to consider. It provides a symbolic ritual to the ceremony that can be personalized, which ends up being a unique and special moment that the couple will always remember.”
If you’re planning a Hindu wedding ceremony, consider including a traditional Hasta Milap fastening. In this Indian wedding tradition, the couple’s wedding clothes (like a scarf or a sari) are tied together over their hands. This signifies the meeting of two hearts and souls. After, family members scatter rose petals or rice grains over the newlyweds.
A unity tea ceremony is a frequent tradition in Chinese weddings, and there are a few ways to modify it for your big day. Traditionally, the couple serves tea to their parents and in-laws in a separate room before the ceremony to symbolize the union of two families. This is a great option if you’re looking for something a bit more private. Or, if you want to include this wedding unity idea in your ceremony, pour two cups of tea to sip after your vows.
Mixing two different wines symbolizes the hard work and nurturing your new marriage will need, just like how good wine needs years of hard work before producing a finished bottle. After making your custom blend, take a sip and toast to your future as a married couple. You can also buy your favorite bottle and seal it in a wine box to be opened (and enjoyed) on a future wedding anniversary.
Write love letters to each other before your wedding day, then craft a unity ceremony that gives you a few minutes to seal them in a special box that can be opened during a milestone anniversary. Not only is this an intimate moment for your friends and family to witness, but it’s also an activity you can look forward to further down the road in your marriage.
Instead of doing an anniversary wine box, consider storing a different spirit during the ceremony. It is your wedding, after all, so you get to call the shots. Whether you and your partner love gin, whiskey, rum or tequila, invest in a nice bottle to drink on a special anniversary.
Yes, washing your hands during your wedding ceremony is a thing—and it’s rooted in symbolism. A hand-washing unity ceremony signifies a clean beginning to married life. Buy a basin and a pitcher, and pour water over your S.O.’s hands and have them repeat for you. You can also ask your officiant to pour water over your hands to wash them at the same time.
Consider this a modern take on the traditional handfasting ritual. Instead of tying your hands together with rope, use colorful ribbons instead. Not only is this a great way to work in your color palette, but it’s also a modern approach to a traditional wedding practice.
You’ve probably heard of a unity sand-pouring ceremony before, as it’s one of the most popular ideas out there. After exchanging vows, partners will pour two separate containers of colored sand into one, symbolizing the blending of two lives. If you’re looking for unity ceremony ideas to complete with your children, pouring sand is a safe activity for them to participate in too. Since each member of your family will have their own color, the result will be a heartfelt representation of each person. Display it in your home after the wedding day to look back on this sentimental unity ceremony.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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