Here are the additional symbolic ceremonies I include in my services:
Unity Sand Ceremony
It is believed that Native Americans started this ceremony, which symbolises the inseparable nature of marriage. Historically, the couple threw a handful of sand in to the wind where it would combine and become unseparable. One modern take on this ceremony is to mix glasses of sand together. This can also be great for including extended family members in to the wedding.
Jumping the Broom Ceremony
This ceremony symbolically sweeps away a couple’s former lives as they enter their new life as a married couple. The traditional roots of this wedding ceremony can be found in African, Welsh Celtic and Roma Gypsy heritage.
Hand Wrapping Ceremony / Hand Fasting
This is an ancient ceremony that derives from the custom of tying the bride and grooms hands and wrists together during the wedding ceremony. A specially made cloth was used to ‘bind’ each other’s love and commitment. It has strong Pagan & Celtic heritage.
Warming the Rings
Incorporating a ring warming into your wedding is such a special way to involve all of your guests in your ceremony. A ring warming is when you give your loved ones the opportunity to hold and imbue your wedding bands with a wish, blessing or prayer for your marriage. By the time your rings make it on to your fingers they will be saturated with the love of your friends and family.
Breaking the Glass Ceremony
Symbolizes the destruction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Couples include this tradition in their wedding ceremony as it symbolizes the absolute finality of the marital covenant.
Rose Ceremony/Flowers for mothers
In the Rose Ceremony, the Bride and Groom give each other a Rose. Two roses are all that is necessary. The Rose Ceremony is placed at the end of the ceremony just before being pronounced husband and wife. In the old language of flowers, a single red rose always meant “I love you”. The Rose ceremony gives recognition to the new and most honorable title of “Husband and Wife or it can be used in recognition of becoming new parents.
Loving cup
The use of the wine cup or Loving Cup at a wedding is an ancient tradition. By the 15th century it was common for the Celtic people to toast each other with a ceremonial Loving Cup. The Loving Cup ceremony also has its roots in Irish, French and Jewish cultures.
Below are other features that can be added to Ceremonies I conduct:
Signing & Witnessing of guests
Best Wishes, Memory Book
Single Candle Ceremony
Naming Ribbon
Rose Ceremony
Time Capsule
Ribbon Cutting
Petal Shower