Ceremony Rituals
The Rose (Flower) Ceremony
The bride and groom give each other a rose/flower as their first gift as husband and wife accompanied with a special reading. It is very common for the bride and groom to also give a rose/flower to their mothers to thank them for their love and support.
Sand or Salt Ceremony
Pouring of separate containers of sand or salt together into one container – bringing together of lovers and their families. Accompanied with a special reading.
Lovers' Knot
This silken ribbon entwines two hearts in love together. Tie two hands together with a silk ribbon, slip the hands out of the knot and the knot, like their love, stays tied forever.
Wine Sharing Ceremony
The goblet of wine is symbolic of the cup of life. As you share this wine, you promise to share all that the future will bring. All the sweetness the cup of life holds for you is sweeter because you drink it together; and whatever drops of bitterness it contains are less because they are shared. Bride and groom sip from goblet.
Release of Butterflies
According to legend, if anyone desires a wish to come true they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it. Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly can not reveal the wish to anyone. In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly its freedom, the wish is granted. So, by making a wish and giving the butterfly freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens and granted.
Candle Lighting Ceremony
The couple each have a lighted taper candle which signifies two individuals standing apart. They each use their individual candle to light a central unity candle which signifies the unity. The two taper candles are extinguished and the larger candle left alight.
Ring Warming / Blessing of Rings Ceremony
The wedding rings are passed around and each person makes a wish for the couple. Can be done with just children as a sign they bless the marriage.
Hand Ceremony
Blessings of each others hands as these are the hands that you will grow old with. These hands will comfort you throughout your marriage together. Accompanied with a special reading.
Inclusion of Children/Blending of Families
When parents are remarrying, this is a lovely way to incorporate the children into the ceremony through a reading, in the wedding party, scattering flowers etc. Blending of families can be done through a sand ceremony, candle ceremony, a certificate or family blessing.
Time Capsule
This is becoming more popular and a wonderful way to celebrate the couple’s union. The time capsule can include anything…newspaper clippings, letters, photos, bottle of wine (ideal if at a winery)…and then the time capsule can be re-opened on their first, tenth, any anniversary! Paper is the traditional first wedding anniversary gift so a letter is a perfect way to tick this off the list!
Honouring Deceased Loved Ones
This can be symbolized through photo frames, candles and/or flowers.
Release of Doves
Doves choose one partner for life and make this commitment until death. The white dove has been used throughout history as a symbol of love, peace, purity, faithfulness and prosperity. Doves released at the ceremony represent the love and commitment of the couple.
Special Symbols
Any special symbols, gifts, photo frames etc. can be placed on the signing table.
Wish box
Have everyone write a wish for the couple and store it in a special box that can be opened at a predefined date (e.g. first anniversary). Similar to time capsule.
Stone ceremony
Give to each person attending the ceremony, to warm in their hands for the couple and to put their love and good wishes for their future together into the stone. These are collected at the end of the ceremony for the couple to keep, or if at the seaside, they can be tossed into the water to spread the wishes to the world.