The first and last kiss

This is a great way to include the mothers of the bride, the groom and their fathers too! Parents, in general, are the first people to kiss you after your birth. What better way to celebrate their eternal love than inviting them to give you their last kiss; their blessing as you embark on your new life with your husband or wife. 

Circle Ceremony

It’s a simple, intimate and a very effective way to include everyone in your ceremony.

Guests are seated in a circle around the happy couple, binding their love for each other, whilst being surrounded by those who love them most – everyone is assured not to miss out on seeing the whole ceremony.

Warming of the rings

The giving and receiving of ring(s) are undoubtedly, the most symbolic act at a couple ceremony. A ring is an everlasting circle of precious metal, just as a couple’s love for each other is precious and eternal. Weaving a ring warming into your ceremony is a beautiful way of including family and friends; who will be honoured to be includes as part of your wonderful occasion. 

The ring(s) are passed between your guests prior to the exchange. Each guest taking a few moments to hold or ‘warm’ the ring(s) with their special wishes, positivity, blessing or even prayers for your future happiness. Thus, giving everyone an equal opportunity, in a private but meaningful way, to bring their own beliefs into your ceremony.

Unity Candle(s)

If permitted at the venue, the lighting of candle(s) in a ceremony can be very symbolic, it can involve others and is very visually effective. 

In a couple ceremony, two candles are lit at the beginning of the ceremony signifying two individuals whose flames are independent, yet feed the same fire. At some point during the ceremony the centre candle is lit using the two individual flames. This creates a new combined light symbolising that two people are joined as one. 

Unity candle(s) can be used for families too! 

Especially when planning a Naming or a Welcoming ceremony. The candle(s) represents the love, laughter, warmth and endless joy that having a child brings into your lives. When parents take the flame of smaller candles to light one single large candle, it represents the unity or joining of their family(s). It also symbolises the commitment and promises that have been publicly made to their child or children. Once again it is a great way to involve grandparents, siblings or significant others in your ceremony.  

Lighting
of a remembrance candle

This is a beautiful way to remember and also include those family members and/or friends that are unable to be with you, on your special day, because they are have died.

Together the couple light a special candle next to a single framed picture or on a remembrance table with several framed pictures. Particularly poignant if the bereavement is fairly recent. 

Sand ceremony

A sand ceremony symbolises the joining together of two people, two families or even the welcoming of a new member of the family. Once the grains of sand are mixed…they can never be separated or poured again in the same way. Just as the love and commitment of one another or a family is endless. 

I love that this is simple but extremely visual and powerful! Especially when there are incredible colours of sand to choose from. Enabling those involved to express their individuality, uniqueness and wishes through the meaning of sand that creates a bespoke and very special keepsake. 

The joining of hands or handfasting

The handfasting ceremony has its roots in the ancient traditions of the British Isles. The couple getting married cross arms and join their hands. The celebrant and/or family/friends use cord, ribbon or rope, to bind the couple’s hands together. The couple’s hands are now joined…as are their lives. 

This symbolic act may be infinitely personalised by making a unique tie that is special and individual to the couple or family.

Drinking from a loving cup

A pewter cup with two handles, called a ‘Quaich’ was originally used. The symbolic act originated from a Scottish tradition. The couple could create the perfect blend and mix of flavours, just like their marriage. The new couple share their first drink of their marriage. Expressing their bonding and marks their willingness to join together on their new path. 

Time capsule, Love letters or Memory box

This can be quite fun and a fabulous way to include everyone!

It involves the couple preparing for a ritual to be performed 1, 5 or even 10 years into their future. They do this by sealing a box, capsule or container that holds items such as love letters, a bottle of wine, glasses, photos, messages, wishes and tips from guests for a happy future. 

The couple then open the time capsule on their designated date, drink the wine while reading their love letters from each other along with well wishes and tips from their family and friends. This action reinforces their love for each other and their relationship by reflecting on how they felt on their special day. 

This can also work well for welcoming a child or children into your family or the naming of a child or children. The burying or safe keeping of a time capsule, relating to the date, time and year the child was born, is a great keepsake. You can involve children, family members and significant others in the burial. If you don’t like the idea of burying the time capsule; the parents or significant others can keep it safe until it is due to be opened.

Plant or pot a tree

The planting of a tree is a great way to symbolise a child’s future growth, development and happiness. This symbolic action can be carried out following the ceremony or on a smaller scale during the ceremony. Guests can be involved and children particularly love participating and everyone can be encouraged to place a wish for the child on the tree, once planted. 

Planting a tree is also a lovely idea for couples too! 

Associated with mythology, trees are thought to have healing properties. The moment can be made more symbolic by choosing a tree that has specific meaning to the couple. Oak represents; strength of character and courage, while Birch and its brilliant autumn colours is associated with truth and new beginnings. 

Soil, fertiliser and water are is placed from separate containers around the tree. Each and every step representing the coming together, growth and flourishing of the couple’s relationship.

Stone ceremony

In past centuries couples where not always in a position to exchange rings. So, to confirm their vows, they each cast a stone into a nearby lake, river or ocean. The stones were often etched with their names. This act symbolises the couple remaining together forever while the tides of time ebb and flow over their lives. 

In more modern times the stones may be taken on honeymoon where they can be tossed in the same way, creating a very special spot for ever more. 

If it’s not practical to toss stones into some kind of waterway on the day. A significant, vesicle, vase or bowl can be used as a symbol. The water used may be coloured if wished. 

Including stones in your special day is a very easy way to involve guests. Guests can be invited to pick a stone when they arrive. The stone is then held during the ceremony while love, luck and wishes are bestowed upon the couple; such beautiful gifts can also be written on the stones. The stones are then placed in a jar or vase at some point during or after the ceremony as a keepsake. 

Jumping the broom