A unity ceremony is a wedding ritual that symbolizes the union of two people and the coming together of two families. It is a symbolic conclusion to the bride and the grooms’ vows before the exchange of wedding rings. The candle unity set, tying the knot ceremony, and a sand ceremony, also referred to as a “blending of the sands” ceremony, are a few of the most well-known rituals.
Are you looking for a modern and creative way to symbolize unity during your ceremony? Modern couples are looking for a fun, personalized, twist during the unity ceremony while still being rooted in wedding tradition. So, I have come across three unity ceremony alternatives that as a past wedding guest and internationally certified Wedding and Event Planner for Splendid Events Company, have yet to see;
- Pass the Rings Around
- Create a Time Capsule
- Canvas Painting
Seems scary thinking about passing your rings around during your ceremony, right? Just imagine the look on your closest family and friends’ faces during their moment of inclusion, or the look on your sweet grandmothers’ face. Priceless. According to “16 Creative Wedding Rituals That Symbolize Unity” by Martha Stewart Weddings, yours guests will feel included in the ceremony by passing your rings around and will have an opportunity to hold the bands, bestow their blessings on your bands as well as positive thoughts toward your marriage. Passing the rings around will certainly put a modern twist on a rather traditional ritual.
Everyone knows about the wedding cake tradition - The newlyweds are to preserve the top tier of their wedding cake and eat it a year later, on their first wedding anniversary. Preserving a piece of your wedding cake is said to bring good luck as well as allows you to celebrate your first anniversary together by reliving one of the most special moments that you have experienced together. However, I am sure that I am not the only one who finds eating year old cake unappealing. So, how about opening a time capsule that you and your significant other created for your wedding day instead? And it is so simple. To create a time capsule, choose a box and save a few personal items to place inside during your ceremony, that is to be reopened in the future. During your ceremony place the items in the box and nail it shut. On your first wedding anniversary imagine opening your time capsule to love letters that you both wrote before the ceremony along with a bottle of wine from the year you met. If that doesn’t scream romance I don’t know what does.
For the artistic bride and groom, have you considered a unity canvas painting ceremony? The blank canvas represents the start of every marriage and a new-shared journey. It represents a new beginning. The colors of the paint represent the bride and groom and the years together that are yet to come. A unity canvas painting may be a fun alternative that is still a true representation of yourselves. Think about it. Your canvas may be blank, have the first letter of your last name, or a famous love quote. The possibilities are endless. As the two of you become one, some areas on the canvas the colors will blend and mix together, which will create a new color, representing shared experiences. Some areas on the canvas the colors will stay separate and bold, yet still a compliment to the color by its side. And lastly, there will be some areas on the canvas where they color may contrast, while another area remains blank and untouched. The unity canvas painting is an artistic alternative, which will showcase an original masterpiece that is as unique as the bride and groom.
As each wedding and couple is different, I believe the unity ceremony should be tailed to you as well. I encourage you and your significant other to think outside of the well-known wedding traditions, and find something that distinctly represents you as a couple.
Revised Article (originally published in print with the 2018 Michigan Wedding Organizer Magazine)
