Unity Ceremonies

The unity candle is a widely known tradition. I was curious about alternatives to this that can add a touch of spice and uniqueness in its place.

• Rose Ceremony: The bride and groom exchange a single rose as their first married gift to each other. They are asked to recall this symbol of their love during the more trying seasons of marriage.

• Hand Ceremony: The bride takes the grooms hand and her palms are up. The grooms hands are asked to be a gift and the officiant says: "These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as together you laugh and cry, and together you share your innermost secrets and dreams." Next, the groom then takes the bride's hands, palm side up. The officiant says, "They are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness, as she promises her love and commitment to you all the days of her life."

• Knot Ceremony: The mothers of the bridal couple are givent a rope or ribbon. Then it is given to the bride and groom to tie a lover's knot to always remember.

• Sand, Water, & Wine: In each ceremony, the bride and groom pour liquid or sand from two seperate containers into one. Be sure two pour two diffent colors of sand or red wine into white wine for full effects.

This is only a few ideas, but many more are out there and being invented as I type! Be creative and be sure to do something that means the most to you.