Additional elements
Some ideas to add to your ceremony
You may wish to consider adding an additional element to your ceremony. They are a great way to make your ceremony even more personal and there are many options. Some can also involve guests and family members if you wish. There are many ancient traditions that you might want to replicate, most of them symbolise the wishing of good luck for the future. These are just a few ideas, there are many more, or you can even create your own! You really can be as imaginative and bold as you like.
Some of these rituals can be enhanced with personalised items that you can keep as a memory of you day. I can supply some items, or you may prefer to source your own. You can find more details of the cost of any personalised items on the prices page.
Unity candle
The couple light their two smaller candles at the beginning of the ceremony. This symblolises their individual families. Near to the end of the ceremony they come together to light the larger candle with the smaller ones. This shows the formation of a new family and the joining of the couple.
This can also be adapted to use in other kind of ceremonies besides weddings, and is also a way to involve other family members if you wish.
I can provide the personalised candles with a design of your choice and a base of silver or gold colour. If you prefer a different design you can of course provide your own candles.
Sand ceremony
This is another way to symbolise the joining of a couple. Layers of sand are poured on by one into a glass container. You each pour your own coloured sand from your individual containers into the larger one gradually bit by bit to build up pretty coloured layers. The seperate bottles signify your individual lives now coming together. You can keep the container as a lasting reminder of your commitment to each other.
Some couples like to involve children in this ritual, although the choice is yours. I can provide personalised containers if you wish.
Handfasting ceremony
The couple's hands are tied together with coloured cords or ribbons. This is an ancient tradition. Being bound together this way is a way to show your commitment to each other. You choose your own design for the cord or rope and your favourite colours. Different colours have specific meanings. Usually you will recite your vows at the same time.
Jumping the broom
This is another very old tradition. It symbolizes a new beginning, the welcoming of the new and sweeping away the old. It can also demonstrate the joining together of two families. Creating a new threshold for the couple to step over. It is held at the end of the ceremony as a way to represent strength, love and togetherness.
A cocktail unity
This is similar to the Unity candle but the couple mix a cocktail to signify the blending together of your two lives. You might decide to make enough to share with your guests after the ceremony maybe as a first drink! It needs a bit of research to find your perfect mix and elements which will work well together. The couple work to blend the mixture and toast the past, present and future at the end. Probably it's best not to make it too strong! Maybe this is better for an evening ceremony.
Earthing stone
This is an old celtic tradition. the idea is that whilst the couple take their vows they also hold the stone. This shows that the vows they make are set in stone. The stone can be engraved to keep as a memory of the day. This can also be complimented with smaller gem stones. Each guest is given a gem stone that they bless and then give back to the couple. This is a good way to involve your guests in the ceremony in a meaningful way.
And there are lots more!
The list and choices are pretty much endless, or you could make up your own to reflect your style or interests, or non traditional wedding wear. There aren't really any rules with a celebrant ceremony.
