Unity Rituals

*All photo’s on this website are “very real” – should a venue take “your fancy” please just hover above the photo for the “where and who” (or click to enlarge)!

“The Unity Sand Ceremony“

This beautiful and meaningful unifying ceremony originated in the islands of Hawaii.  It symbolised, through the pouring of layers of various coloured sands, the joining of Bride and Groom, or the blending together of two families.

This ceremony is usually performed after the couple have exchanged their vows, or, alternatively, the vows can be written around the unity sand ceremony.

It is the perfect ceremony to include children, as the symbolism is of the “two becoming one”, or the “unit becoming a family”

At the end, you will have a beautiful, lasting reminder of your day and the symbolism of “unity”.

Click on the link below, sit back, close your eyes and enjoy “The Sand Ceremony Song” featuring Spencer Durham and Connelly Crowe.  This song is available for your Unity Sand Ceremony (only if you like it, of course!)

For the song, The Sand Ceremony Song – Duet (please click left)

“The Hand Fasting (or Hand Binding) Ceremony“

This ceremony was practiced by the Celts (among other people), during the Middle Ages. A year after the couple was hand fasted they were considered “married”. This ceremony involves much reverence of nature (the seasons and elements).

Styles of Rituals offered:

1. SIMPLE Hand Fasting – Hand Binding Ritual – Ceremony

2. CELTIC PAGAN Hand Fasting - Hand Binding Ritual - Ceremony

3. CELTIC Hand Fasting - Hand Binding Ritual -Ceremony

4. DRUID Hand Fasting -Hand Binding Ritual -Ceremony

5. CHRISTIAN Hand Fasting -Hand Binding Ritual - Ceremony

“A Rose Giving Ceremony“

This modern ritual incorporates one of the most beloved symbols of romantic love – the rose.  A red (or white) one is used in honour of the wedding day.

This ceremony symbolizes the merging of the Bride and Groom’s and/or their families.  When the bride enters, she has in her possession two roses, usually red.  As she approaches the celebrant and her Groom, the Bride will stop and offer a rose and a kiss to her mother or significant mother figure.  In doing this, she is expressing her gratitude for preparing her for this moment and for receiving the man she is about to marry into her family.

When the wedding ceremony has ended and she and the Groom exit, the Bride will stop and offer a rose and a kiss to the Groom’s mother or significant mother figure.  In doing this, she is expressing her gratitude for preparing her new husband for this moment and for receiving her into the Groom’s family.

There are many variations to this ceremony for your consideration, from the bride and groom exchanging first “gifts” to the acceptance of a rose from close friends as the bride enters the venue…………..

“The Unity Candle Ceremony“

This joining ritual is quite popular at Catholic weddings, but its significance is universal: the joining of the couple as a new family.

Each style of ceremony includes “unity words” to explain to your guests the relevance of your chosen unity candle ritual.

This ceremony is definitely not recommended for an outdoor venue!

There are many variations available for this ritual (11 to be precise) from the lighting of a single Unity Candle by the Bride and Groom, to “generational” Unity Candle Ceremonies, using either five or seven candles to include either the mothers or all four parents, and/Grandparents of the Bride and Groom.  The mothers, or parents, come forward and light their candles from two votive candles that are lit prior to the ceremony.  They then turn to light the candles of the Bride and Groom, who in turn light the Unity Candle.

The Wiccan candle ritual focuses on the couple’s union in marriage.  However, this candle ceremony focuses less on two families uniting (as a unity candle ritual) than on two individuals coming together, yet remaining independent.  Interfaith or nondenominational couples could certainly include it in their ceremony.

Some couples choose to extend the light to their guests as well.  The ushers distribute candles to all the guests as they arrive.  After lighting and joining together their own candles, the Bride and Groom turn to the Best Man and Maid of Honour to light their candles. They, in turn, pass the light to other members of the bridal party and then it is extended through the Bride and Groom’s parents to all the guests.  Given the time it takes to do this, however, it is best done only in smaller gatherings.  Some background music works well here.

“Sharing of Wine Ceremony“

A unity ritual acknowledging the symbolism of the “glass of wine”.  There are many options available – whether for just the Bride and Groom, or to include their Bridal Party and/or parents/grandparents……

This ceremony is usually presented after the vows, ring exchange & signing of the register.

The Groom pours a glass of wine, and both Bride and Groom drink from it……)

Celebrant:  ”The glass of wine has traditionally been symbolic of the cup of life.  Just as you both share this glass of wine…………………………………………etc…….”

“….and the many more unity rituals available to you, include……….”

“Warming of Rings” : “Family Medallion” : “Family Unity Certificate” : “Blessing (or Wishing) Stones” : “The Attendant Pendant” : “Jumping The Broom” : “Water Ceremony” : “Friendship Circle” :  ”White Dove Release” ….. and so forth………

There is definitely a beautiful unity ritual to suit your personalities, beliefs, traditions and cultures – they can involve the few or the many – from the most simple of unity rituals, to the more complex….. that is, of course, should you wish to include one in your ceremony?

Copyright©Sheridan Bryant, 2011

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