The unity ceremony is traditionally a culmination of three candles at the altar that symbolize the brides family, the grooms family, and their two families becoming one under the love of God. This traditionally has the mothers both light the candles that symbolize each family and the bride and groom lighting the unity candle together. This ceremony is about as traditional as they come and couples nowadays are looking to add some uniqueness to this long standing tradition. We're here to help you out by giving you a few ideas that will spice things up a bit.
Tree Planting Ceremony - Now this is one that is really in right now! Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it's a momento that you can look at for the rest of your life! The idea is to mix the soil from where both of you grew up and put it into the roots of the tree together. To add a bit more sentimental value, have your parents mix soil in from a place that means a lot to their love story as well.
God's Knot Unity Ceremony - Talk about a new spin on symbolizing your love for God with your love for one another. Each strand symbolizing the bride, the groom, and God. This stems from the bible verse Ecclesiastes 4:12 - "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.". This could be something that is a constant reminder of your love incorporated into your home decor. It's also something that could be passed down for generations to come.
Blending of Wine Ceremony - The blending of two types of wine symbolizes the hard work and care it takes to create an amazing completed bottle of wine. Similar to a successful bottle of wine, a successful marriage takes care and hard work before becoming something that can be enjoyed. Blending the two types of wine creates one blend that can never be separated again, just like a marriage. Once blended, toast with your guests to a bright and tasty future together!
Blanket Unity Ceremony - This is a historically traditional American Indian ceremony symbolizing the comfort and togetherness that marriage brings. The blanket is traditionally two different colors symbolizing the two who are becoming one. For more information on this ceremony, please click here.
Time Capsule Sealing Ceremony - Gather some items that will remind you of your love and put them into a wooden box to be sealed during your wedding ceremony. Items could include love letters to one another, letters from grandparents, parents, children, or even your bridal party. Could also include a bottle of champagne that is the same as the one you're going to be toasting with later. Save the box and open it on your first, fifth, or tenth wedding anniversary! What a special thing to share with one another and celebrate your love in the future!
No matter what you end up choosing, make sure it captures your spirit and your love for one another. Whether traditional or unique, your unity ceremony symbolizes you! They're all amazing and they're all very meaningful.
XO,
Jenna Barney
Founder of Pearls & Poppy