Below are a list of rituals that may be added to part of your ceremony to make it more unique to you. Whether it be a marriage, renewal of vows, commitment ceremony, baby naming or a ceremony that you have chosen.
Candle Ceremony:
Two smaller lighted candles held by the couple, these are then used to light a larger candle to symbolize the bringing together. You may also want to invite family members from each couple to symbolize the coming together of the families. (you may have as many small candles you choose if you wish to add family or friends to your bringing together)
The candle ceremony can also be used in other ceremonies e.g. Baby naming. The difference will be the meaning. For a baby naming the ceremony could symbolize the life of the family burning bright.
Sand Ceremony:
Multiple blending of sand form either individuals or family members these are then placed into one vessel to symbolize the blending of the family unit or families coming together. The sand ceremony may also be used for variations of ceremonies, such as a commitment ceremony or vowel renewal.
Handfasting:
A Celtic tradition: where the couple hold opposite hands to form the figure 8, representing eternity, their hands are then tied together with ribbon or a fabric which has meaning to the families.
Wishing Stones:
The entire wedding party and guests either write on or wish upon the stone a hope for the future of the couple. The stones are then thrown into the water to represent them staying together as life ebbs and flows around them.
Water Ceremony:
Similar to a sand ceremony. The choice of two colours by the bride and groom and blending the colours into one water ewer/jug to make the colour the couple feel has meaning to them.
Wine Ceremony:
The bride and groom each pick a favourite wine. They pour the wine into one vessel and blend the wine to symbolize the merging of two to one. They then drink from the blended cup as a sharing and togetherness.
The wine ceremony can also be used for engagements, commitment and vowel renewal ceremonies.
Flower Ceremony:
A flower that has meaning to the bride and groom is chosen. (many couples choose to have a red rose as this is the universal flower symbolizing love) The Bride and groom have a flower each as do family members. The bride and groom swap flowers as their first gift to one another. They place the flowers into a vase which is then filled with the flowers of the families to symbolize the coming together of the families.
As with many of the ceremonies the flower giving can also be used for engagements and commitment ceremonies but have different variations of the theme.