FIVE Beautiful Ceremony Ideas
We are often asked about beautiful ceremony ideas and rituals that reflect what is important to you, in your wedding ceremony. We have years of experience so we can, of course, write brand new rituals. Gin ritual anybody? And we can help you include some authentic time-honoured ceremony ideas as follows:
One – Ring Ceremony
The Ring Ceremony is the most wonderful ceremony idea where you include special guests, without them having to get up! Your wedding rings are looped onto ribbon and passed to your nearest and dearest, who hold them in their hands for a few seconds. They are asked to think of their love for you and their support for your marriage before passing them on to the next person.
By the time you exchange your wedding rings, the precious metal will have been warmed by the love of the people who love you the most. It’s a beautiful ceremony idea and very emotional – especially if grandparents are involved.
Two – Handtying
Handtying is a beautiful ritual where your hands are bound together with ribbons or cords. It symbolises the joining of two hands, two hearts and two lives. Handtying fits perfectly in your ceremony at any stage, but particularly when you exchange your vows. The colours of the ribbons have significant meaning but you might also like to include material that is special to you. For example, lace from your mother or grandmother’s wedding dress, a strip of material from a loved one’s shirt, beach hut material, macramé cords – whatever you wish!
To clarify, Handtying is not a Handfasting. Handfasting is a pagan ceremony that involves calling the quarters and blessing the circle in which you are standing, amongst other things. For more information, you should contact a wonderfully experienced celebrant such as Rebecca at Willow Ceremonies.
Three – Blessing Stones
Blessing Stones – also known as Wishing Stones – are a great way of including everybody! We ask your guests to write a lovely message on each stone and then put them on each side of the path used for your ceremony. It means you walk in and out on a path full of love! Your Blessing Stones can then be kept as wonderful keepsakes in your garden.
Four – Love Lock Ceremony
The words that accompany this ritual in your ceremony are wonderful. The symbolism of linking two padlocks and throwing away the keys works perfectly in a ceremony that is about the joining of two people in love. Linked but still individual! Family can be involved in the ceremony and you keep your locked padlocks for the rest of your lives. Perfect.
Five – Sand Unity Ceremony
Sand Unity Ceremonies is the last of our ceremony ideas for today (but oh, we have so many more!). This ceremony is perfect for blending families, where children can be involved. Our couples pour the first layer of sand and then each family member pours their own colour in turn. Each colour has a significant meaning, so we ask each family member to consider their personalities and values in life when choosing their colour. The result is a beautiful and meaningful keepsake of your special day!
It’s your choice!
Your Celebrant led wedding ceremony will always be unique and, by including beautiful ceremony ideas that resonate with you, the ceremony will reflect who you really are. Alternatively, you may want a beautifully simple yet sophisticated ceremony without any rituals. Whatever works for you is what you must have, so get in touch with us to find out more!
Photo credits and thanks to:
Francis Meaney Photography (ring ceremony)
Liz Greenhalgh Photography (hand tying ceremony)
David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies (blessing stone & sand unity ceremonies)