Rituals

Handfasting

Handfasting is a symbolic act that takes place during a wedding ceremony, where the hands of the happy couple are bound together with ribbon or cord, to represent their commitment to each other. Their hands are wrapped together in an expression of their love, with words, poetry or music accompanying the ritual.

Try a Sand Ceremony

Sand blending is a symbolic ritual, used in celebrant led ceremonies. A mini ceremony if you like, that can be used in wedding or family ceremonies centred around two becoming one, uniting both couples or families. A super simple symbolic ritual, but a significant one.

Wine Blending

The ritual usually takes place after the “I do's” and the rings have been exchanged but can also be performed after the signing of the wedding documents. The couple each pours their bottle of wine into a single glass or carafe. If one glass is used then the couple both take turns drinking from it.

Garland Exchange

If you're holding a Hindu ceremony, consider starting your wedding ceremony with a garland exchange, which represents acceptance and respect. This tradition is actually supposed to be a challenge: The goal is for the couple to make it difficult to put the garland on one another as a last-minute game of chase.

Jump the Broom

The "jumping the broom" ritual originated in the early 19th century, when enslaved African Americans weren't allowed to formally marry. Instead, to unite, the tradition was to lay a broom on the ground and jump over it together. For Black couples today, the act represents a "brushing away" of the past in order to start clean.

Light a Unity Candle

This Judeo-Christian tradition is probably the most well-known wedding ritual that symbolizes unity. The bride and groom each hold a lit candle and combine their flames to light a third, larger candle. Sometimes the bride and groom's parents take on this task instead to symbolize the union of their families. You can also get the guests involved by displaying candles in the ceremony entrance and inviting friends and family to light one and say a blessing as they enter.

Circle the Groom (or Bride!)

In Jewish tradition, the bride circles the groom seven times to break down any barriers between them. Today, rather than the bride circling around her groom, the couple often encircle around one another.

Participate in a Crowing (Stefana)

It's customary in Greek Orthodox culture for brides and grooms to appoint koumbaroi, attendants who place the wedding crowns on the couple's heads and the rings on their fingers. The crowns, known as stefana, are connected by ribbon and therefore serve as a symbol of the bride and groom's union, as well as their status as queen and king of their family.

Plant a Tree or Pot a Plant

If you're getting married outside, consider planting a sapling—it represents growth, something you and your new spouse will do (a lot of!) together. During the ceremony, the bride and groom should place soil from two separate containers on top of the planting, representing two individuals coming together as one.
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This works for outdoor ceremonies, of course, but it allows couples throwing an indoor reception get in on the planting fun. Take a cue from this bride and groom, who potted and watered a plant together during their ceremony to represent the joining of their families.

Create a time capsule

Place meaningful items—like a bottle of wine created during the year you first met, a favorite set of poems, or a poignant keepsake—into a box and help each other nail it shut. This modern ceremony is about togetherness, both at the time of the capsule's creation (take turns hammering!) and at it's opening, on your one year anniversary.

Your ceremony awaits!

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