Your Ceremony

Unity Candle Ceremony

The Unity Candle Ceremony is one of the ceremony options that consist of lighting of one candle from two separate candles held by the bride and groom. This ceremony symbolizes the union of two lives into one. Creative variations can be added to the ceremony, such as the mothers of the bride and groom, or any designated member of the wedding party, lighting the candles after they walk down the isle or during the ceremony. The couple may keep the candle (some re-light the candle each year on their anniversary).

Unity Sand Ceremony

The Unity Sand Ceremony is one of the ceremony options that has the same symbolism as the Unity candle but utilizes colored sand poured into a glass container, creating multiple layers of different colored sand. You can have as many people participate as you like and you retain the container as a keepsake.

The Blessing of the Rings

The wedding ring is the visible sign of an inward bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows made to one another. It symbolizes living together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their lives.

Breaking of the Glass

The breaking of the glass is one of the ceremony options that is at the end of a wedding ceremony usually reserved for Jewish wedding ceremonies. However, it is a beautiful ending to any wedding. Breaking the glass serves to remind us of two very important aspects of a marriage. The bride and groom - and everyone - should consider these marriage vows as an IRREVOCABLE ACT - just as permanent and final as the breaking of this glass is unchangeable. But the breaking of the glass also is a warning of the FRAILTY of a marriage. That sometimes a single thoughtless act, breech of trust, or infidelity can damage a marriage in ways that are very difficult to undo - just as it would be so difficult to undo the breaking of this glass. Knowing that this marriage is permanent, the bride and groom should strive to show each other the love and respect befitting their spouse and love of their life. 

Family Ceremony Options

Many couples are remarrying and want to include their children in the ceremony. There are numerous ceremony options for ways this may be done.

Flower Ceremony

This is a family/friends ceremony. Each designated person comes up and places a different flower in a vase to create a garden of love.

Honoring the Mothers

This is one of the ceremony options in which a brief reading is done and then the bride and/or groom present their mother(s) with a small gift (flowers usually).

Silent Blessing and Moment of Remembrance

Both are small blessings/readings honoring the deceased. They may include specific names or a general statement.

Additional Ceremony Options

Ribbon Ceremony/Handfasting

The ancient Celts tied the hands of the bride and groom. The minister loosely binds the hands together. They remain that way for the rest of the ceremony.

Rose Ceremony

A symbolic ceremony using roses, the symbol of love. The couples who have chosen this have described it as an extremely beautiful and moving ceremony.

Support from Families Service

Parents become part of the introduction to the vows. The minister asks who brings this couple to be wed.

Wine or Water Ceremony 

This is one of the ceremony options where the couple shares a cup of wine or water while the minister says a blessing and a reading.

Jumping the Broom 

There are many different versions of this ritual which involves the couple jumping over the broom. Essentially, the jumping of the broom is a symbol of sweeping away of the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of a new beginning.

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