 
|
Tibetan Bells or Singing Bowls
Tibetan Bells or Singing Bowls are ancient chimes which are commonly used nowadays for the purposes of meditation, healing and welcoming presence.
I often ring them at the beginning of the ceremony (if the client approves) to sanctify the space and then 'close out' the ceremony with them at the end. The sound of the bells or bowls invites us to stop, be present, and recognize that wherever we gather to observe, recognize, acknowledge, pay tribute or celebrate is truly sacred space and sacred time. |
|
Candle Lighting Ceremony
The candle lighting ceremony symbolizes the joining of the couple and the two families; it symbolizes two lives becoming one.
There are a number of variances to the candle lighting ceremony and it can be customized to your unique relationship.
Usually, two small candles burn throughout the ceremony, symbolizing the couple has exchanged vows, the two of them step forward and jointly light the larger one symbolizing their new life together. |
|
The Handfasting Ceremony
There are many variations of the traditional handfasting. After the bride and groom both declare their intent to enter into this union, the hands of the couple are clasped and fastened together with a cord or cords just before, just after, or during their vows are made to one another.
The wrapping of the cord forms an infinity symbol. The handfasting knot that is tied is a symbolic representation of oneness between the couple. In a show of unity, they become bound to each other.
|
|
The Huppah
The Huppah is a wedding canopy that has been a part of Jewish weddings for thousands of years. It symbolizes the first home shared by the married couple, a home that they will create together.
Keeping with tradition, the Huppah is open on all sides to suggest that the couple's home will be open to all those who need shelter and to allow their family and friends to share in their ceremony. While the Huppah may be made of branches and flowers, the roof is covered by a tallis, or prayer shawl.
|
|
Tree Planting Ceremony
The unity tree planting ceremony can be used to symbolize the joining together of two individuals or the joining of two families.
There is a separate table setup near the alter. On it is a potted tree/sapling, something perhaps with special meaning to the couple or taken from a special place.
Also on the table are two small buckets of soil, two gardening trowels, as well as, a small watering can.
If you choose to have the ceremony symbolize the joining together of both families then upon the entrance of the mothers, each mother goes to the table and pours in a small amount of dirt. Then they take their seats.
During a specific reading or song, the couple will each add the remainder of soil and water the plant together.
After the ceremony, the couple plants the tree in at their home or a special location to symbolize the putting down of roots, longevity and strengths in their marriage.
|
|
Lighting a Memory Candle
This single candle represents any loved ones who have passed and symbolizes their spiritual presence at your ceremony. The candle is lit in memory of their absence, but in recognition of their love and family ties.
|
|
Sand Ceremony
A popular ceremony for beach weddings is the Unity Sand Ceremony.
Using two containers of different colored sands representing the lives of the couple, each of them pours the sand into a third container. This represents their new life together as one, just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again – a symbol of their new life together as one.
|
|
Ring Ceremony
The exchanging of wedding rings between the couple can be completed during the vows. The wedding rings are usually entrusted to the Best Man or anyone special to the couple and symbolize the visible signs of their commitment to one another.
|
|
Warming of the Rings
This can be used with a smaller wedding party and is often initiated at the start of the wedding, rather than during the vows. With a ring warming in your ceremony the rings will not only be a gift from one to another, but will be given with the love, support and wisdom of all present.
The rings are placed in a small organza bag and passed amongst all the guests who hold the rings, thus giving their personal blessing before they are received by the couple, who then exchange the rings.
|
|
Unity Bowl
A tradition of honoring multiple generations of the couple's families. It also allows children of the couple to be included.
The couple chooses a glass bowl that will have a prominent place in their new home together. Each person who has some relationship to them through family ties, for example, grandparents, parents, siblings, is given a small bag that is filled with colored marbles or stones. Each bag holds a color that is unique to that person.
The stones are placed into the bowl the couple has chosen. This represents the foundation of the family and the wedding itself. After everyone has added their stones to the mix, the couple adds their colored stones. This symbolizes the union of close relations.
|
|
Stone Ceremony
This ceremony works particularly well for ceremonies which take place next to water – a lake, river or the sea.
The couple is given stones to cast into the water to symbolize their unity so long as the river flows or the tide ebbs and returns.
|
|
Rose Ceremony
The couple exchange a single red rose which symbolizes their love and commitment to each other on their wedding day and forever.
Another variation is that after walking down the aisle, the couple gives a rose to each of their mother-in-laws.
|
|
Sharing of Wine
This is a tradition where the couple drinks three times from the same cup. The first is a drink to friendship, the second to commitment of love and the third represents the unity of spirit.
|
|
Butterfly Release
According to American Indian legend, if you want a wish to come true you must capture a butterfly, whisper your wish and release it. As the butterfly makes no sound your wish will never be revealed, only the Great Spirit hears and sees all. In gratitude for giving the butterfly life and freedom, your wish is granted.
It is usual to ask the guests to whisper their own special wish for the couple as the butterflies are released.
|
|
Breaking of the Glass
Symbolically, the breaking of the glass reminds us of the fragile nature of life. The custom has also come to symbolize the shattering of the old and the beginning of the new. The breaking of the glass insures the uniqueness of the moment that arises and passes away, a letting go of the past and looking toward the future. |
