Wedding traditions have always been integral to marriage ceremonies, symbolizing the love and commitment between partners. These customs, rooted deeply in both religious and secular histories, include the exchanging of vows, giving of rings, and public declarations by an official celebrant.
Couples often personalize their wedding ceremonies with meaningful rituals that underscore their unique bonds. Popular choices include lighting a unity candle, performing a ring warming ritual, or engaging in handfasting, all of which imbue the occasion with personal significance and shared values.
Here are five beloved symbolic rituals recommended by the Celebrants Association of Aotearoa, which you might consider incorporating into your ceremony:
Ring Warming
In this touching ritual, the wedding rings are passed among guests before the vow exchange, allowing each person to imbue them with warm wishes and blessings. This process not only charges the rings with collective affection but also deepens the communal spirit of the ceremony.
Sand Ceremony
A variant of the unity candle, this ritual involves the couple pouring two different colors of sand into a single vessel. The blending of sands represents the inseparable union of their lives.
Stone Ritual
Guests are given a blessing stone upon arrival, symbolizing enduring love and well-wishes. Throughout the ceremony, guests hold these stones, infusing them with positive thoughts and energy, which are later collected in a commemorative container for the couple.
Handfasting
Originating from ancient Celtic tradition, handfasting was initially a temporary union lasting a year and a day. It is the origin of the phrase “tying the knot,” as the couple’s hands are bound with a ribbon or cord. Today, it symbolizes the permanent binding of the couple’s lives, often with guests contributing to the ritual by tying ribbons around the couple’s hands.
Personalizing Your Ceremony
Choosing to personalize your ceremony is a wonderful way to reflect your unique relationship and love. A celebrant from the CANZ can assist you in crafting a bespoke ceremony that not only respects tradition but also celebrates your individuality, making your special day uniquely memorable.
These rituals not only add depth to the ceremony but also allow couples to express their personalities and commitment in a visually memorable and meaningful way.
