Rituals
There are many rituals and ceremonies you may like to incorporate into your wedding. I am happy to adapt these to suit you or if needed create a completely new ceremony to convey what you wish represent. You may wish to include children or friends or aspects that highlight your personality or interests. Below are just a few examples, remember it is your wedding and you can include anything you like!
Sand Ceremony
Vases each of a different coloured sand are poured together. It may demonstrate two individuals coming together or it may be a way of incorporating children or parents into the ceremony, as two families become one.
Stone Ceremony
In early Australia, our convict forebears and many of our early settlers could not afford the normal symbolic presentation of rings at a wedding ceremony. To confirm their vows, instead of rings being given, the bride and groom each cast a stone into a nearby river or ocean to symbolise being together forever while time washes over them.
Hand binding ceremony
Based on a traditional Celtic ceremony where a couples hands were tied together as a trial agreement. Ribbons are used to tie the couple's hands during the ceremony to show they are bound by their love and commitment. Different coloured ribbon can be used with each colour representing a different meaning, or the couple may make a promise to each other with each loop of the ribbon being wrapped.
Ring warming ceremony
The rings are passed through the guests at the wedding and as they hold them they are invited to make a silent blessing or prayer for the couple, infusing this energy in the ring. If there is concern about the rings being dropped or the timeframe for this is too long then the rings could be held at the front and a silent wish made in unison.
Candle lighting ceremony
Two taper candles are lit usually by the parents or mothers of the bride and groom. These candles represent their family or separate lives. The couple then use these candles to light a central candle, to represent them coming together as one and burning more brightly than individual flames. The taper candles are then either extinguished or allowed to continue burning to represent their individuality continuing even as they are together.
Sand Ceremony
Vases each of a different coloured sand are poured together. It may demonstrate two individuals coming together or it may be a way of incorporating children or parents into the ceremony, as two families become one.
Stone Ceremony
In early Australia, our convict forebears and many of our early settlers could not afford the normal symbolic presentation of rings at a wedding ceremony. To confirm their vows, instead of rings being given, the bride and groom each cast a stone into a nearby river or ocean to symbolise being together forever while time washes over them.
Hand binding ceremony
Based on a traditional Celtic ceremony where a couples hands were tied together as a trial agreement. Ribbons are used to tie the couple's hands during the ceremony to show they are bound by their love and commitment. Different coloured ribbon can be used with each colour representing a different meaning, or the couple may make a promise to each other with each loop of the ribbon being wrapped.
Ring warming ceremony
The rings are passed through the guests at the wedding and as they hold them they are invited to make a silent blessing or prayer for the couple, infusing this energy in the ring. If there is concern about the rings being dropped or the timeframe for this is too long then the rings could be held at the front and a silent wish made in unison.
Candle lighting ceremony
Two taper candles are lit usually by the parents or mothers of the bride and groom. These candles represent their family or separate lives. The couple then use these candles to light a central candle, to represent them coming together as one and burning more brightly than individual flames. The taper candles are then either extinguished or allowed to continue burning to represent their individuality continuing even as they are together.
Rose Ceremony
Roses may be exchanged between the couple as their first gift to each other to symbolise their love. They may also be given to the mother of the bride and groom as an expression of gratitude for all that they have done. A rose may also be laid on an empty seat to remember a parent who is no longer with them.
Blessing of the hands
The following verse may be read while a couple clasps hands to acknowledge what they will find in the other.
Roses may be exchanged between the couple as their first gift to each other to symbolise their love. They may also be given to the mother of the bride and groom as an expression of gratitude for all that they have done. A rose may also be laid on an empty seat to remember a parent who is no longer with them.
Blessing of the hands
The following verse may be read while a couple clasps hands to acknowledge what they will find in the other.
"These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch."
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch."
