Alternate ideas to the unity candle

It's interesting:
"Sorry if the speeches drag on. Wedding receptions can be a bit like an X Factor results show. You just want to skip through the talky bits to find out ..."

Alternate ideas to the unity candle ceremony abound. Different cultures use different rituals to signify the bride and groom's union. Whether you're the traditional, artistic or eco-friendly type of couple, you can choose an alternative that suits your personality and style. Or use your imagination and create your own original unity ritual. This will make for a truly one-of-a-kind wedding you and your guests will remember long after the day is through.

1. Sand Ceremony

   • The bride and groom each holds a small container of colored sand (use different colors for the bride and groom). They will then pour the sand in a larger container at the same time, so the colors are thoroughly mixed. From here, it is impossible to separate the sand mixture into the two distinct colors again.This signifies the eternal union of two individuals' lives, as well as the joining together of their families and cultures.

   Unity Drink

   • Like the sand ceremony, the bride and groom each holds a glass of wine or water in different colors, which are then mixed into a third container. For the wine ceremony, the couple takes a sip from the wine mixture. For the water ceremony, make sure to test the colored water combination beforehand, so you can see which color mixture looks good. Check for taste as well to avoid being surprised by a nasty tang during the ceremony.

   Artistic Expression

   • Channel your creativity into art to symbolize your marital union. Prepare a canvas, a couple of paintbrushes and paint. You can use multicolored paint or opt for only two different colors to represent each individual. During the unity ceremony, the bride and groom paints their own masterpiece, in whatever design they choose. This can serve as home decor and can eventually become a family heirloom.

   United in Green

   • Eco-conscious couples can get a tree in a decorative pot pre-wedding. During the unity ceremony, bride and groom waters the tree using two individual containers. The mixing of the water in the tree roots symbolizes their union. The nature-lovers can then opt to plant the tree in their own garden, to serve as a reminder of their special day and of nurturing a new family together.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, Alternate ideas, Alternate ideas unity, ceremony bride groom, different colors