Ideas instead of candle lighting in wedding

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In traditional weddings, the bride and groom each light a candle. Often, the two candles are different colors. The couple then carries the two candles to the unity candle and lights it, signifying that the two have become one. This tradition is sometimes carried out by the two mothers instead. In more recent years, several other unity traditions have taken the place of the traditional candle lighting portion of the ceremony.

1. Grains of Sand

   • Instead of candles, the sand ceremony uses three vases. There are companies that make these containers and will print your names and wedding date on the keepsake glass vase. You can also use any glass vases. The bride and groom should each choose a color of sand. Some couples decide to keep this simple and go with highly contrasting black and white sand. Others use each person's favorite color. You could also use your wedding colors.

     During the unity part of the ceremony, the bride and groom each take the smaller vase with their color of sand and slowly pour the two containers into a larger vase. The result is a beautiful sand sculpture that will be a precious keepsake for years to come.

   Irish Wedding Cup

   • Those with an Irish heritage can choose to use an Irish wedding cup ceremony to show unity. This ceremony is also called the Loving Cup. The wedding cup typically has two handles, one on each side, and is fairly large. This ceremony has been in existence since medieval times, so if you are planning a Middle Ages themed wedding, this might be the perfect accompaniment.

     Once the two are pronounced husband and wife, the bride and groom share their first drink together. This signifies the coming together of two separate families. The cup is usually passed down to children and grandchildren, so you may already have one in your family.

   Locked Box

   • The locked box is a fairly recent unity ceremony tradition. The focal point is the wooden wine box, which can be locked. A bottle of wine is placed in the box. The bride and groom each write a letter ahead of time and place their respective letters in the box with the wine. The box is locked. It is meant to be opened only if your marriage is in danger of ending or can be opened on your 10th, 20th or 50th anniversary. You essentially decide ahead of time on which anniversary it will be opened.

   God's Braid

   • Tie three different colored woven silk strands about 1 inch thick and 3 inches long onto a silver keyring. You can find woven silk rope in the drapery section of a home supply store or places like Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Fabrics. During the ceremony, the bride and groom will braid the three strands together. The three ropes signify the husband, the wife and God. The braid shows that the couple plans to weave God into their lives. The braided strands can be hung somewhere prominent in the home as a daily reminder.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, bride groom each, candle lighting, groom each, ahead time, candle lighting wedding