Alternatives to the candle ceremony in a wedding
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Many couples use a unity candle during their wedding ceremony, but this tradition is expected and common. Several alternatives allow you to have a more singular and memorable exchange. These include using other items to symbolize unity and drawing upon ethnic traditions. Choose the candle ceremony alternative that best suits you and your future spouse.
Sand Ceremony
In this tradition, the bride and groom each have a vial of different-colored sand. The bride pours a portion of her sand into a large container. Then the groom pours a portion of his sand into the container, making a distinct layer of his own color. Finally, the bride and groom pour the remainder of their sand into the container at the same time. This tradition represents their individuality as well as their unity. Children from previous relationships can also participate by having their own vials of sand that they deposit similarly to the bride and groom. The children's participation is a way to infuse family unity into the ceremony.
Rose Ceremony
A sweet touch that you can add to your ceremony is the exchange of roses. The bride and groom exchange a single rose when they first meet at the altar. The rose symbolizes the couple's first gift to one another and that the couple will be able to endure hard times throughout their marriage while staying together.
Wine Ceremony
In this tradition, the bride and groom each have a glass that contains a different flavor of wine. They each pour a portion of the wine into an empty glass. This tradition symbolizes how the individuals are now mixed together into a new unit.
Jumping the Broom
Commonly considered an African tradition, jumping the broom symbolizes taking a leap of faith by entering into a marriage. Complete this ceremony immediately before the recessional.
Breaking Glass
A common Jewish tradition, breaking a glass symbolizes reverence for Jewish history and religion. It also represents the longevity of a marriage. This tradition is completed at the end of the wedding ceremony.
Handfasting
The bride and groom face each other with their hands overlapping. An elected person places a cord on top of the couple's hands while a blessing is made. Then he wraps a cord around the couple's wrists, binding their hands together. This tradition represents the commitment to always stay together and how a couple is bound by marriage vows.
Wedding Bouquets
The mothers of the couple place a separate bouquet in a vase close to the altar. The bouquet represents each family. Later in the ceremony the bride picks a stem from her family bouquet while the groom picks a stem from his family bouquet. The bride and groom exchange the stems, symbolizing the uniting of the two families.
Truce Bell
This Irish tradition involves a small bell that the minister blesses. The bride shakes the bell to make it ring and the groom repeats. The bell is then taken to the couple's home where it serves as a reminder of the wedding vows. If there is turmoil in the relationship, the bride or groom should ring the bell to remind the other of their vows.
Source: www.ehow.com
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