Two shall become One!
As a Wedding Officiant I am often asked about ways to make the ceremony unique.
Following are some Ceremony Options for your consideration
Unity Candle Ceremony
The Unity Candle Ceremony is one ceremony option consisting of lighting one candle from two separate candles held by the bride and groom. This ceremony symbolizes the union of two lives into one. Creative variations can be added to the ceremony, such as the mothers of the bride and groom lighting the candles prior to being seated or during the ceremony. The couple may decide keep the candle (some couples re-light the candle each year on their anniversary, symbolizing their recommitment to each other).
Unity Sand Ceremony
The Unity Sand Ceremony is a ceremony option that has the same symbolism as the Unity candle but utilizes coloured sand poured into a glass container, creating multiple layers of different coloured sand. You can have as many people participate as you like and you retain the container as a keepsake. It is a wonderful way to involve children, blended families, even a soon to be born baby!
Blessing of the Rings
Wedding rings are a visible sign of an inward symbol of love uniting two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows made to one another. It symbolizes living together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of the couple’s lives.
Breaking of the Glass
The breaking of the glass is one of the ceremony options at the end of a wedding ceremony (usually reserved for Jewish ceremonies). However, it is a beautiful ending to any wedding. Breaking the glass serves to remind us of two very important aspects of a marriage. The bride and groom – and everyone – should consider these marriage vows as an irrevocable act – just as permanent and final as the breaking of the glass is unchangeable. On the other hand the breaking of the glass is also a warning of the frailty of a marriage. A single thoughtless act, breach of trust, or infidelity can damage a marriage in ways that are very difficult to undo – just as it would be to undo the breaking of this glass. Knowing that this marriage is permanent, the bride and groom should strive to show each other the love and respect befitting their spouse and love of their life.
Hands Ceremony
This is a recent favourite of many couples. A three to five minute ceremony in which the wedding officiant uses the phrasing, “These are the hands that…” prior to the vows.
Honouring the Mothers
This is a ceremony option in which a brief reading and/or add-lib is done and at the conclusion of which the bride and/or groom present their mother(s) with a rose or similar.
Silent Blessing and Moment of Remembrance
Both are small blessings/readings honouring the deceased. They may include specific names or a general statement or could include lighting of a candle.
Additional Ceremony Options
Rose Ceremony
A symbolic ceremony using roses as a symbol of love, couples who have chosen this ceremony have described it as an extremely beautiful and very moving.
Support from Families Service
Parents become part of the introduction to the vows. The officiant asks who brings this couple to be wed.
Jumping the Broom
There are many different versions of this ritual which involves the couple jumping over the broom. Essentially, the jumping of the broom is a symbol of sweeping away of the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of a new beginning.
Have a wonder-filled Wedding Day!
Rev. Rudy Heezen Toronto Wedding Officiant
rev.rudy@rudyheezen.com
www.rudyheezen.com
P. 905-668-8994