Wedding Ceremony
Special Elements

Infuse romance into your wedding ceremony by embracing the beauty of symbolic rituals and customs. Elevate the experience with these special touches that not only bind you and your partner but also create a meaningful connection with your cherished guests.

Each chosen ritual becomes a shared moment, intertwining the threads of love and commitment, making your celebration not just an event but a heartfelt journey for everyone involved.

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By incorporating these special elements into your ceremony, you are not just crafting moments; you are creating a tapestry of precious memories that will last a lifetime. It becomes a heartfelt tribute to the everlasting romance and love commemorated on your special day.

Whether embracing a cherished family tradition or incorporating a ceremony that resonates deeply with your hearts, your wedding day is a canvas for boundless romantic possibilities.

I have included some examples of special elements you could consider. However, this is by no means an exclusive or exhaustive list.

I am more than happy to discuss and incorporate any specific ceremonies, traditions, or rituals you would like to add that are not listed below.

​First Kiss Last Kiss

This ceremony is a beautiful way to include and honour the mothers of the couple. It is usually done just before the first kiss to seal your union as life partners.

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Traditionally, the first kiss comes from your mother when you are born. During the ceremony, the mothers will give their last kiss to you as single people, giving you their blessing as you embark on your new journey as life partners together. It is a very touching moment that can include beautiful wording.

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You may want to say something traditional during this ritual, or your mothers may want to say something of their own to you. You may also want to give your mothers a gift; many couples incorporate the Rose Ceremony into their First Kiss Last Kiss ritual.

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Rose Ceremony

The Rose Ceremony has various variations that can be customised to suit your preferences.

It typically takes place at the end of the ceremony, but you can incorporate it at any stage.

In this ceremony, a single rose represents 'I love you,' and couples exchange a single rose each to symbolize their love for each other. It marks the giving of their first gift to each other as a couple joined in union.

The couple may also choose to give roses to their mothers as a gesture of gratitude for the unconditional love, guidance, and support they have received throughout their lives. Alternatively, the couple can each have a rose, placing them in two small vases on either side of a larger vase. Family members then contribute by placing a rose into the larger vase.

The couple exchanges their roses with each other and puts them into the larger vase alongside the rest, symbolising their love and the blending of the two families.

Unity Sand Ceremony

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The Unity Sand Ceremony is a versatile ritual tailored specifically for weddings.

This symbolic gesture involves pouring sand of different colours into a glass jar, creating layers that represent the union of two individuals. As a couple, the act of pouring sand signifies the coming together as one in marriage.

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In the context of a wedding, the Unity Sand Ceremony beautifully symbolises the blending of two lives.

The pouring of sand represents the unique qualities each person brings to the marriage, forming a harmonious and inseparable union.

This ceremony offers a personalised and meaningful touch to your wedding celebration.

Unity Candle Ceremony

Typically performed after the exchange of vows, the Unity Candle Ceremony is a poignant ritual symbolising the union of the couple and the blending of their two families.

In the centre, a large candle is placed, flanked by two smaller candles. Traditionally, the mothers of the couple light the smaller candles, but this role can be fulfilled by anyone you choose. Simultaneously, the couple takes the smaller lit candles and together lights the larger central candle.

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This act beautifully represents the merging of the couple into one and the harmonious blending of their families.

Ring Warming Ceremony

The ring is a powerful symbol of your enduring love and commitment to each other.

In this heartfelt ceremony, the wedding rings are passed among your guests, who imbue them with loving and encouraging thoughts, sending you both their heartfelt love and good wishes. Guests may choose to say a prayer or offer blessings for the rings.

Upon the rings return to you, they carry the warmth and abundance of blessings and love from your cherished guests. This meaningful ritual allows your loved ones to contribute to your union and provides you with a tangible reminder of the collective love and support surrounding your journey together.

Wine Ceremony – Quaich or Loving Cup

In this unique ceremony, the couple blends red and white wine in a two-handled loving cup, creating a blush, the first drink they share together.

The cup, with its handles, can be circulated among guests, offering everyone a chance to toast to the couple's future lives together.

Additionally, alternatives like mead and cider or whiskey and water can be used for added personalisation.

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The two-handled loving cup, or Quaich, is a rich tradition initiated by King James VI of Scotland in 1589 upon marrying Anne of Denmark.

The two-handled loving cup, known as the Quaich, carries profound symbolism of love and trust. 

The Quaich serves as a seal for the bond between two people and acknowledges the blending of their families.

While whiskey is a customary choice, the option to select any liquid allows for personalisation.

Some couples opt for two different coloured liquids in the cup to symbolise the unity of two becoming one, shared as their first drink of union.

The cup can be joyfully passed among guests, inviting everyone to raise their glasses in a toast to the couple and their shared future.

Breaking of the Glass Ceremony

The Breaking of the Glass Ceremony is an ancient tradition with several symbolic meanings.

It is often seen as a representation of the couple breaking away from their past lives to create a new family life together. Additionally, it serves as a symbol of hope that the couple will spend as many years together in happiness as it would take to collect all the pieces of the glass and reassemble it.

The ritual also carries historical significance, being done in remembrance of the destruction of Jewish Temples.

During this ceremony, two Champagne flutes or glass vessels of your choice are placed inside a cloth bag and then stamped on and smashed by the groom.

This symbolic act is typically performed at the end of the ceremony, marking its conclusion.

​Wine Box Ceremony

The Wine Box Ceremony is a beautiful and symbolic ritual that serves as a unique time capsule for the couple.

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During this ceremony, couples can choose to place various items inside the box, such as cute or funny mementos, sentimental objects, or notes expressing their hopes and dreams for the future. Typically, a bottle of wine or their preferred drink, along with other memorabilia, is sealed inside the wine box.

The couple writes love letters to each other, sealing them in envelopes before the ceremony. In a heartfelt moment, the couple seal the box and pledge not to open it until a specific date or anniversary of their choosing.

The only exception is if they are contemplating separation, providing an opportunity to revisit the memories, read the letters, drink the wine, and reflect on the reasons they fell in love and chose each other forever.

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​Jumping the Broom

This ceremony, typically performed at the end of a wedding ceremony, involves the use of a Besom broom, and is rooted in a tradition with significant spiritual value.

It symbolises the sweeping away of negativity, evil spirits, and past wrongs, creating a path for a new beginning as the couple embarks on their life together.

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This ritual can be conducted by gently waving the broom around the couple and then placing it on the floor for them to jump over.  Alternatively, the broom can be laid on the floor, and the couple can symbolically jump over it, marking the threshold of their new journey together.

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​Wishing Tree

This charming ceremony can involve a live tree, to be planted later, or an artificial tree.

The couple invite their guests to write words of advice, promises, or wishes for the couple on message tags, which are then hung on the tree in a special moment during the ceremony.

Afterward, you may choose to collect and read the heartfelt messages from your guests, keeping them as a precious memento of your special day.

Some couples also opt to plant the tree, watching it grow over the years as a testament to their bond, love, and the life they have built together.

13 Coins Ceremony

This cherished tradition, known as Las Arras Matrimoniales, has its origins in Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines. Although its exact inception remains unknown, it gained prevalence and took root around the 11th century.

In this simple yet symbolic ceremony, the bridegroom presents the bride with 12 gold coins and one platinum coin. These coins serve as a promise to provide for the family, share all treasures, and represents the responsibility of being a provider.

The act also signifies the trust the groom places in his bride with his material possessions. The bride's acceptance of the coins symbolises her trust in her soon-to-be husband to fulfil the pledges made during this exchange.

Usually during the giving and accepting of the coin’s, words, pledges, or promises are made or vows are exchanged as part of this meaningful ritual.

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​The Oathing Stone Ritual

Originating in ancient Celtic tribes, particularly in Scotland, the Oathing Stone Ritual is a beautiful tradition steeped in history.

This ceremony takes place during the vows, as the couple recites their promises while holding a designated oathing stone. The belief at the time was that making an oath near a stone or water enhanced its strength and binding nature.

As part of the ritual, the couple sets their oath into the stone, signifying the solemn commitment they are making to each other. The stone can then be thrown into a body of water, such as a river, or kept in their home as a lasting reminder of their pledge and a symbol of their enduring commitment.

Any type of stone can be used for this ritual, and selecting the perfect stone can be a meaningful outing for the couple. Whether it's a memento from a beach holiday or a stone found in a special place, the chosen stone becomes a tangible representation of their Oathing Ritual.

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Mini Handfasting Ceremony (hand binding only)

Handfasting is a Pagan custom with roots dating back to the Ancient Celts around 7000 BC.

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Symbolic and deeply spiritual, the Handfasting ceremony represents the binding of two individuals and the intertwining of their families on the journey of life together.

During this ritual, ribbons, fabric, or twine are used to bind the couple's hands or wrists, usually by one or more of the witnesses. As their hands or wrists are bound together, the couples pledge their intent, love, and commitment to each other.

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The Mini Handfasting Ceremony is typically performed either before or after exchanging vows. Unlike a full handfasting ceremony, the mini version omits additional rituals, focusing solely on the binding of hands and any chosen wording for the moment.

It provides a meaningful way to involve loved ones and can be performed as a distinct ritual within the wedding ceremony.

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Please note, I do not advocate balloon, lantern, or animal release ceremonies.

Feel free contact me to discuss adding a special element to your ceremony.

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