You’ll spend hours and hours obsessing over every detail of your reception, and with good reason: you want it to be the party of a lifetime. But it is also essential to take a breather and think about the other part of your day, the ceremony. That special moment when you and your fiancé make it official! Every ceremony has the same mission: to take two individuals and join them together. Each one, however, is as different as the people involved.
HIRE AN OFFICIANT
First, consider your options. If you are planning a religious ceremony, ask your priest, minister, rabbi, imam, or pandit to perform your ceremony. If you are combining two religions or want your day to feel spiritual, a unitarian minister is a great option. Being wed by someone who truly knows you, like a family member or friend, can make the day extra special. Consider hiring your venues recommended officiant. To get more information head to the
Incorporating tradition from your heritage is a great way to honor family members and infuse your ceremony with personality. That said, not every ritual you choose has to be loaded with meaning, so if you find one that speaks to you, simply go with it!! Here are some examples:
Unity Candle - The couple both use a lit taper candle to light a larger third candle that represents their union.
Blessing or Warming of the Rings - Before the couple exchange wedding bands, the rings are passed among the guests so friends and family can share their well-wishes for the marriage. This typically works best with a smaller group.
Tree Planting - Planting a tree or plant commemorating your wedding and growing with your marriage is a thoughtful idea for your ceremony. During the ceremony, the couple places soil from two containers on top of the planted roots, representing two people joining as one, or the beginning of a family tree.
Sand Pouring -This is a variation of the unity candle ceremony. The couple takes sand from their individual vessels and combines the grains into one. The act represents the joining of two individuals and the creation of a new union and family.
Handfasting - This takes place right before the couple says their vows when they join hands, making a figure eight to represent eternity. Their crossed hands are tied with a ribbon to represent two individuals coming together.
CREATING THE PROGRAM
Programs aren’t required, but they do serve to engage the guests in the wedding, especially if you’re having a ritual-rich ceremony. Plus, they are a great place to communicate information, whether it’s a request for no cell phone photography (the professional will take care of that) or the names of loved ones you want to thank.
DECORATING YOUR CEREMONY
If your ceremony site is naturally stunning, you may not need to gussy it up with much. But most couples want to beautify the spot where they’ll commit to a life together in some way. Something as simple as adding a floral spray or draping to the arch or gazebo can change the entire look of your ceremony. An aisle lined with flower petals or lanterns can add the perfect touch.
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