Elements in a Wedding Ceremony
Do you want your wedding to be remembered by every guest for years to come? Then make is stand out from the rest by adding one or two special elements to it. We will incorporate anything you want into your ceremony so that your wedding is the most delightful experience of your life. If you can’t find something below that sparks your interest, then let us know what ideas you have in mind and we’ll come up with something extra special. We have additional elements on our website.
Bell Ringing – A small bell is given to each guest as they enter the wedding venue. They are asked not to ring the bell until the minister asks them at a specific time during the ceremony. The ceremony will proceed as usual until a time when the minister mentions words to the effect of the energy surrounding the couple and the beautiful thoughts that are being sent toward them from their families and friends. That energy is then “rung aloud” as the guests ring the bells. Of course, this is done with a good wish from every guest in attendance. And if by chance a child rings a bell in advance we say that the angels are directing them to do this. Other ideas for this ceremony are available.
Circling – Eastern European tradition – Bride and Groom circle the altar three times, symbolizing their first steps together as husband and wife. Hindu tradition, the couple circles the fire seven times, sealing their bond. The unbroken circle represents an unbroken commitment to each other throughout their marriage.
Crossed Broom and Sword – The couple hold each other’s hand and jump over a crossed broom and sword which are held by the best man and the maid of honor. The sword symbolizes the cutting of ties to their parents and the broom symbolizes the ties being swept away.
Flowers for the Bride – The bridal party or female guests bring flowers to the groom. Each flower is added together and the last person then ties the flowers together with a ribbon which forms her bouquet. The groom presents this bouquet to his bride.
Hands Ceremony – A ceremony in which the Minister or a reader selected by the couple, will read the beautiful words written by the Rev. Dr. Joni Prigmore, “These Hands”, of the Universal Brotherhood Movement. Sample of the reading: These are the hands of your best friend, young, strong and full of love for you: These hands are holding your hands on your wedding day, etc…
Handfasting – The ancient Celts tied the hands of the bride and groom. The Minister loosely binds the hands together. We have much more information regarding handfasting – click here.
Unity Candle Ceremony – The Unity Candle Ceremony consists of the lighting of one candle from two separate candles held by the bride and groom. This ceremony symbolizes the union of two lives into one. Variations can be added and are available. A couple may extinguish the taper candles or they remain lit until after the service. Some keep them lit to show their individuality and individual strength while others choose to extinguish the 2 flames to symbolize that they have been united as one. The couple usually keeps the candle to re-light each year on their anniversary.
Wine or Water Ceremony – The couple shares a cup of wine or water while the minister offers a blessing and or a reading.
We performed a beautiful medieval wedding ceremony and it was totally breathtaking.! The costumes, if one can call them costumes, were so dramatic and of the time period. The ceremony which was specifically written for our couple was loved by all who attended.
