The Unity Sand Ceremony is fast becoming a nationwide wedding ceremony trend. The blending of the colors and the flowing sand symbolizes bringing two lives together into one.
The Unity Candle Ceremony
The Unity Candle Ceremony has long been a tradition for elaborate and simple wedding ceremonies alike. The bride and groom each light their own taper candle. Then, they both light a single pillar candle from the separate flames of their tapers. Sometimes parents or other members of the wedding party will join in the candle lighting ceremony. The symbolism of bringing lives together is undeniable and beautiful.
The Unity Sand Ceremony
Similarly, you can personalize your Unity Sand Ceremony to include family and friends. Besides the bride and groom, wedding members can have their own various colors of sand. They can then add their sand to the couple’s sand. All the sand combines in a single container, creating a colorful and unique symbol of unity.
Today’s couples are planning weddings that are unique to their beliefs and lifestyle. You can customize your sand ceremony many different ways to fit the occasion. After the ceremony, the couple has a one-of-a-kind keepsake to commemorate their wedding day.
You Don’t Need a Beach
Hawaii has been a popular destination for weddings since airplanes became the preferred mode of travel. Its mild weather and sandy beaches create a perfect environment for the entire wedding party to be barefoot on the beach. All the better to witness the Unity Sand Ceremony – a tradition as old and exceptional as the islands themselves.
Not going to have a beach wedding? Don’t worry. You can purchase sand and distinctive containers for your ceremony online. You’ll find vessels designed to fit any religion or lifestyle.
Personalize Your Unity Sand Ceremony
Many couples write their own vows for the ceremony. However, you can easily find passages from ancient Hawaiian or Native American weddings on the Internet for your Unity Sand Ceremony.
Whatever your dream wedding entails, consider incorporating the Unity Sand Ceremony into the celebration. As a result, you’ll be sure to create memories that your guests will talk about for a long time to come.
Sand Ceremony Customizations
One of the greatest benefits to the sand ceremony is how easily you can personalize it. It lends itself especially well to blended families, when the bride and/or groom already have children. Having each child (or special relative or friend or parents) pour his or her own colored sand into the vessel along with the couple involves them in the ceremony — and in the finished product — in a seamless, natural way.
Other ways to customize the ceremony include:
- Leave a bit of sand in each original vessel, symbolizing that each person involved in the union will maintain his or her individuality even as their lives are joined.
- Collect sand from meaningful sources. Use sand from favorite beaches or vacation spots. This can add some extra poignancy to the ceremony.
- Invite each member of the wedding party to add sand to the container. This represents the special place they hold in your new life together.
- Coordinate the sand colors to the wedding colors.
- Choose a vase, urn or other vessel with that has special meaning to the couple.
However you decide to make the ceremony yours, you’re going to need a few supplies to make it work. They’re not tough to come by — just colored sand and a few vessels. With the increased popularity of this ceremony, getting everything you need is even easier.
Sharon Vaz is the author of Sound, Sand & Soul. She is an authority providing brides resources on planning a spectacular Unity Sand Ceremony. Also check out How Stuff Works for more ideas and information on Sand Ceremonies.