Break Away from the Traditional Unity Ceremony…

There are many different ceremony options that can be customized to fit you as a couple and your ceremony style. The traditional unity ceremony involves lighting a unity candle. There are also many alternatives. Having a unity candle ceremony while outdoors sometimes isn’t the wisest option. Brides all over have set out for unity candle alternatives for this reason, or maybe they simply like one idea better than the other. Making your unity ceremony unique and reflective of you and your groom is what is most important.

The first alternative is the currently popular sand ceremony. This was made popular by outdoor and beach weddings. This has become a popular alternative as it’s easy to put together and offers a keepsake option for the couple vs. the traditional unity candle that only leaves a mess of wax behind. The bride and groom each have their own sand color which is then poured together to represent the blending of their two lives.

Courtesy of | Forever Wed Store

The next alternative is the time capsule. This is one of our favorites because it ensures your intentions to be together for a very long time. The box is meant to be opened on a certain anniversary or during times of hardship. It can be filled with love letters, wishes from guests, and any sentimental items they choose to put inside. The box is nailed shut during the ceremony and opened down the road.

Photography by | With Love & Embers 

A tree requires nurturing to grow, just as your relationship does! Planting a tree is another option, perfect for spring and summer weddings. This represents the strong roots of your marriage. You can also take it from a planter to your home together and watch it grow!

Photography by | Twig & Olive Photography

Get your guests involved in one of the most powerful alternatives we saw, the reverse unity candle! This involves ALL the guests at your ceremony. There won’t be a dry eye in the crowd!

After the bride and groom light the main unity candle, they continue down into the pews to begin lighting the candle of the maid of honor and best man who then continue to pass the flame until one by one every candle in the crowd is lit. This results in a magical room of candlelight that unites the bride and groom with their family and friends.

This is especially perfect for evening weddings or dim lit venues where it will have the most impact. Not to mention your wedding photos will be AMAZING!

Photography by | Shelley Paulson

The wine ceremony is also another well thought-out ceremony idea. Like good wine, a marriage will only ripen and grow stronger with age. Seal the same brand of wine along with a few mementos in a box to enjoy on an anniversary!

Courtesy of | Etsy

The knot ceremony is another favorite because of its significance and the literal meaning of “tying the knot.” Together, the bride and groom can tie different types of knots such as a Celtic knot or a simple braid because “a cord of three strands is not easily broken,” and these become stronger under pressure. This represents the symbolic union, commitment of marriage, and binding to each other as man and wife.

Courtesy of | Etsy

Last but not least, the foot washing ceremony. This is highly significant for religious weddings by serving one another in love. It can be looked at as washing away each other’s past wrongdoings, cleansing each other from their faults and starting fresh.

Photography by | Five and Five Photography