Symbolic Elements
Symbolic Elements
I love the addition of symbolic elements to a ceremony. Below are a few examples of elements you can consider for your ceremony, but really the possibilities are endless. Mr and Mrs Quiz? Sing Along? Flash Mob? Rap Battle? The choice is yours.
Handfasting
Handfasting can be performed as part of a wedding, engagement or vow renewal ceremony. This ritual began the expression “tying the knot”.
It is an ancient Celtic and Pagan tradition, dating back thousands of years, where a couple's hands are bound together with ribbons, cords, or fabric.
The couple will place their palms together holding onto each other’s forearm, and with each spoken promise a cord is wrapped around their hands.
This is a wonderful symbolic element because it allows the ceremony to have a personal touch with the addition of custom vows, having the ability to involve family members and choosing materials with a sentimental meaning to the couple.
The couple are then able to keep the cords to remember their special day.
Candle lighting
A unity candle lighting ceremony is performed by lighting two small candles representing the individuals in the couple and the energy that comes from their own being.
These candles are then used to light a larger candle to symbolise a stronger and more powerful energy when they come together as a union.
This is a brilliant symbolic element chosen by couples who wish to have a visual representation of their union. The candle can burn throughout the rest of the wedding day or be taken home to remember their day.
Sand blending
Sand blending ceremonies originate from Hebrew traditions. The sand is poured from small separate vessels into one larger vessel. Once sand is combined it cannot be separated again easily.
Couples can choose sand to blend from places which are significant to them, like a local beach. They may also choose different colours to represent themselves. Couples can choose to include children or loved ones into the sand blending.
This is a fantastic way to have a visual representation of two lives becoming one, creating something unbreakable.
Ring Warmings
During a ring warming the couple place their wedding bands into a small pouch, which is then passed amongst the wedding party. Each person holds the rings and makes a wish or blessing for the couple in their married life.
Once the rings have completed their journey they will have been warmed with all of the kind wishes and love in the room. The rings will now represent the strength and belonging to their friends and family.