Although wedding ceremonies usually include joyous rituals like exchanging rings and vows, there are many other rituals that you might want to include that add special meaning to the two of you. As a wedding officiant and celebrant, I love to work with couples to develop unique elements for the ceremony that are true to the couple’s style, personality and background. Rituals can be as traditional or unusual as you want and they are a great way to make your wedding something that you, your family and guests will remember forever. A wedding is a celebration of the two of you, so the best place to start when thinking about what rituals to include, is you. What is sacred to you? What is your cultural background? What is your religious background? What do you love to do? Who is important in your life? Any ritual that speaks to the two of you will be a wonderful component of your wedding ceremony. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
♥ Rituals that expand on traditional rituals
- Ring warming
- Vows to children
- Gifts to parents or elders
- Gifts to children
♥ Rituals that signify unity
- Sharing of food or drink
- Family unity if there are children
♥ Rituals that use surrounding environment
- Water
- Sand
- Stones
- Trees or other plants
- Leaves
- Earth
- Flowers
- Fire
- Labyrinth or other paths
♥ Rituals that are to be continued in the future
- Letters to each other
- Letters from your guests
- Bottle of Wine
- Any ritual from your wedding can be a new tradition to re-do every anniversary
Remember that you own your wedding, so to speak. The ceremony is in honor of your relationship, your love and your commitment to each other. Including a ritual that is meaningful to you gives the event greater personal gravitas. And it also provides an anchor to the day that you can recall anytime in order to evoke the deep feelings of your wedding day.
XOXO Rachel
Wondrance 