Unity ceremonies or traditions symbolize the unbreakable bond you are creating with your partner. Incorporating one of these into your ceremony adds a personal and meaningful touch, often reflecting family or religious traditions. Hosting your ceremony at the DeYor Performing Arts Center offers a beautiful and timeless backdrop for these special moments. As one of the region’s premier wedding venues, DeYor provides an elegant setting for unity rituals such as lighting a candle, handfasting, or even planting a tree—each with its own symbolic significance. Understanding the history and meaning behind these traditions can make them even more special for your big day.
The Unity Candle
One of the most popular unity rituals is the lighting of the unity candle, a tradition that began around 35-40 years ago. Traditionally, the mothers of the bride and groom light individual taper candles at the beginning of the ceremony. These flames remain burning throughout the service, symbolizing each family. After exchanging vows, the couple uses these candles to light a central pillar candle together, representing the merging of their families into one.
Handfasting
Rooted in ancient Celtic and Medieval customs, handfasting involves the binding of the couple’s hands with cords or ribbons during the ceremony. This act symbolizes the couple’s intent to marry of their own free will, as well as the eternal bond they are creating. Different colored cords can be used, each carrying specific meanings—white for purity, red for passion, and so on. This unique tradition adds a touch of historical symbolism to your wedding.
Sand Pouring
In more recent years, sand pouring has become a popular choice for unity ceremonies. This tradition involves the couple pouring two different colors of sand into a single vessel, creating an intertwined pattern that cannot be separated. The blending of sand symbolizes the joining of two lives into one. Couples often personalize this ritual by choosing colors that reflect their wedding theme or by using sand from a meaningful location.
Wine Drinking
Wine, a symbol of life and prosperity in many cultures and religions, has long been part of wedding ceremonies. In the wine drinking unity ritual, the couple shares wine from a single cup. One variation involves two small vessels—one with red wine and one with white. After exchanging vows, the couple mixes the two wines into a single vessel, symbolizing the blending of their lives, and each takes a sip of the combined wine.
For couples looking to participate in a wine-drinking unity ritual at their ceremony, ensure you speak to your DeYor wedding coordinator so they can assist in providing the wine due to liquor license requirements.
Planting a Tree
For a nature-inspired unity ritual, couples can choose to plant a tree during the ceremony. The bride and groom each take soil from separate containers and combine them as they plant the tree together, symbolizing the merging of families and the growth of their relationship. This is a lasting and meaningful gesture, as the tree will continue to grow alongside the couple’s marriage.
Love Letters
A more modern tradition with a romantic touch is the love letter ceremony. Before the wedding, the couple writes love letters to one another, sharing their thoughts on why they chose to marry and what they cherish most about each other. During the ceremony, the letters are placed in a box, often along with a bottle of wine, and sealed. The box is then opened on a future anniversary, allowing the couple to reflect on their journey together while reading the heartfelt words and enjoying the wine.
Jumping the Broom
A tradition with origins in Western African and Wiccan communities, jumping the broom is typically performed at the end of the ceremony. After the officiant pronounces the couple married, they jump over a broomstick together, symbolizing the sweeping away of their old lives and stepping into a new one as a united couple. This ritual is often filled with joyous energy and is a great way to conclude the ceremony.
Choosing the Right Ritual for Your Ceremony
When selecting a unity ritual for your wedding, consider these key factors:
- Time: Think about how much time you’d like to dedicate to the ceremony, especially if your day has a tight schedule. A simple act like lighting a candle might be better for a shorter ceremony, while something more elaborate like a wine ceremony may take longer.
- Cultural and Religious Significance: Many unity traditions have deep cultural or religious roots. Incorporating a ritual that honors your heritage can make the ceremony even more meaningful to both you and your guests.
- Practical Considerations: Some rituals can be messy—pouring sand or drinking wine, for instance—so if you’re concerned about keeping your attire pristine, you might want to opt for something simpler like writing love letters or handfasting.
Creating Lasting Memories at DeYor Performing Arts Center
At DeYor Performing Arts Center, we understand the importance of making your ceremony truly unique. Our wedding coordinators can offer guidance on incorporating unity rituals that reflect your personal style and traditions. Whether you choose a candle lighting, sand ceremony, or something else, our team is dedicated to ensuring that your wedding day goes smoothly and is filled with unforgettable moments.
Contact us today to learn more about hosting your wedding at DeYor Performing Arts Center and making your ceremony as meaningful as it is beautiful!
