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officiants
Because our wedding officiants create customized wedding ceremonies for each of our clients, we are often asked for our suggested wedding ceremony ideas. Below, we’ve provided information on some of our more popular ceremony elements. Brief descriptions of the rituals as well as any additional materials you would need to purchase are included.
ISand Ceremony- During this ceremony the couple each has an individual container of sand. They join together to pour into one larger container. It is symbolic of the fact that just as the grains of sand could never again be separated, so will the union be, forever entwined and forever inseparable. This ceremony can be done with just the couple, or with other family members and/or children. You can watch a video of this on our video page. Materials: Sand, usually in two different colors. One container for each person participating filled with a little sand. One large empty container for the combined sand. Pre-made sets are available in stores, or couples can purchase a keepsake glass container and small bud vases for each individual.
Wine Ceremony- Partners share drinks from a single glass of wine. This symbolizes drinking from the cup of life and sharing all of its experiences together, both bitter and sweet. Materials: Glass of wine (a variety of the couple’s choosing) and table for it to sit on.
Handfasting Ceremony- This is an ancient Celtic tradition. The officiant shares a reading while wrapping a cord over the couple’s hands and looping it in a “knot”. This ritual also provides the option for the attendants/bridal party to be included by passing the cord down the line as they offer blessings/words of wisdom. Materials: Handfasting cord or ribbon.
Ceremonies Involving Children- Parents and children can make vows to one another (dependent on the children’s ages). Parents may also choose to give children gifts during the ceremony, or conduct a family Sand Ceremony. Materials: Gift of parents’ choosing. Sand Ceremony props from above if that option is chosen.
Tree Planting- This symbolizes the need for both people to nurture the marriage and make it grow. The couple plants the tree or plant as the officiant shares the symbolism behind the ritual, personalized for each specific type of plant (i.e. lemon tree vs. bonsai tree, etc.). Materials: Plant in pot, cup of soil, cup of water, trowel.
Jumping the Broom- Comes from an African American tradition. At the end of the ceremony a broom is placed down on the floor of in front of the couple. They join hands and jump over together, their first act together in marriage. Materials: Broom.
Breaking the Glass- A Jewish tradition that is now often seen in many interfaith ceremonies, as a non-denominational symbol. At the very end of the ceremony the groom breaks a glass. It symbolizes the shattering of the old and the bringing in of the new. Materials: Small drinking glass wrapped in a cloth napkin.
Signing the Ketubah/Marriage Promise- A Jewish tradition. The Ketubah is a marriage contract that is also decorative art. To see a sample go to modernketubah.com. The officiant will speak about the ketubah and the couple will sign it during the ceremony. Materials: Ketubah, thin tip permanent black marker.
Wedding Basket- The couple selects different guests to join them and place an item of significance in a basket placed on a nearby table. These items should symbolize something for the couple. For example: A grandmother might bring up a rosary to represent her wish for the marriage to be guided by faith. Materials: Basket/chest and items to go inside.
Ceremony Advice from expert - Edie Bujnoch [email protected] 361.648.1941
Edie