A unity ceremony is a beautiful way for couples to symbolize their union during a wedding ceremony. Traditionally, unity ceremonies involve lighting a candle or mixing sand to represent two lives coming together as one. However, if you're looking for a unique way to express your love and unity, there are countless alternative unity ceremonies that can reflect your personal style and relationship.
Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding or something more modern, here are some creative unity ceremony alternatives that you can incorporate into your big day.
1. Sand or Soil Ceremony
Sand ceremonies have gained popularity in recent years as couples look for a twist on the unity candle. In this tradition, the bride and groom each hold a vessel containing a different color of sand. They take turns pouring their sand into an empty vessel, creating different layers of color, with the top layer often blending the two sands. The layering represents the joining of their lives, families, and the inseparable commitment they’ve made to each other.
For an eco-friendly twist, many couples opt for a soil ceremony, where they blend soil from their childhood homes into a potted plant or tree. This tree can then be nurtured and planted in their first home or yard as a married couple, symbolizing the growth of their relationship.
Fun fact: The couple featured above blended two colors of glass at their ceremony and later took it to a glass studio to have it melted into a beautiful, custom-blown glass piece for their home!
Wedicity Planner Tip: Sand or soil ceremonies are perfect for outdoor weddings where candles may be affected by wind. It’s also a great way for children or blended families to take part in the ceremony.
2. Log Cutting (German Tradition)
Yes, you heard us right—log cutting is a tradition in German culture! The log represents the first challenge that the couple must overcome together.
Using a double-handed saw, the couple works as a team to cut through the log, symbolizing their strength as a couple and their willingness to work together in marriage.
Wedicity Planner Tip: Have the log engraved as a keepsake or heirloom. Make sure the log is dried and not too thick so you can saw through it easily. And please, watch your fingers!
3. Jumping the Broom (African American Tradition)
Jumping the Broom is a tradition with roots in African American culture, symbolizing the sweeping away of old lives and problems as the couple steps into their new future together. The broom can be simple or elaborately decorated, and the couple can jump the broom after being pronounced as husband and wife, or as they enter their reception. This symbolic act is a meaningful way to honor history and mark the beginning of their shared journey.
4. Wine, Food, or Blending Ceremonies
Wine and food have long been symbols of bringing people together, and we’ve seen couples incorporate them in countless creative ways.
One popular choice is a wine box ceremony—but it doesn’t have to be wine! It could be tequila, whiskey, or any other special beverage. During this ceremony, the couple encloses a bottle of their chosen drink along with love letters to each other inside a wine box. They work together to seal the box with nails or a lock, planning to open it on a future anniversary to relive the memories of their wedding day.
Another rising trend is the blending of teas. Couples choose two different but complementary teas to blend and drink during the ceremony, symbolizing the union of their lives. Not sure what teas to choose? Consult a tea expert like Romy Pereira of Kith + Kin in Chicago to help craft the perfect blend.
For couples with a playful side, consider a fun and offbeat unity ceremony like blending peanut butter and jelly or cookies and milk! Separately, they’re great, but together they create something unstoppable—just like you and your partner.
Final Thoughts: Make It Your Own
With so many options available, it’s important to choose a unity ceremony that reflects who you are as a couple. Whether you opt for a traditional or unique approach, what matters most is that it feels meaningful to you. Symbolizing the joining of your lives can be done in a way that truly speaks to your relationship, ensuring that your unity ceremony is as special and personal as the rest of your wedding day.
Blog Post Written By: Wedicity - Wedding Day Detailing
Chicago based - Serving all destinations!
Photography Credit: (from top to bottom, respectively)
Meg Stone Photography
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