Many couples like to include a little extra ‘something’ during their ceremony that will symbolise their union. One of the joys of a humanist celebrant wedding is that couples can choose to have rituals that are personal to them. These rites can involve close family members or friends to show that a wedding unites two families and two sets of friends too. But what rituals are there? Well, there are a few! As a celebrant, I can help couples incorporate symbolism into their ceremony, whether they choose one of the well known rituals, or help them to design their own unique rites. As a taster, here’s a quick update on the current top 5!
1. Handfasting
My most asked for symbolic rite in a ceremony to date! A handfasting is the binding of a couple’s hands, with ribbons or cord to symbolise their union and commitment to their new life together. The handfasting ribbons can be bound by friends or family so is a great way to involve guests in the ceremony.
It’s colourful, full of meaning, a visual feast for guests and couples have beautiful knotted ribbons or cord to keep as a lasting memory of their ceremony.
2. Ring Exchange
Coming in at number 2 is perhaps one of the most recognised wedding rituals, where a couple exchange wedding rings. A ring is a circle with no beginning and no end, and symbolises unending and everlasting love. Rings are also the outward sign of the lifelong promises made by a couple.
3. Sand Blending
Sand blending, sometimes known as a sand ceremony, involves blending sands of different colours, or from different places. The couple pour sand from individual containers into one Unity vase. Once sand is blended, it can never be separated so this rite is full of the symbolism of union. This is a popular ritual for couples who are having a beach wedding or who love being by the sea! Sand blending is a lovely way to include a couple’s children in the ceremony.
4. Ring Warming
A wonderful way to include all guests in a wedding ceremony is to have a ring warming, where the couple’s wedding rings are passed amongst all those present. Guests take a moment to hold the rings and warm them with their love and best wishes for the couple, before passing them on. These rings are then laden with everyone’s sentiments and best wishes, as they are exchanged by the couple and as they make their promises to one another.
5. Unity Candle
And last, but by no means least, a ritual that is again, symbolic of unity, where the couple each have a lit candle, representing their lives as individuals. They then take their individual candle to light the larger, central unity candle, symbolizing their new, united life together. The couple’s individual candles can be kept lit, signifying that they have joined together as a couple while retaining their individual identities.
Well, that’s a whistlestop tour of the top five wedding rituals for a humanist wedding and those that are most popular for me as a celebrant. If you’d like more information on rituals for your ceremony, or if you’d like to create your own, I’m here to help!
Photographer credits to: grahamdaviesweddingphotography.co.uk, scoularfish.com, happywed.co.uk
