11 Modern and unique unity ceremonies
What is a Unity Ceremony?
A unity ceremony is a symbolic ritual that represents the joining together of two individuals in marriage or civil union. It typically involves the couple performing a physical act or exchanging an item that represents their unity and commitment to each other. This unity ceremony can be as unique as you are as a couple and should represent your relationship in some form.
When should you preform your unity ceremony?
Unity ceremonies are typically help after the reading of the vows and before the exchanging of the rings. This does not have to be a religious act however in most religious ceremonies there will be some form of a unity ceremony. For non-religious couples, there are some unity ceremonies that are more modern and personal. Below you will find a list of modern and unique unity ceremonies you may consider including in your ceremony.
10 Modern Unity Ceremonies
1.Unity Candle Ceremony
A unity candle ceremony is on where the couples lights a candle together. It starts with both partners holding individual candles. The lighting of the individual candles can be even further symbolized by a family member, step children, or even your officiant lighting the individual candles. Once both candles are lit, the coupe will light a single candle together.
2.Knot Tying Ceremony
Tying the knot while tying the knot is a fun unity ceremony you can do during your wedding. Wither its a knot at the end of a braid to a singular knot in the middle of the rope you later hand on a canvas, this unity ceremony symbolized the bond you and your partner are creating. You can use a simple knot, or if you are into the outdoors, pick a specific knot you use commonly such as the fisherman's knot or even a square knot.
Wiseman’s View Sand Pour Unity Ceremony with Kids
3.Sand Pouring Ceremony
The sand pouring ceremony is one of the most common unity ceremonies but its representation is so special. This unity ceremony can be done as a family when blending families together. It is safe for kids of all age, and fun for them too. Each member of the family will have their own color to represent themselves. At the same time, you will pour the sand into a glass. The blending of the sand symbolizes you becoming one. Personalize this unity by choosing your favorite color of sand, or sand from a meaningful location such as the place you met and the place you are getting married.
4.Paint Blending Ceremony
Similar to the sand pouring ceremony, a paint blending ceremony is a great way to represent becoming one. This a fun activity to include kids and other family members. Each person can be represented by a different color. As each person applies their color to a canvas it symbolizes you become one beautiful family.
Brick and Beam Hand fasting Ceremony with Kids
5.Hand Fasting Ceremony
Hand fasting is a traditional ceremony brought down from the 19th century. This unity is typically done before your vows. As ones hands are bound together by rope or ribbon. If you decide, you can also choose specific colors to bring more meaning to your hand fasting ceremony. Typically couples choose up to 3 different colors to represent them as a couple and what they want to bring into their new life.
Red: passion, strength, lust, fertility
Orange: encouragement, attraction, kindness, plenty
Yellow: charm, confidence, joy, balance
Green: finances, fertility, charity, prosperity, health
Blue: tranquility, patience, devotion, sincerity
Purple: Power, piety, sanctity, sentimentality
Black: strength, wisdom, vision, success
White: purity, concentration, meditation, peace
Gray: neutrality, canceling, balance
Pink: unity, honor, truth, romance, happiness
Brown: earth, grounding, talent, telepathy, home
Silver: treasure, values, creativity, inspiration
Gold: energy, wealth, intelligence, longevity
Asheville Botanical Gardens Hand Washing Unity Ceremony
6.Hand washing Ceremony
A handing washing ceremony is one where the couple washed their hands during the ceremony. This ceremony can symbolize power, grace, purity and transformation. A hand washing ceremony is thought to wash away the past and bring forward a fresh start. Personalizing this ceremony can be as simple as using special water, such as moon water or river water, or adding scented oils to the water that bring special properties.
7.Tree Planting
If you are plant parents this is the unity ceremony for you! The purpose of a tree planting (or a less messy idea is a tree watering ceremony) if to remind you and your spouse to nurture on another throughout your marriage. As you nurture a plant it begins to grow, just like your marriage.
Asheville Botanical Gardens Ring Warming Ceremony
8.Ring Warming Ceremony
Ring warming is a great way to involve your guests into your ceremony. As the rings get passed around from guest to guest, they are invited to warm the rings and set good intentions to the marriage before the couple exchanges rings in the ceremony.
9.Anniversary Capsule
An anniversary capsule unity ceremony can be as inclusive with your guests as you wish and it can be filled with anything. A few ways to ideas to include in your capsule are; letters from all of your guests as they arrive at your ceremony, love letters to each other, a bottle of wine or liquor, something special from your wedding day you want to relive, etc. The list can go on. Before exchanging your rings take a moment to close your anniversary capsule only to be opened on your one, five or even ten year wedding anniversary.
10.Wine Pouring Ceremony
Good wine takes years of nurturing to produce a good final product, just like marriage. As you and your partner pour from two different wine glasses into one, it symbolizes the nourishment and hard work a marriage takes. Once you have poured your favorite wine into the bigger glass together, take a sip and cheers the future you have ahead of you.
11.Shot Unity
Similar to a wine pouring ceremony, a shot unity is a great way to cheers to your new future together as newly weds. Using your favorite liquor or a liquor well known in the location you are getting married.
