It is becoming more and more popular to have a nontraditional wedding. If you are a traditional bride who wants to add something unique to your wedding, how about using a nontraditional alternative to the unity candle? The unity candle symbolizes two families becoming one. There are three candles involved, two side candles and one larger candle. The brides’ mother and grooms mother each light a candle that symbolizes their families. The bride & groom then, take those candles and together light the one larger candle. This is a tradition used during ceremonies.
One alternative to the unity candle can be a sand ceremony. A sand ceremony is a creative, unique alternative to the unity candle for weddings. If having an outside wedding, this may be a better alternative to the lighted ceremony because of the fear of a breeze blowing out the lighted candles. Sand ceremonies have similar symbolic meaning but using 2 different colored sands. At your local craft store find 3 clear glass containers & 2 different color sand packages. In one container pour in 1 colored sand package and in the second container pour in the second colored sand, most brides use their wedding colors. The third glass container remains empty. During the ceremony your officiant will ask you to pour the sand together into the third container creating sand art. You can also use colored water – two different colors poured into one to make a new color. Having a sand ceremony also represents two families becoming one.
Tying a sailors knot has become a new trend to add to your wedding ceremony. This can be tricky, practicing with your fiancé before your big day will help. You will need 2 pieces of rope, one for the groom and one for the bride. The groom first takes his piece of rope and makes a knot on one end of the brides’ piece of rope. Then, the bride makes a knot on her end of the rope. At the end together they pull the ends tight so that both knots become one. The fisherman’s knot is the strongest knot known. The fisherman’s knot meanings that your love is its strongest when tied together.
These are just a couple alternatives to the unity candle. Each has a unique symbolic meaning that is expressed during your wedding ceremony. Make sure you talk to your officiant and are prepared to add this to your ceremony. Use one of these nontraditional alternatives to create a more personalized ceremony.
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