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rituals
Handfasting
Steeped in ancient Celtic tradition, handfasting signifies the binding together of two lives by fasting the hands and wrists with coloured ribbons, chords or other cloth materials which hold some meaning for the couple. As far back as 7,000BC The Celts used the Handfasting Ritual to signify a couple’s engagement. This is where the expression, ‘Tying the Knot’ began. A Handfasting Ritual can be placed before the vows and rings or at the end of the wedding ceremony. A firm favourite of guests and couples alike, there are many ways to perform this beautiful tradition. The handfasting ties can be braided together or left open and flowing. Each option is equally beautiful and looks fantastic in wedding photos!
Ring Warming Ceremony
This ritual is another Celtic tradition where the wedding rings are passed around from guest to guest throughout the ceremony. The guests hold the rings for a moment and warm them with their well-wishes. The newlyweds get to wear the well-wishes of their family and friends on their finger throughout their married life. A ring warming ceremony is the most inclusive ritual at a wedding and it is an absolute favourite with guests. Especially those travelling from abroad who may not have witnessed something like this before. It helps the guests feel like an important part of the ceremony and brings them from spectators to active participants.
Unity Candles
This ceremony is so simple and so romantic. It sets the scene for the rings and vows to come. This ceremony represents the joining together of two individuals to create their own family unit. The outer candles are usually lit by family members from both sides. The couple light the unity candle from their own outer candles. The flames represent their individual passions burning bright while they join together as a unit. The outer candles can also represent the warmth and love passed on from family as the couple begin their married life together.
Sand Ceremony
For this ceremony couples pour sand from individual vessels into a central vessel to signify the mixing of lives. In each vessel the grains of sand represent the individual experiences which are brought to marriage. These experiences create the foundation for the marriage moving forward. This ceremony is very fun for children and adults alike. Many people love to bring sand from their own local beaches which is a really lovely idea. The more intimate and meaningful the better! Alternatively, colourful bags of sand can be purchased from craft shops which create a striking visual during the ceremony.
Wine Box Ceremony
For the lushes among us, its always nice to know a drink is never far away. Why not add a tipple to your ceremony? Wine has been a wedding feature since the Ancient Greeks and remains a main player in wedding receptions to this day. Choose a vintage which ages well and tuck it away in a box as part of your wedding ceremony. Some couples choose to add keepsakes and letters to the box to be opened at a later stage in their marriage such as their tenth wedding anniversary.
Rose Ceremony
Start your marriage romantically with a rose. A single rose means ‘I love you’ and those three words can’t be said enough on your wedding day. This ceremony could be added to your vows or used as part of another ceremony. But why stop there? Mark this as a ritual you will share on all your anniversaries. Have a spot in your home to which you present a rose every year, remembering that this is a marriage based on mutual love.
Mo Chuisle Bespoke Ceremonies
Don’t fancy any of the above to symbolise your unity as a married couple? GREAT! I love nothing more than tearing up the rule book! I will get to know you as a couple, see what makes you tick and together we will figure out a bespoke ritual to add to your wedding ceremony. Arts and crafts, singing, dancing, eating, mime… I can make a sincere and romantic ritual out of all the above. Are you beekeepers? I’ve got the ritual for you. Are you musicians? I’ve got one for you too! Book a discovery call to find out more.