I am often asked for suggested wedding ceremony ideas.
Take your time to review the resources shared on this page. I’ve provided information on some of our more popular ceremony elements.
Brief descriptions of the rituals as well as any additional materials you would need to purchase are included.
A L L E N S O N S Wedding Ritual Fees:
A L L E N S O N S fees are all-inclusive.
A L L E N S O N S Fees include customizing your ceremony in order to tell your love story as you wish.
The history of jumping the broom is a bit complex, As it pertains to jumping the broom within the African American community, brooms were used during slavery in the United States as a way for enslaved people to get married since they could not legally wed in the country.
It's important to note that there are two accounts for this origin. It's generally reported that people who were enslaved decided to jump the broom themselves since brooms were typically available. Within Christian ceremonies, the broom handle represents God, the straw bristles signify the couple’s families, and a ribbon around the broom symbolizes the ties that bind the couple.
Materials: Broom.
During this ceremony, the couple each has an individual container of sand. They join to pour into one larger container. It is symbolic of the fact that just as the grains of sand could never again be separated, so will the union be, forever entwined and forever inseparable.
This ceremony can be done with just the couple, or with other family members and/or children.
Materials: Sand, usually in two different colors. One container for each person participating is filled with a little sand. One large empty container for the combined sand. Pre-made sets are available in stores, or couples can purchase a keepsake glass container and small bud vases for everyone.
Similarly symbolic to the sand ceremony. Two flames representing the individuals are joined to light a center candle. Each person lights a single taper candle. The couple then brings the flames together to light a larger middle candle.
The tapers remain lit and are replaced in their holders to represent two coming together while maintaining individuality.
Although this is frequently considered a Christian tradition, this is often chosen in interfaith ceremonies as well. Can be done with just the couple or including other family members. Materials: One center candle (and hurricane cover if it’s outside), two side taper candles in holders, lighter or small votive candle to be pre-lit for lighting tapers.
Materials: Candles
A Jewish tradition that is now often seen in many interfaith ceremonies, as a non-denominational symbol. At the very end of the ceremony, the groom breaks a glass.
It symbolizes the shattering of the old and the bringing in of the new.
Materials: Small drinking glass wrapped in a cloth napkin.
Partners share drinks from a single glass of wine. This symbolizes drinking from the cup of life and sharing all of its experiences together, both bitter and sweet.
Materials: Glass of wine (a variety of the couple’s choosing) and a table for it to sit on.
Partners write each other a love letter before the ceremony. During the ceremony the officiant will talk about how the couple was asked to set aside the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations and spend some time considering how they are feeling as they are making this commitment to each other.
The couple is instructed to write their partner a letter sharing this and to bring that letter to the ceremony.
The officiant then explains that the box will become a time capsule that the letters will now be placed inside of. The couple is then invited to open this box on their 10-year anniversary, and drink the bottle of wine together as they read their love letters that have long been sealed in the box.
Materials: Bottle of wine (a variety of the couple’s choosing), a love letter written by both partners, a wooden box with a lid that can hold the letters and the bottle of wine, and a table for it to sit on. You can search for wedding wine boxes on Etsy to see lots of examples of wine boxes.
This is an ancient Celtic tradition.
The officiant shares a reading while wrapping a cord over the couple’s hands and looping it in a “knot”.
This ritual also provides the option for the attendants/bridal party to be included by passing the cord down the line as they offer blessings/words of wisdom.
Materials: Handfasting cord or ribbon.
Parents and children can make vows to one another (dependent on the children’s ages). Parents may also choose to give children gifts during the ceremony, or conduct a family Sand Ceremony.
Materials: Gift of parents’ choosing. Sand Ceremony props from above if that option is chosen.
This symbolizes the need for both people to nurture the marriage and make it grow. The couple plants the tree or plant as the officiant shares the symbolism behind the ritual, personalized for each specific type of plant (i.e. lemon tree vs. bonsai tree, etc.).
Materials: Plant in a pot, a cup of soil, a cup of water, trowel.
During the ceremony,thea bride and groom have their wrists tied together. With their wrists joined together, the couple says their vows in front of the officiant who ties the knot and confirms their commitment to the marriage. A3-cord knot represents the union of 3 people: the couple and God / Higher being. The officiant will usually tell the couple to keep God / spiritual focus at the center of their marriage."
Materials: Two short strands of rope, preferably of different colors
Libation ceremonies are deeply rooted in African-American culture, including weddings. Pouring alcohol or even holy water on the ground isn't seen as wasteful, but a way to honor family members who have passed on, in addition to the esteemed elders in attendance. The liquids are poured in each of the cardinal directions while prayers and toasts are recited to connect the living to their ancestral spirits. Moreover, according to some West African tribes, libation ceremonies are needed so newly married couples can gain wisdom and guidance from those who lived before them. If you're not keen on the idea, you can always opt for an alternative beverage. It may even be more intimate if you infuse a deceased relative's favorite drink into your ceremony instead.
Materials: Beverage of choice
A painted canvas is the perfect way to add a splash of color to your ceremony, all while creating a keepsake that is truly unique. In this fun unity ceremony, each person selects a different paint color to pour onto a blank canvas. This option is great for creative couples who cherish art, history, and playfulness. Your final masterpiece will represent the blending of two lives, bringing color and balance to each other.
Materials: A blank canvas and two different containers of paint for each person.
New to the wedding scene, love locks are a fun and trendy way to lock in your commitment—no pun intended!
In this funky ceremony, the couple locks their individual locks together as one during this unity ceremony. This ceremony symbolizes the union of two hearts that cannot be separated.
The locks can be customized with a special message for the couple. The keys are tossed or in some cases tied to helium balloons and released.
Materials: Locks and keys.
A recent trend in unity ceremonies, ring warming is a sweet ritual designed to fill the couple with good wishes. Before the couple exchanges their wedding rings, the officiant will guide the guests to warm the rings in between their hands. The guests will think of good wishes as they warm the ring and then pass the rings to the following guest. While this ceremony is best suited for intimate weddings, you can always modify the ritual to meet your needs. It’s a simple and beautiful way to commemorate the couple's union.
Materials: Rings
This is a modern twist on the traditional foot-washing ceremony. This ritual represents caring for one another and being of service. It also can be seen as a way of cleansing and preparing for your new life ahead. All you'll need is a table, water basin, pitcher, water, and towels. We love the deep symbolism of this ceremony and the easy clean-up!
Materials: Table, water basin, Pitcher, water, and towels.
The Opening Words and Introduction of the wedding ceremony sets the tone for the wedding. It’s a statement about the occasion, its importance, the significance to the world as well as the couple getting married.
As with any decision in your wedding, don't rush when selecting your wedding prayers, and be sure that you choose whatever prayer best fits the love that you and your partner are celebrating. Choose from these prayers, to add a special touch to your wedding day.
Blessings are typically given during the wedding ceremony, at the reception before dinner, or both. Blessings given during the ceremony ask for God's protection and favor, while blessings given after the ceremony at the reception act as more of a celebration of the new union and prayer of thanks before the meal.
Feeling a bit stuck on your wedding ceremony readings? We get it! It can be hard to put into words everything you want to capture on the day. And many of our couples are not bound to religion or specific beliefs, which can make it even trickier!
Here is a list of unique and non-religious wedding ceremony readings that you might find useful. There’s plenty more where this came from so if you still feel like you haven’t found the perfect piece of writing, shoot us an email at officiant@allensonsevents.com and I’ll send you some more light reading.
Sink into the romance of your relationship or your impending wedding with these quotes and messages about marriage for the love in your life.
Need help with your wedding vows? Let these examples–from simple to witty–inspire you.
Personalize your wedding vows. While this template is a traditional framework for Baptist marriage vows, there is often room to personalize and adjust the wording as a couple sees fit. Whether you simply want to make a small tweak, like saying "in the presence of God" instead of "before God," or you wish to make more substantial changes, the best course of action is to discuss your wishes with me your officiant.
Honor cherished memories at your wedding with thoughtful memorial ideas. Create a meaningful tribute to late loved ones on your special day.
For many centuries, a wedding ring has been a symbol of a pledge that those who give a ring intend to live up to the vows and promises made at the time of marriage. Use these templates to customize your ceremony's ring blessing and exchange.
There is a wide array of wedding traditions that a couple can choose to incorporate into their ceremony. These traditions can be religious, cultural, or rooted in a shared history. One of these traditions is “giving away the bride.”
Vow renewals are held for any number of reasons. Perhaps the couple was only able to have a small wedding or elopement and now wishes to have more guests present. Maybe they've overcome an illness, infidelity, or other situation in their marriage and want to re-commit to each other
Marriage is the clasping of hands, the blending of two hearts, the union of two lives into one. Your marriage must stand, not by the authority of the state, nor by the seal on your wedding certificate, but by the strength and power of the faith and love you have in one another. Choose this closing or learn more about our wedding closings.
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