SPECIAL ELEMENTS Can be added to any Wedding Ceremony and some are included here
Unity Spice Ceremony
The Unity Spice Ceremony is similar to a unity sand ceremony (described below) except that spices and/or herbs are used. This is a wonderful tradition in that it can symbolically represent the heritage of each of the individuals to be married (and for those that love to cook or eat!).
Favourite spices or herbs of the couple could be used. Each ingredient would have a unique meaning and many have healing properties as an added bonus. Each spice (7 of them in total) would be poured by the couple, one by one, into a larger container providing a similar visual effect as the pouring of sand as spices too are each of a different colour.
Six herbs or spices could also be used with a layer of salt as the final ingredient which symbolizes an unbreakable promise between the couple to be married and unifying them as one. The jar should then be displayed in the kitchen of their home where family and special occasion meals are cooked and friends and family gather at certain times.
The kitchen is of course the central core and heart of any home. The ingredients can also be used by the couple at a later date to make a tasty collaborative meal, cookies or a cake (perhaps to celebrate an anniversary milestone or right after the honeymoon).
The couple would provide their own selected 7 different spices or herbs and a vase or jar with lid in which the spices or herbs are to be poured into and kept. A Mason jar could also be used.
Cost: $70 or complimentary with our Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Package.
Other Unity Ceremonies
A word about unity ceremonies – many different ingredients or supplies can be used in different ways – from cocktail creations to cookie ingredients, beer, mead, wine and tea blending/tasting – with many other options. The photo attached contains soup ingredients for a unity soup ceremony poured into a Mason jar in an alternating fashion, from spices to lentils to rice, it’s all there. Perhaps consider this option for fall and winter season weddings and after the honeymoon or on an anniversary, cook the soup to take your mind back to your wedding ceremony. The choice is entirely yours. The couple would provide their ingredients and tools to be used.
Pricing Varies or can be included with our Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Package.
Handfasting Ceremony
The original meaning of “tying the knot”. Usually known as a Celtic tradition although it also has origins in other cultures and countries. The hands are tied with different types of fabric including ribbons/cloth /braid/tartan to symbolize the bringing together of the two hearts and families in a marriage of strength and unity forever. Price includes one simple custom made ribbon handfasting braid.
Can include a family tartan (or two) to be ordered separately by or on behalf of the couple. Tartan can be in wool or sateen – a quote for the imported tartan can be provided.
Cost: From $95 or can be included with our Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Package.
Wine Box / Love Letter
The couple will write love letters to each other before the wedding which they will seal in an envelope. They will choose their favourite bottle of wine or drink of choice and place these and any other memorabilia in the wine box. If clients choose this ceremony option during the wedding ceremony, they will seal the box and vow not to open the box until an anniversary of their choice. Reading those letters on an anniversary date will remind them of their wedding day, why they fell in love and chose to be together until the end of time. Price includes a bottle of your choice of red or white wine and a keepsake wine box. For additional information on the wine box/love letter ceremony, please see our blog post wine box/love letter ceremony
Cost: $85 or can be included with our Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Package.
Unity Sand Ceremony
The Unity Sand Ceremony is ideal for any wedding. This ceremony option symbolizes the joining of the couple. The sand is used to symbolize the uniting of the couple. Their separate lives are represented by two vials of sand (usually different colours). The couple come together after the exchange of vows, and pour the two individual vials of sand into one into one vase. The flow of the sand symbolizes the joining of the couple as they share their first experience of unity as a married couple. In addition, this ritual is used when there are young children involved and the couple are looking for a ritual to involve the children, and additional vials of coloured sand can be used. The unity vase is then a keepsake of your wedding day. The couple would provide their own materials including the vase and sand. If you would like me to provide the materials, please ask for a quote.
Cost: $55+
Unity Candle Ceremony
(Indoors Only)
This ritual has long been used in Catholic weddings, but as a traditional ceremony option it also holds a universal meaning. It symbolises the joining of the couple in marriage as well as the joining of their two original families. The couple’s mothers can light their individual candles for them as a symbol to show that they are moving on from their family to create a new family together.
Pricing varies or can be included with our Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Package.
Breaking of the Glass Ceremony
The Breaking of the Glass Ceremony is traditionally used at Jewish weddings; this ceremony option signifies the end of the ceremony and the time of celebration. As a health & safety concern, the glass must be stemless and most importantly specifically made and sold for breaking in this manner. The glass should always be placed in a cloth bag and/or a fabric napkin as well. This addition is appropriate for Jewish clients and where one party is Jewish and the other is not. Pricing includes a Breaking Glass.
Cost: $75 or complimentary with our Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Package.
Ring Warming /Rock Ceremony
A ring warming ceremony happens when a couple’s wedding rings are passed around to each guest at a certain point in the ceremony. The rings should be tied or affixed to a ring pillow or placed in a decorative container to avoid any unnecessary accidents with the rings. Each guest will hold the ring and provide a silent blessing or wish. For smaller weddings, the wish can be spoken aloud and of course, the ceremony would pause for this to take place.
Rock ceremonies are similar except each guest will select a rock of their own from a container when entering the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony, all rocks are gathered for the couple to keep with the good wishes for the couple and their future imbued. For more information on ring warming, please visit our blog post Ring Warming.
Cost: $55 or complimentary with our Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Package
Wine Ceremony
We all have different tastes when we drink wine. In this case, the bride and groom will choose either white or red wine – whichever may be their preference (one of each). They will each then drink from a glass of the wine chosen by the other, savouring the taste and flavour which may not be to their liking. The same is true in marriage, through the ups and downs, they will often compromise for the other. Includes a small bottle of white and red wine and keepsake wine glasses.
From $95 or can be included with our Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Package.
Broom Jumping Ceremony
The Broom Jumping Ceremony does not originate with African Americans but is rooted centuries before in the British Isles and in particular, Wales, at a time when ordinary people could not marry. It symbolizes the clearing away of negativity with a sweep of the broom creating a threshold for the couple to cross over into their new life together. Hence, a bride was “carried over the threshold” (the broom laid across the front door opening of their home) to signify marriage. As the couple were not legally married, they therefore had a “broomstick marriage” or were “living over the brush”, a phrase that is still used in Great Britain today. It must be ensured that the couple can manage to safely jump over the broom to avoid accidents, otherwise stepping over the broom would be an option. Include your own broom or one will be provided for you to use. The photo to the right shows two recent brooms decorated very differently.
Cost: $75 or can be included with our Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Package.
Additional Special Elements
There are many additional choices available which are not mentioned here. As well certain traditions can be adapted just for you to reflect your life, beliefs and journey together as a couple. Our blog page has some posts with extra detail on some of the available special elements. An additional special element can be included with our Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Package.
