I would like to have some sort of a family uniting ceremony. We are getting married outdoors, therefore candles will not work. I had thought about having our mother's each carry a small bouquet of flowers and place them in small vases on either side of a larger vase (representing the tapers & the unity candle). Then my fiance and I would take the flowers from either side & place them in the larger vase. I am not sure about this idea for two reasons. For one, I also really like the idea of us giving each of our mothers a flower. Would we give our mother's flowers out of the bouquets they had just delivered? Would this be too much flower exchanging?
I'm not sure when the unity candle ceremony is typically done. Could the flower giving be split up so that it's not all done at the same time? When would we combine them? When would we give them to our mothers?
PS: I'm not crazy about the sand or water ideas & I'm scared of spilling wine on myself! Any other suggestions?
One of the newer ideas that's catching on is the layering of sand in a clear vase. I found the instructions on the web, as well as many vases, etc. that you can purchase. Nancy Tucker President of Weddings Beautiful US http://www.weddingsbeautiful.com
We have a few posts regarding the sand ceremony. Please use the search tool to locate these posts. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Actually several of my couples have performed the unity candle outdoors using hurricane lamps (that is what I believe they are called.) Each candle is placed in a tall hour-glass shaped glass which sits directly on the table and prevents the wind from blowing them out. Special slender long tapers are used for the lighting of the candles.
The sand ceremony is becoming increasing popular (especially for ceremonies done on the beach.)
For your flower and vase idea, here is an idea for you: You can have two bouquet of flowers placed directly on the altar or ceremonial table, alongside two smaller or more slender vases. Their should be one larger vase in the center. Your officiant would call up the mothers for the ritual at the appropriate time---after the vows. Soft music can begin playing in the background. Your mothers would then place the bouquets in the side vases symbolizing their giving you life. Next, you and your groom can each pull a flower from your designated bouquets and hand them directly to your mothers with a hug and kiss, as a token of gratitude, and as a way of saying that part of you is always with them. After the mothers return to their seats, you and your groom then unite your bouquets in the larger vase symbolizing the joining of your lives and souls.
Whatever you choose, remember that it is the intention that matters most. Having said that, you should feel comfortable with whatever ritual is being performed.
Non-Candle unity ceremony & mother's flowers
