top of page
Search

Non-traditional wedding ceremony ideas

Writer's picture: Arabella WildeArabella Wilde


Opting for a celebrant-led wedding allows you to incorporate a meaningful symbolic ritual into your ceremony. This can be a beautiful, interactive experience that resonates not only with you as a couple but also with your friends and family. Many of these rituals have been practiced for centuries, offering a unique and personal touch to your special day. If this idea appeals to you, explore the possibilities and share your thoughts with your celebrant, who can tailor the ritual to reflect your preferences. You may choose a tradition that connects to your heritage or beliefs, or opt for something rooted in love and creativity. Whatever you decide, it will add a distinctive and deeply personal element to your celebration.


Here are some of my favourite rituals:


Handfasting



Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition dating back to 7000 BC. Long before formal marriage ceremonies became common, couples would symbolise their union by having a braided cord or ribbon tied around their hands – representing the binding of two lives.

This meaningful ritual can be tailored in many ways. Traditionally, the couple places their palms together while the celebrant wraps ribbons or cord around their joined hands, accompanied by heartfelt words. Some choose to incorporate vows or a ring exchange into the ceremony for an even more personal touch.

When selecting ribbon colours, consider their symbolic meanings to make the moment even more special. Each colour holds significance, allowing you to personalise the ceremony in a way that reflects your love story.

For more inspiration and a beautiful selection of ribbons and charms, visit Intertwined Handfasting Cords.



Lighting a Unity Candle



This is a popular ritual and often included in a wedding ceremony. In addition to the symbolism of unity it holds for a couple, it’s also a lovely way to show the joining or blending of families. Each person involved will hold their own lit candle that they then combine to light another candle.



Sand Ceremony



The Sand Ceremony is a beautiful and very visual ritual that symbolises unity and connection. During the ceremony, the couple pours sand from two (or more) vessels into a single container, representing the blending of their lives. You can use coloured sand or even sand from a location that holds special meaning to you. This ceremony can also include family members, making it a beautiful way to honour the blending and joining of families.



Rose Ceremony



The ritual of the rose ceremony is most often used in two different ways. However, like all the symbolic rituals, it can be adjusted to work for any situation that feels appropriate. If both members of a couple are close to their mothers, a rose can be presented to them as a symbol of their eternal love and gratitude. The rose signifies the acknowledgment of the love and sacrifice their mothers have given them all their lives. Another way to use the rose ceremony is for each partner to present the other with a single rose after their vows. This symbol of love represents the first gift to each other as husband and wife.



Ring warming



I especially love the ring warming ceremony. As the wedding unfolds, the couple’s rings – symbols of their lifelong commitment – are passed among the guests in a small pouch, tied with ribbon or in a box. Each person holds the rings for a moment, offering a silent blessing or well-wishes. By the time they return to the front, just in time for the vows and exchange, the rings are infused with the love and support of everyone present. For loved ones unable to attend, the rings can be taken to them beforehand, allowing them to be part of this meaningful tradition.


These rituals are a few of many that are available. Your celebrant will be able to guide you through others that might resonate with you, and a look online will help you discover more.

13 views1 comment

Recent Posts

See All

1 Kommentar


Lorraine Trusty
Lorraine Trusty
4 days ago

I love the sand ritual that symbolises unity, connection and the blending of two lives. Thank you so much for these ideas. Jan x

Gefällt mir
bottom of page