What is a unity ceremony?

A unity ceremony is a special rite, or event, during the wedding that is symbolic of the new union. These special rites can be culturally based, religious, non-religious or involve the ceremony guests.

Should I have a unity ceremony at my wedding?
First talk with your fiance, then your officiant or religious figure, to decide if a unity ceremony is for you.

1. Cultural

1. Tea Ceremonies
   An ancient Chinese tradition rooted in respect of showing honor towards the families who came together to create a new one. The wedding couple serves tea to their elders and in return, are blessed with good wishes, money, or jewelry.
2. Jumping the Broom
   A symbolic African-American tradition steeped in history. Jumping the broom was a way to recognize a marriage between two enslaved people since they were denied the legal right to marry. This symbolized the sweeping away of the past, to make way for a future ahead.
3. Garland Exchange
   A beautiful tradition in Indian culture, the exchange of wedding garlands is gesture rich with symbolism. The never-ending shape of the garland represents eternity, while the blooms pay respect to fertility and fresh new beginnings. Placing a garland over each other represents the two souls coming together, marking the union formed by the marriage.
   
   

2. Religious

1. Washing of the feet
   Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as a display of humility, love, and service to another. Shared either privately, or during the ceremony, the washing of each other’s feet is representative of the commitment made to serve one another as husband and wife, and a promise to keep their marriage an example of Jesus’ teachings.
2. Communion
   In the Christian faith, communion represents the relationship between the individual and God. When communion is incorporated into a wedding ceremony, the couple is acknowledging Christ as the foundation of their union and divine nature of the relationship.
3. Cord Braiding
   There is a passage in Christian scripture that teaches how a cord of three strands cannot be easily broken. During a cord braiding ceremony, the couple makes a promise to weave God into their marriage to make their union stronger than the husband and wife alone.

3. Non-Religious

1. Butterfly Release
   The butterfly has been a long time symbol of transformation, and new beginnings. A butterfly release can be shared just between the wedding couple, or involve their families, wedding party, or even the guests. 
2. Stone Vow Ceremony
   Based on an ancient tradition, the couple holds a stone together as they recite their vows. By locking these promises into the stone, they are ensuring that their vows are strong, unbreakable, and lasting. The stone is a beautiful feature in their home and reminder of the promises made on their wedding day.
3. Lantern Release
   Usually held at sunset, the couple can share a wish, promise, or hope for their future as they light the paper lantern. Once blessed, they jointly release the lantern up towards the sky, watching as their request reaches a higher power. Be sure to make safety arrangements ahead of time! This is a great idea if you are hosting a beach wedding, the lit lantern can be released over the ocean making for a really special moment.

4. Interactive

1. Warming of the rings
   The warming of the rings is an old Irish tradition where the wedding bands are passed hand to hand and blessed by each person who holds them before reaching the couple. The bands could be passed from the couple’s family, or handed down by the wedding party, whatever means the most to you! 
2. Letterbox
   In a letterbox ceremony, the couple will ask designated guests to write letters ahead of time and bring them to the ceremony. These can be wishes for the newlyweds, advice, predictions, whatever is the most meaningful to them. During the ceremony, those guests will come up and place their letters in a box for the couple to read at a later time. Depending on the nature of the letters, this can be something to look forward to on a first anniversary, life event, or other milestone.
3. Quaich Whisky Ceremony
   This Scottish tradition represents the blending of two lives into one, and the shared commitment made through their marriage. In this custom, the couple shares a sip of whisky from the same two-handled cup. This can be shared exclusively between the wedding couple, or extended to the wedding party or family members.
   
   

So what do you think, is a unity ceremony something you want to incorporate into your wedding?