10 Sweet and Sentimental Unity Ceremony Ideas

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This one is one of the cutest, most lighthearted unity ceremonies that we have ever seen. Choose your favorite sandwich, prepare both slices of bread, and bring the sandwich together as a sweet—and tasty—metaphor for your new marriage!

1. Make A Unity Ceremony Sandwich

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This is by far the most traditional unity ceremony option, so it’s perfect for couples who want something a bit more classic. Before the ceremony, three candles are placed on the altar: two taper candles and one large candle—the “unity candle”—in the middle. At the beginning of the ceremony, a member from each family–traditionally 

2. Light A Unity Candle

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the mothers–lights one of the taper candles. After you exchange vows, each spouse uses one of the candles to light the unity candle at the same time. If either or both of you have children, you can even get the entire family involved. Just add extra taper candles for each child and invite them to join you as you light the unity candle.

2. Light A Unity Candle

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Many couples are drawn to the symbolism found in nature, which makes a tree-planting ceremony such a great option–especially for outdoor weddings. Before the ceremony, a tree is placed in a large pot near the front of the space. During the ceremony,  you each take turns adding soil and water to the pot.

3. Plant A Tree Together

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Then, when the wedding is over, you can take the tree home and plant it in your yard. We’ve even seen couples who get married in their own backyard plant the tree directly in the ground during the ceremony. This is a truly touching unity ceremony idea that will be a constant and ever-growing reminder of your commitment to each other.

3. Plant A Tree Together

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This super sweet unity ceremony idea also serves as an anniversary surprise. Have a custom box made with your names and your wedding date, and place it on a table along with handwritten love letters and a bottle of wine. If you plan to wait for your five or ten-year anniversary, ask an expert to help you pick a wine that will age nicely.

4. Seal An Anniversary Box

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During the unity ceremony, you will both place the love letters and the bottle of wine in the box and seal it shut–either with a hammer and nails or a lock. During the ceremony, you can have the officiant explain the significance of the wine you chose and the anniversary you plan to open it. When that date rolls around, enjoy a trip down memory lane as you enjoy a glass of wine, 

4. Seal An Anniversary Box

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read your love letters, and remember your magical wedding day!

4. Seal An Anniversary Box

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This is another oldie-but-goodie that continues to evolve as couples find modern ways to make it their own. The most common sand pouring ceremony involves two jars of sand that you both pour into a single glass. If you want to create a statement art piece for your home, you can use two different colors and layer them or create a unique design inside the jar.

5. Pour Sand For Your Unity Ceremony

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We’ve also seen clear frames in which you place a photo of yourselves and pour the sand into the background space. If you have children, you can also use multiple jars of sand–labeled with each person’s name–to pour into the collective jar. You can then display the jar in your home as a reminder of your new, unified family.

5. Pour Sand For Your Unity Ceremony

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This might be our current favorite unity ceremony idea because it combines the sentimentality of tradition with a fun—and delicious—modern twist. If you are beer lovers, pour two different but complementary beers–usually a light and a dark–into a glass and enjoy your first brew as husband and wife.

6. Create A Cocktail

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If liquor is your thing, gather up single servings of your favorite ingredients, shake them up, and enjoy your custom creation. We recommend choosing a simple cocktail, such as a single mixer and liquor so that you can pour it together effortlessly.

6. Create A Cocktail

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If you’re super adventurous—or want an excuse to calm the nerves in the middle of your ceremony—you could skip the creating aspect and go straight for taking a shot of your favorite alcohol! We recommend investing in a beautiful personalized decanter and glasses. Not only will they be cute decor pieces at the ceremony and in your photos, but they will make 

7. Take A Shot

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great keepsakes for years to come.

7. Take A Shot

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This tradition hails from Ireland and Scotland but has become popular with modern couples all over the world. Unlike all the other unity ceremonies that happen after you exchange vows, this ceremony–commonly known as “handfasting”–can be done before, during, or after the vows.

8. Handfasting By Fastening Hands Together

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As you join hands or hold each other’s wrists, the officiant wraps the cord around them into a loose knot. Traditionally, couples use a dyed chord for this ceremony, but the options have expanded in recent years to include tartans, ribbons, scarves, or even small floral garlands. Whatever you choose, this is a beautiful symbol of eternal and infinite love.

8. Handfasting By Fastening Hands Together

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If you prefer to skip the alcohol, consider sipping on tea or coffee. Both beverages can make for a sweet and sentimental unity ceremony. You and your partner can brew your favorite blend and exchange steamy sips before a steamy kiss.

9. Brew Tea Or Coffee

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While this ceremony has Christian roots, washing the feet of another is a symbol of love and humanity–we find that purpose is one that is truly universal. It serves as an act of caregiving to symbolize your devotion to each other.

10. Wash Each Other’s Feet

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Learn more about how to organize a dream wedding and not go crazy