Sand Ceremony

Personalising your wedding ceremony

Unity Candle Ceremony

Unity Candle Ceremony which as long been a tradition seen in marriages of all types and has a very simple yet symbolic meaning. Traditionally in this kind of ceremony there would be a single candle (the unity candle) which would be lit by the bride and groom from their own single candles and it so symbolise the joining of the two lives together as one. The lighting ceremony may be accompanied by special music, an explanation of the symbolism, or just some period of mutual gazing by the happy couple. In some circles, it is customary for the couple to save the unity candle and relight it on anniversaries.

A more recent unity ceremony has developed with the use of sand rather than candles. A Sand Ceremony or Blending of the Sand is a unique way to symbolize two lives becoming one in a wedding ceremony. This is also a great way to incorporate children or family into the wedding.

This ceremony is seen as a celebration that is usually two to three minutes in length and is a meaningful symbolic joining of two lives. We think this would work perfectly as part of a Beach Wedding in Spain, on the Costa del Sol.

What better way to celebrate the fact that you are getting married on the beach – the sand could be so symbolic as part of your big day especially if you have a love of the sea and the beach.

Source: rf123

When Does a Sand Ceremony Take Place?

There are no strict rules – I’ve seen couples place it at many different points in their wedding cremony order and even as a separate ritual at the reception. However, typically it takes place immediately following the ring exchange and vows.

The officiant explains the symbolism of the Unity Sand Ceremony process. The Bride and Groom then come together and take turns pouring their individual vials into the central vial. Their flowing together symbolizes the joining of the couple as their share their first experience as husband and wife. Their newly formed union is symbolized by the intertwined pattersn of snad created by the couple. This symbol is then a keepsake of their wedding. The individual vases, which can also be personalized, can be displayed with the center vase often with flowers to enhance the appearance of the Unity Sand Ceremony Vase.

What You’ll Need for a Sand Ceremony

This ceremony requires three small vials or vases, one for you and your fiancé to pour the sand into and two for each of you to pour the sand from. Each of the two vials of colored sand symbolizes the separate lives of the bride and groom and their families. The two outside vials or vases can be used later to display fresh flowers following the wedding. Some couples pour the sand from two sea shells, what is a very romantic idea for a Beach Wedding in Spain. You can put your vase containing your combined sand on display as a constant reminder of your special day!

Use two different colored sands which you can find at most arts and crafts stores. Small glass bottles or vials are usually found there as well. A nice touch is to pour the colored sands into a small “heart-shaped” bottle. Later, you can melt some wax to seal it to hold the sand in place, then seal it with a cork or lid. Have your names and your wedding date etched in the glass bottle prior to the ceremony.