Ready to talk unity ceremonies? So am I! Let’s dive in! ;)
When you think of a “unity ceremony,” your mind probably automatically goes to the unity candle (very traditional), or sand pouring! While those are both wonderful options that are still popular, a lot of today’s couples are getting a little bit more creative and unique with their unities (& their ceremonies in general)! From drip paintings to mixed drinks, couples are putting more and more of their own personalities into their ceremony ideas, and I am all here for it!
If you’re already considering a unity ceremony, or simply looking for fun ways to lengthen your non-traditional nuptials, check out the below ideas (with photo examples of course)!
Tree Planting
Perfect for mountain weddings, planting a tree (or other plant) is a beautiful symbol of the ways in which your love will grow as your relationship progresses!
Photography by Light Rae Weddings
Mixed Drink
Weddings & alcohol go hand in hand, so why not start the party early with a mixed drink?! Gather 2-4 ingredients from your FAVE cocktails (and a shaker) and get to work! ;)
Photography by White Buffalo
Drip Painting
Rembrandt Yard was the perfect setting for an artistic unity, and I’ve had countless creative couples opt to create their own artworks since!
Photography by Christina Kiffney
Macrame/Tassel
Liz & Lizzy opted to use their unity as their guestbook as well! Guests grabbed a tassel, gave it some good energy, and tied it to the chuppah macrame fabric that Lizzy created herself!
Photography by Mado Photo
Lego Shadow Box
Allie & Nick’s lego shadow box was just about the cutest thing we’d ever seen! They created their characters themselves, and clicked them into place during ceremony! Etsy is perfect for personalized pieces like this!
Photography by Lauren Reynolds
Couples Tattoo
You may be thinking “this is crazy” or “there’s not enough time,” and while you’re right about the first one, you’re just plain wrong about the second! ;)
Flash tattoos take just a few minutes, and what says “I love you forever” better than permanent ink? Keith Goble is a great artist to work with if you’re looking for this service!
Photography by Ivywild Visuals
Wood cutting/Branding
I recommend testing your materials before the wedding with this one!! ;) Using an electric brand means less risk for you and the venue, and still leaves a super cool impression!
Photography by Grace Gatto
Lei Ceremony
Kaesi & Jonathan honored their Hawaiian roots by placing gorgeous live flower leis around each others’ necks and partaking in a traditional breath ceremony, perfect for slowing down the rush of the wedding day.
Photography by Katie Todd
Tea Ceremony
Traditional in Chinese cultures, the tea ceremony incorporates parents for an even more meaningful union.
Photography by Foster Creative
Ring Warming (plus bonus drum circle)
When you want to get guests involved, a ring warming might be the easiest way! Simply pass the rings down the aisle, and have guests think kind words/thoughts over them. Sophie & Jeffry took this one step further, gathering their guest count in a circle for a song during the ring warming!
Photography by Walnut Street
Ribbon Hand Fasting
While hand fasting is a bit more traditional, the materials we use can be pretty fun! I love this greenery ribbon that Married by Maree sourced, but I’ve seen oh so many colors/textures/patterns that are stunning!
Photography by Christina Kiffney
Blanket Wrapping
Getting parents involved again with this incredible blanket ceremony! Just like some of the previous couples I mentioned, Krystal & Tristan took this idea one step further with a hand made blanket. It doubled as warmth during their Feb nuptials! ;)
Photography by Together We Roam
Foot Washing
A foot-washing ceremony at a wedding is a deeply symbolic tradition where the couple washes each other's feet to represent humility, service, and sacrificial love.
Photography by Diana Coulter
If none of these ideas are speaking to you - let’s come up with something all your own!