SPECIAL CEREMONY ADDITIONS

Are you getting married and looking for that special addition to your ceremony? Here are just a few of the many that are used today in weddings.


Couples often look for that addition that will honor one or both of their cultures or family backgrounds. Many families have started their own traditions in the ceremonies.

Make your wedding unique and yours!

Lighting of the Candles

     While this is similar to the couple's lighting of the unity candle, it is different. As they enter the ceremony location the guests are given a program, and also a special candle. During the ceremony, as the couple lights their candle, a flame lights the first guests candle of each row, they in turn light the candle of the person next to them. This continues until all guest candles have been lit. This represents that all friends and family support the couple in their marriage.

Rose Ceremony


This has been used in many of the weddings I have helped plan and coordinate. Many Catholic brides present or lay at the feet of the Virgin Mary - a red rose. In other ceremonies, the bride and groom present one single rose to each other, and then present those roses to their mothers. Another symbolism of the two families becoming one. Long stem red roses are used in this exchange. NOTE: please have the florist cut the thorns!

A long stem rose is the best to use in this ceremony, although red is typically used, you may use other colors!
NOTE: Remember to have the florist remove the thorns!

Garland or Lei Ceremony



Beautiful garlands of flowers are exchanged between the bride and groom. This is a custom often found in Indian weddings, as well as those of Hawaiians. The garlands or leis represent the love between the couple, and the unity of the marriage. Love and respect!

Garlands and leis can be made up by the florist to coordinate with your wedding colors.

Broom Jumping

A custom that is used in African-American weddings, and some Native American weddings.

Lasso Ceremony

Used in mainly Hispanic ceremonies. There is lots of information on the Internet about this ceremony and where to order the lasso.

This is a large rosary that is used for the ceremony, but there are other types and styles of the lasso.

There are many more special ceremonies that can be incorporated into yours to make it unique and to honor one's culture.


Unique & Yours encourages you to make the ceremony yours, and to make it special!

One of Unique & Yours weddings that incorporated several unique additions, beautiful couple.

 
Happy planning!

UNITY CANDLE CEREMONY

Wedding ceremonies today often include special parts, such as the lighting of the unity candle. It is not really clear as to when this addition started in ceremonies. Most likely back 40 plus years.  But it is growing in popularity.

A set up using very simple holders and allowing space for a floral arrangement on the table.

The set up for the ceremony includes the placing of two tapers and one larger candle on a table in the ceremony area. It can be as ornate or simple as the bride desires. While there are unity candle holders and sets for sale in most bridal stores or other locations, creativity can also be used to have a unique set of holders.

This was a set up we did for a ceremony, using one of our unique candle holder sets.

Unity candle ceremonies symbolize the joining of two – the bride and groom – becoming united into one family. The two tapers are lit at the beginning of the ceremony by the mothers of the couple, or by someone very special if the mother is not available. The two mothers go to the table and light the tapers, putting them back in the holders where they will remain until the couple’s part.

A sample of the holder you find in stores.

At the time in the ceremony – usually designated by the officiant – the couple will move to the table. A prayer and a special song are usually incorporated here to help place emphasis on the value of this part of the ceremony. The bride and groom pick up the taper that was lit by their mother, and place their candles together to light the large middle candle. After the lighting of the main candle, the bride and groom can do one of two things – leave their tapers lit and place in holder, or blow out the flame of the taper and put the taper back in the holder. Some couples also take this time to have a moment of silence together thinking about their life together, a song that means something special to the couple.

The symbolism of leaving the tapers lit is – they have become one, but also remain two separate individuals. The blowing out of the tapers can mean that they are becoming one and leaving the old ways behind. It is up to the couple and their officiant.

Unity candles are often kept and displayed in the couple’s home. Some re-lit the candle each anniversary as a re-commitment to their life together.

Even though the use of unity candles in the ceremony is becoming wide-spread it is not used in all ceremonies and is prohibited by some churches, such as the Catholic faith. I find it used more in non-denominational ceremonies, but have also had it used in some protestant churches. You should always ask the minister of the church if this ceremony is allowed, and if they have special instructions for the ceremony.

It is used at both indoor ceremonies and some outdoor weddings. It is often difficult though to keep the flames lit due to winds outside. If you are going to use it outdoors, carefully plan the location of the table it will be on so that it will not be exposed to winds. Some people use hurricane covers for the candles outside – but they too can be blown over by the wind. So plan carefully.
Another tip for the table, place a clear piece of glass under the candle holder to save your tablecloth from candle drips.
More to come on some additions to ceremonies to help make your wedding “Unique & Yours”, next we will look at sand ceremonies and their popularity.
Happy planning!

DECORATING A TABLE

No matter what event you have planned - wedding reception, romantic dinner for two, company coming, or holiday get together - a beautiful table is always a welcomed site.

As a wedding and event planner, as well as a floral designer, the design & decor of the tables is something I enjoy. Planning the color combinations, linens to be used, centerpieces, and even how the napkins will be folded is so energizing.

Color sets the tone for tablescapes, and can be achieved in different ways - linens, flowers, vases, candles, an more! Play around with different looks, you will be surprised what goes with what. I love to add touches from the past to some of my tables, such as old vases, picture frames, etc. Always use your imagination!

Fresh flowers always add that something extra to a table. The containers you use for your arrangements can be something as simple as a clear glass vase, or as elaborate as a crystal vase. I like to use colored ceramic cubes to help set the theme. My favorite containers are some of the old pewter and silver items I have found in flea markets or antique shops. Love them!!!!!! And they add so much to any table!

Think out of the box! You will be surprised what you come up with......

Another item I get really thrilled with when planning a table, is how will I fold the napkins! I really get tired of seeing them stuffed in glasses, or rolled beside the plate! Folding them does take some time and imagination. But they look so good when done and accented with a flower! You will notice in this picture below I have inserted pink roses in the napkin to make the color pop! This table was done in silver and pinks!

I love to add lots of color to some events, and this purple and lavender event was so beautiful! As you see below in the picture it simply says - beautiful and elegant!

Checking the current color trends is a good way to pick colors for your tables! Pantene always has the current color trends for the seasons shown on their site! Visit it often for ideas!

Another way to add some interest on your table is with the use of fruits as your centerpiece. I have take a clear vase and placed green apples in it for a different look. Using some vines around it, I have also placed green apples on it! Simple and classy!

Another idea using one of my unique old vases! The linens are champagne and brown!

One of my all time favorites is the table below - simple and very elegant all in one!!!

Fall wedding receptions and events are interesting, the colors are beautiful and many items can be used to compliment the table - gourds, pumpkins, fall foliage, and more! Worth trying!

These are just a few of the tables that have been done by Unique & Yours events! More to come, so check back often! Working on some new ideas, color combinations and floral arrangements.