I’m often asked by couples planning to get married how they can personalize their wedding and somehow make it different from all the rest. Having a destination wedding is already in a way different from most standard weddings. However the key is take certain elements of a standard wedding and adapt it to your destination setting. rnrnrnOur good example is the Unity Sand Ceremony which is a novel alternative to the popular “Unity Candle Ceremony” often done in church weddings. Because of the wind factor in most outdoor weddings especially those held in beach weddings, one cannot use candles because it is easily extinguished. But the unity sand ceremony is appropriate for an outdoor setting.

Its essence is to symbolize the union of “two into one”. It is not only visually beautiful but with the addition of fresh flowers or other decorative items, it makes an intriguing and interesting addition to a home’s décor later on.

How it works:

Get 3 glass vases, the size & shape of which is dependent on your taste. Prior to the wedding pre-fill the two outside vases with sand. You can color the sand with your wedding colors by using food coloring & then allowing the sand to dry in the sun. Make sure to measure how much sand the central vase can hold.

1. The groom will start by pouring a portion of his sand into the central glass vase.
2. The bride will follow by pouring a portion of her sand into the central vase creating a layered effect.
3. To complete the ceremony, the groom and bride simultaneously pour the balance of their sand into the central container.
4. Following the ceremony, the two outside vases used to pour the sand can be filled with wedding flowers while the central vase remains a cherished keepsake of the wedding.

Tip: to make pouring easier, create a cone or funnel out of decorative paper. Personalize the funnel by including names, date, a message or graphics that holds a special meaning to the Bride & Groom.

Pictures courtesy of Wedding Star Magazine.