Wedding rituals
There are so many rituals that happen at a wedding, with the exchange of rings being the most common. Of course, the majority of couples include this without a thought – I don’t actually know anyone who hasn’t.
But there are many, many more that are hopelessly romantic, incredible fun, symbolic of your cultures or just simply amazing and you just really want it to be a part of your ceremony.
I have picked a few of my favourites to share with you below but I am always happy to perform others or find one that perfectly suits the two of you.
Handfasting
This is an ancient Celtic ritual whereby the right hands of the couple were tied together as a symbol of the binding of two lives.
What I love about this ritual is that you can choose any material to bind you together. This can be as simple as a rope to a complex woven ribbon made up of significant colours that have meaning to you.
As you hold one another’s right hand, I would wrap the chosen binding around your wrists, while explaining the meaning behind the chosen materials of your handfasting. Once the vows are exchanged, I then invite you to take up the ends of the binding and pull them as you release your right hands. The magical tying and your pulling of the binding, ends with you ‘tying the knot’ – hence the old saying!
This ritual is beautifully visual, is a physical representation of your joining and has great sentimental meaning. It also gives you both something beautiful, physical and symbolic to keep from your ceremony.
Lasso
Traditionally part of Hispanic and Filipino wedding ceremonies, the lasso or 'el lazo de boda', is a symbol of a couples everlasting union.
This is a romantic and modern twist on an ancient ritual. In essence, a long chain would be draped over both your shoulders in a figure of eight. The chain could be a string of flowers, a collection of ribbons chosen to match your colour scheme or traditional colours from your culture. There is no rule.
Traditionally, the lasso would have been lovingly placed by 'los padrinos' or god parents.
The lasso ritual originates from Mexico, the Philippines and other Latin countries. Originally a long rosary would have been used. Whilst the lasso is being place around your shoulders, I might recite the traditional blessing "as you are now bound together, so too are your lives and spirits joined in a union of everlasting love and trust."
Unity Candle Lighting
Traditionally part of Hispanic and Filipino wedding ceremonies, the lasso or 'el lazo de boda', is a symbol of a couples everlasting union.
As the name suggests, it is the uniting of two candles, each representing both partners. The flame represents love and passion and so in your ceremony, it shows your adoration you both hole for one another and the candles show the eternal bonding of your marriage.
This traditionally the mothers of the couple would light a candle representing each family. It is of course, your ceremony, so you can choose who lights it. Perhaps if this is your second marriage, you may want your children to have this honour. This candle will be lit at the beginning of the ceremony in readiness for your vows.
After the exchanging of rings, you would them both hold a candle that represents you.
There are so many different types out there now. You could have your names embossed on a candle or perhaps you have a Scottish heritage and would like to have your two tartans on the candles. Your choice is, your choice!
From the two lit candles, together you will both light the main unity candle. Whilst doing this it is a perfect time for a reading or poem. I can help you find the one that suits you if you would like. There are no rules, this is your moment to express your joining of love to your friends and family and what this truly means to you.