Ceremonies are often accompanied by Ritual to express Unity

Handfasting in wedding ceremonies involve the tying together of a couple’s hands or wrists with a cord, ribbon, sash, twine or vines to signify their union. The original ritual of 'tying the knot'.

 A flame can symbolise hope, warmth, and the brightening of lives. A unity candle ceremony can be used for a child in a naming ceremony, an adoption ceremony or for wedding ceremonies. Lighting a candle  can also be done as an act of remembrance for a deceased relative or friend. 

A guest book enables your guests to add a message - before, during, or after the ceremony. Creating a great keepsake that can be revisited in years to come.

 A Tea Ceremony is a gentle, symbolic moment where two people blend their chosen teas to represent the joining of their lives. Each ingredient carries its own meaning—warmth, comfort, strength, sweetness—and as the couple pours, stirs, and shares the first sip, they create a ritual that honours patience, presence, and the simple joy of building a life together. 

After the ceremony, you can then gather the messages as a memento of the day. 

 Depending upon the time of year, planting a tree in commemoration of this special occasion is a lovely idea and a great way to involve other children, close friends, or family members in the ceremony. Tree-planting also provides the opportunity to include words about the importance of nurturing and caring for the growth of the child. 

During the ritual, the couple/family pour different sands, of different colours into a single container, representing the union of their lives, experiences and families. The sand can no longer be separated, just as they can no longer be separated.

The creation of a ‘time capsule’ or ‘memory box’. You can ask your guests to bring something to add to it such as family photos, recorded messages, gifts to be opened on a significant date in the future.

Oathing stone – Before Celtic tribes had access to wedding rings, they sealed their marriage by placing their hands on a stone while reciting their vows. Some modern couples incorporate this into their wedding ceremony. Often using a stone engraved with their names or wedding date.

Why not include wishing stones or shells into the ceremony?  

A beautiful natural and timeless tradition. In this ceremony, guests are given shells or stones to place wishes upon for the couple, before they are tossed into the sea, lake or stream!

Drinking from quaichs has been popular in Scottish wedding ceremonies for centuries to symbolise the binding together of two people in love, kinship and trust. It sees the couple filling the two-handled silver bowl with whiskey and sharing it with each other before passing it round the wedding party.

Couples in Germany are presented with a large log and a saw. By sawing the log in half as a team, it is believed they are proving their ability to work together in overcoming any obstacles that may come.

Instead of a sand ceremony, why not create a masterpiece on your special day!

Include guests in your ceremony by having each person bless your wedding bands. Send one ring down one side of the aisle and the other down the opposite, giving every guest a chance to hold your rings and bestow their blessings and positive thoughts toward your marriage. 

Jumping the Broom is a joyful, symbolic ritual where the couple leap together over a beautifully decorated broom to mark the start of their married life. Rooted in African and African‑American tradition, it represents sweeping away the past, honouring heritage, and stepping into a new chapter with intention, unity, and shared purpose. 

Bring an unexpected touch of humour into your ceremony by drawing each other with your eyes closed. It’s a light  hearted moment of pure surprise — the kind that fills the room with laughter and reminds everyone that love doesn’t have to be serious all the time. This simple, joyful ritual adds a beautifully human pause in your nuptials and never fails to delight your guests.