Blog - Ceremony Additions

The typical ceremony includes a seating of the mothers, processional, bridal march, and recessional. There are several other things that can be added to a ceremony to add symbolism of your commitment together. While there are almost an endless amount of differences based on religious symbolism for these (which would take way too much time and internet space to write about), there are a few that are not specifically religiously based that many people choose to add to their ceremony.

One of the simplest ways to add an event to a ceremony is by having a family member or someone from the wedding party do a reading of a poem, bible verse, or some other uplifting quote. This can take place at any time during the ceremony, but it is usually best to be done at a predetermined point during the middle of the officiant’s message, but definitely before the couple is announced man and wife. There can also be a soloist sing a love song or a meaningful song to the couple, with the same rules that apply to the poem reading.

Another idea is to have a sand ceremony at the ceremony. The sand ceremony starts with two different colors of sand in separate containers (preferably glass containers), which are poured into another, larger glass container by the bride and groom at the same time. This symbolizes the joining of the bride and groom, with the different color sands symbolizing the bride and groom's individual lives, and how they are joining together to become one. This is particularly meaningful because once the uniquely colored sand is joined together, it is basically impossible to separate them again. In the same way the bride and groom are committing to join together for all time.

The unity candle has the same symbolism as the sand ceremony, just with candles instead of sand. The bride and groom will each have a candle that they will use to light a larger candle at the same time, and then blow out their individual candles. One added amount of symbolism that can be added to this event is to have the mothers of the bride and groom light their own child's candle when they enter during the seating of the mothers. This symbolizes the life that the mother started, recognizing their sacrifice to raise the child that is now leaving to be joined with another. Both the sand ceremony and the unity candle should be done after the bridal entrance and the initial commencement of the ceremony by the officiant.

There are many other types of events that can be done, for example: unity cross, communion with all the guests or just with the couple, glass breaking, hand fasting, or Kiddush. If you are interested in doing an event during the ceremony that is religious based, consult your local religious leader for ideas. The few that I went into further detail about, however, are simple ways to add symbolism of the commitment that the bride and groom are going into together. For further explanation of these events you can contact your friendly local DJ Connection wedding DJ for more information.

DJ Matt "The Wedding Specialist"