Meaning of the "Unity Sand Ceremony"....

Unity ceremonies have been around in various ways for years. In some places the Unity Sand Ceremony has been around for hundreds or even thousands of years. It’s a way for couples to display the joining of the flow of two lives into a single stream, or a meaningful ceremony that joins existing families into a single bond of love. They can be done using candles or sand, but the meaning is the same.

A Unique Sign of Your Commitment
But if you have a beach wedding idea in mind what could be more appropriate than the Unity Sand Ceremony. And the sand pouring into a unity vase can’t be blown out by the breeze during an outdoor or beach wedding. The Unity Sand Ceremony, a celebration that is usually two to three minutes in length, is a meaningful symbolic joining of two lives. In this timeless ritual of marriage, the couple ceremoniously pours various colors of sand from separate containers, such as seashells, into one special container, the unity vase, symbolizing their coming together as one.

A Famous Endorsement

This unique celebration was recently brought into the public eye with the marriage of Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter of the TV series, “The Bachelorette.” Rather than the time-honored ritual of the Unity Candle Ceremony, the famous couple chose the alternative, Unity Sand Ceremony. Their decision has sparked a craze in weddings across the country.

Origins of the Ceremony

The Unity Sand Ceremony has controversial origins, some believing that it began with the Native Americans and some insisting the Hawaiians were the ancestors of the legend. Both sources are mystical and romantic. May be both are right and the Unity Sand Ceremony arose in both places. Whatever its origin, the Unity Sand Ceremony is fast becoming a nationwide wedding ceremony trend. It is both romantic in its meaning and spiritual in its mysticism.

The Meaning Behind It

The flowing sand and blending of the colors in the Unity Sand Ceremony symbolize the bringing together of two lives into one. Some couples prefer to leave a small amount of sand in their respective container to show that even though they now function as one, they remain individuals. The two sands symbolize everything that the bride and groom have been or will become in the future.

The blending of the sand represents the union not only of them but their friends and families as well. The separate sands once poured into the unity vase can never be put back into their separate vases. They are forever entwined just as the lives and loves of the bride and groom.

Taking a Cue from Candlelight

A staple in marriages everywhere, The Unity Candle Ceremony has long been a tradition for marriages both elaborate and simple. Usually, there is a single candle that both bride and groom light from a flame of their own single candle. Parents or other members of the wedding party often join in the candle lighting ceremony using candles of their own. But the burning of the candle leaves no permanent reminder unlike the unity vase of the Unity Sand Ceremony.
In an age where couples are planning weddings that are unique to their beliefs and lifestyle, the sand ceremony can be personalized many different ways to fit the occasion. After the Unity Sand Ceremony, the couple has a unique keepsake to remember their wedding day.

This is How the Unity Sand Ceremony Works
1) The Groom will commence the ritual by pouring a portion of his black sand (or any other color) into the central glass vase.
2) The Bride will follow by pouring a portion of her white sand (or any other color) into the same central vase, creating a layered effect.
3) To complete the Unity Sand Ceremony, the Groom and Bride pour the balance of their sand simultaneously into the central container. This is one approach; however there are other variations.Find out more about different pouring styles and how to choose your Unity Sand colors
Throughout the steps, the Bride and Groom lovingly recite their Unity Sand Vows. Following the wedding, the two side Unity Sand Ceremony vases can be used to display fresh or dried flowers while the central vase remains a cherished keepsake of your wedding day. So, spend some time considering how you want your keepsake to be displayed before deciding on your sand colors.

Why it Can Be So Important for Blended Families

If either the bride or the groom or both have children, their marriage is more than just the union of two hearts. It represents the creation of a new family. If you’re wondering how your children can become involved in your wedding, the Unity Sand Ceremony may be just what you need to make them feel a part of the proceedings. With the Unity Sand Ceremony, you will be paying tribute to the role your children play in your lives. You’ll be celebrating the past, present, and future through the mix of sand in glass.Read more about the Family Unity Ceremony

The Essential Ingredients

The essential ingredients of a successful Unity Sand Ceremony are the Unity Sand Ceremony Vase Set and Unity Sand for each of the participants. You’ll want to make sure you buy a Unity Sand Ceremony vase that expresses not only the beauty of your union, but also your individuality as a family. Fortunately, you’ll find that the vases that are available are not only a beautiful wedding ornament, they’re also a lovely keepsake you’ll treasure throughout the years.Find a Unity Vase Set that’s perfect for you

The All-Important Vows

As a sign of your two families becoming one, you’ll want vows that will really capture the beauty of the moment. That’s why you should invest in the Unity Sand Ceremony planning ebook Sand, Sound, & Soul for your vows. It will help you create a unique memory that you’ll cherish for life.Find out how “Sand, Sound & Soul” can help you create an unforgettable Sand Ceremony

A Role for Every Member of the Family

The Unity Sand Ceremony can also be altered in many ways to include family and friends. Besides the bride and groom, various colors of sand are given to wedding members who will add their sand to the couple’s sand, all flowing into the container, creating a colorful and one-of-a kind symbol of unity, strength and love. With the Unity Sand Ceremony, you’ll have a role for every member of the family. Children can choose their own sand colors in order to put their unique mark on the ceremony. They’ll also enjoy the interactive nature of the ceremony – it’s a ritual they’ll never forget!