Brides Magazine's Guideline To Meaningful Wedding Rituals

Unity Candle ~ What it is: Each of the mothers lights a taper; the couple uses the tapers to light a candle representing the merging of two families. What To Know: This is not a religious custom, so check with your officiant to see if it's permitted at your place of worship. Sand Ceremony ~ What It Is: A twist on the unity candle: family members (or just the couple) combine sand from different vessels into a single bowl. What To Know: This newly invented ritual doesn't suit every couple or setting. Outdoor beach wedding, yes, cathedral, NO! Flower Exchange ~ What It Is: The bride gives a flower from her bouquet to her mother upon walking in, and to her new mother-in-law before walking out. What To Know: If the gesture feels genuine, go for it; otherwise it can can seem forced. Breaking The Glass ~ What It Is: In Jewish tradition, the groom steps on a glass. The shattering symbolizes, among other things, life's mix of joy and sadness. What To Know: Use thin glass (colored is best if you're planning on saving the pieces) and wrap it in a cloth napkin so the shards don't fly. Handfasting ~ What It Is: In this ritual, based on a Celtic tradition, the hands of the bride and groom and tied together to symbolize the joining of lives. What To Know: This ritual isn't universally allowed at religious ceremonies. Check with your officiant and specific house of worship. Jumping The Broom ~ What It Is: In this African-American ritual, a couple jumps over a broom to symbolize sweeping away the old and starting the new. What To Know: This custom dates to the days when slaves weren't allowed to marry. It represented "jumping" into the bonds of domesticity. Source: Brides Magazine March//April 2009