3 UNIQUE CEREMONY CUSTOMS

There are so many different ways to incorporate personality into a wedding ceremony. Instead of just repeating words and slipping rings onto fingers, couples can shake up their ceremony and include an unusual custom in their service to demonstrate their love for each other.

SAND CEREMONY
At some point in the service, the couple can begin a sand ceremony. Each will have a jar of sand in a different colour, and there will be a larger empty vase to use. When they begin, each pours a little bit of sand from their own jar into the vase, layering the colours to create a work of loving art. This shows how the two have formed one union through their marriage, and it makes a beautiful keepsake they can display for years.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Minnerick Photography

WINE CASKET CEREMONY
During the service the couple can introduce a wine casket ritual. A bottle of their favourite wine is placed in a decorative wooden box or casket. It’s tradition to include sealed love letters written by each person for their spouse, but some couples may want to place a copy of their vows in the box, or some other meaningful token. The lid is placed on the box, and the couple nails it closed with a hammer. They open it together on their fifth anniversary and can relive the romance of their wedding day.

Photo courtesy of Jamison Rantz

KNOT TYING CEREMONY
This custom includes the couple creating a Fisherman’s knot out of two lengths of rope during their ceremony. The individual pieces of rope represent the pasts of the couple, and when the knot is tied it becomes the promise of a strong future together. This kind of knot is the most commonly used because it gets tighter when put under pressure, symbolizing the strength of union between the couple.

Photo courtesy of Fire Mountain Gems

Leah Morrison is a Toronto-based writer who loves boating and Oreos. You can follow her on Twitter, Instagram and her blog.