Wedding Unity Rituals & Their Meanings | Vancity Officiant Guide
- Vancity Officiant
- Nov 17, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: May 21
These days more and more couples choose to have their wedding ceremonies personalized, and wedding rituals are many different “unity” ceremonies that couples will perform to symbolically unite them as a couple, or two families as one. There are many of them you may have seen at your friends’ weddings such as:
Candle Lighting
Sand Ceremony
Tea/Wine Ceremony
Love Letter / Vows Exchange Ceremony
Rituals can be more spiritual and based on religious practices, while there are also some born out of creativity. Here is a list of many of the ceremony rituals our Officiants have performed for our couples and the meaning they hold.
Unity Plant Ritual
This is a very eco-friendly option for couples who would like to go green! During the ceremony, the couple will nurture a plant together — symbolizing their growing relationship and shared commitment to care for one another. Whether it’s a faux plant chosen for lasting beauty or a meaningful plant brought by the couple, this ritual reflects their intention to grow together with love, patience, and joy.
A living symbol of their unity, this plant serves as a lasting reminder of the day they chose to build a life together.
Key of Marriage Ritual
From the earliest times, the key has been a symbol of opening and closing powers, such as the power to open the door between this world and the next. When the Officiant holds the key in his/her hand, the Key symbolizes the power to unlock the door to a brand new and happy life adventure, a starting point to a new chapter of life together with love, laughter and happiness.
Water Blending Ceremony
Similar to unity sand, we can be creative and substitute the sand for colored water. Color of water symbolizes the core values in a marriage. When 2 colors are mixed, the water can never be divided again, just as the sanctity of marriage can never be divided and broken. and to represent two individuals coming together to create a new pure start together.
The Love Knot Ceremony
Or also called Tying the Knot ceremony, your marriage is symbolized by the tying of a fisherman's knot, also know as True Lover’s Knot. In this ritual, the couple will pull two small knots together, which symbolize two individuals, and form a big heart shape, a symbol of their strong marriage.
Although the fisherman's knot is one of the simplest to tie, it is also one of the sturdiest in which its bond will not break, and it will only become even stronger under pressure. And that’s why it is also called the True Lover’s Knot. The phrase “hand in marriage” also stems from this practice.
Parents’ Tea Ritual
At the beginning of the ceremony, the couple offers tea to their parents as a heartfelt gesture of love, gratitude, and respect. This ritual symbolizes the joining of two families and honors the guidance and support of those who helped shape their journey.
It’s a beautiful way to begin the celebration with intention, connection, and appreciation — setting the tone for a day rooted in love and unity.
Pawfect Witness Ceremony For pet-loving couples, our exclusive Pawfect Witness ceremony includes your dog in the wedding. Your furry friend can participate by walking down the aisle, standing beside you during vows, or even signing the marriage license with a paw print. Discover more about this heartwarming option here: Pawfect Witness – Pets in Weddings.
Choosing the Right Ritual for You
Selecting a unity ritual depends on your personal beliefs, cultural background, and the tone you wish to set for your ceremony. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or something uniquely personal, incorporating a unity ritual can add depth and meaning to your wedding.
At Vancity Officiant, we are dedicated to crafting ceremonies that reflect your love story and values. Explore our range of unity rituals and find the perfect addition to your special day. Contact us to discuss how we can personalize your wedding ceremony: Contact Vancity Officiant.
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