Marcia Bravo Alternate Ceremonies
Celebrant UK & Spain
Here's what it's all about Alternative ceremonies
I love officiating alternative ceremonies for couples like you who are drawn to this type of wedding. Also, known as a wedding with a symbolic ritual. As a matter of fact there are many. For example a hand-fasting, sand blending, planting, stone and jumping the broom rituals can be included in your ceremony.
Basically, it´s a really fun way to liven up your alternative ceremony. But not only that; It helps to create a deeper and spiritual connection between you both. For this reason my favourites are bilingual multicultural, multiracial and elopements with “just the two of you” or a Micro wedding on the beach or at your chosen venue for instance.
Just a few of my favourite alternative ceremonies
I especially love the hand-fasting ritual as an alternative ceremony option. Since I make it so personal to you, so unique, no two are ever the same. For the same reason, just like your alternative ceremony. Equally important, it´s the perfect way to create an unbreakable bond that binds you together as partners in life…
Additionally, I love other types of alternative rituals such as a planting ritual because it´s our connection to nature. Particularly gratifying as an alternative ceremony if you love gardening or like me you’re a fan of all things plants and flowers…
Hand-fasting Symbolic Ritual Where do the origins of hand-fasting originate from?
Hand-fasting is an ancient 17th Century Celtic tradition and originates from the Celtic 1700´s when a couple wanted to be married. Whilst waiting for the Officiant to marry them they had their hands fastened by a local dignitary, after that waiting for the date of the Officiant; which could often be a year´s wait.
In contrast hand fasting has become popular in modern alternative ceremonies with the focus on the union of the couple coming together and their commitments to each other and also the joining of two families. This alternative ceremony is also precious because the hand-fasting provides a keepsake from your ceremony as a reminder of your commitments and love for each other. Your hand-fasting can also be incorporated into any home designs, visibly on display as a reminder… It therefore has a deeper value.
Hand-fasting has become especially popular since the "Game of Thrones"...
Why would you choose to include a hand-fasting?
Very spiritual and connects you as a couple and families together.
It´s no longer seen as being religious and whether or not you are religious this symbolic ritual also has a deep meaning.
It’s a very visual ritual with different coloured ribbons, which have specific meanings but you can also add a ribbon of your choosing, that reflects your life, passions. You choose colours that have meaning to you.
Hand-fasting gives you an excellent opportunity get people involved in your wedding ceremony.
How could you get your friends & family involved in a hand-fasting in your alternative ceremony?
Involve your family and friends in your alternative ceremony, with a hand-fasting ritual. They can help to place the selected ribbons on your hands or actually with “tying the knot” with a little support and direction from me. Children can also be involved in placing the ribbons and wrapping as I explain their meaning.
A few members of the family or guests, can hold each ribbon imparting wishes similar to the ring warming ceremony.
Planting Ritual What`s a planting ritual about?
I take a lot of my inspiration when writing your bespoke alternative wedding ceremony when I´m surrounded by nature So it´s especially pleasing to find that planting ceremonies exist!! Take a look at the example I ´ve included below...Just so you know...there´s lots to choose from and you can even create your own...
Tree planting has become a popular ritual to include as part of the ceremony.
But what happens if you don´t have space for a tree…
Well that´s the beauty of a planting ceremony, you can plant whatever has a special meaning to you both, whether that´s a plant or fruits or vegetables…or something else. It´s intended to be a metaphor, a living symbol of your love for each other.
The planting ceremony doesn´t belong to any specific cultural tradition or religion.
As a celebrant I can help you to find the words that will bring your alternative wedding planting ritual to life and make it unique to the two of you and your story.
Is your wedding inside? It´s a great way to take your ceremony outside or you might prefer to just have your wedding outside…
It really is possible to incorporate a planting ritual into your ceremony and create memories that last a lifetime for you and your friends and family.
Get in touch to discuss how I can help you personalise your planting ceremony.
Sand Ritual Here's what it's all about
The sand ritual or is a symbolic ritual that has become increasingly popular as part of an alternative wedding ceremony. It´s particularly suited to a blended families ceremony. Because it´s purpose is to show visually, the coming together of you as a couple alongside your blended family. Furthermore your wider family network and settling into your new life together.
The process involves you and family and friends participating choosing a pre-filled small bottle of sand (each has a different colour).
Starting with white sand, which represents the foundation of your family.
Using a larger bottle and funnel participants each pour about 2/3rds of their sand to form a layer in the larger bottle.
Don´t worry I will be with you to guide you…
One of you pours a layer of sand to form the next level, then the other pours the next layer of a different colour.
Each person continues with 2/3rds to the larger jar. When each colour has been added, all participants pour more sand into the jar together to show your unity as a family.
This now represents your family are all joined together.
As you as a couple settle into your married life so too will the sand settle.
How can children get involved?
The sand blending is ideal for children and adults. As a matter of fact it´s perfect for a beach elopement in Spain, specifically Malaga for instance. Children can be involved in the process of pouring the layers of sand along with you and other guests. If there is a child in your family, they can be given a bottle of sand so they can hold onto additional sand to top up the sand if needed. This can be a very exciting responsibility and a way of them staying involved and feeling included.
Once corked and kept up right the bottle of sand is a beautiful and powerful visual reminder of the union of your family and how you came together to make the unique creation.
Not seen the package for you.. don´t worry!!! get in touch to discuss your individual needs
I'd love to discuss how I can help you take your dreams from paper to reality with a tailored wedding package.