Going beyond the traditional wedding ceremony can be exciting and inspiring. If you’re looking for a memorable ceremony with something a bit unique for your wedding ceremony, then look no further! Here are some wedding ceremony ideas to help you create an unforgettable experience religious or non for you and your guests. From a reading to a ritual or other creative elements into your ceremony, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore how you can add a touch of creativity to your special day!
Set the ambience with your guests entrance
Your wedding ceremony should be a reflection of you and your partner, whether its a wedding for two or blended family ceremony. So, why not add some creative elements that go beyond the traditional to make it truly unique? Give guests something as they arrive or get them to make a thumb print of their attendance. From a bilingual ceremony in English and Spanish, where guests are greeted in both languages to a vow renewal in Malaga. There are plenty of ways to make your ceremony stand out from the crowd and there´s something for everyone.
Use music whilst your guests wait for the arrival of the bridal party, something that resonates with you both. This could be something classical or modern, then change for something more up beat to make your entrance or vice versa. There´s something quite special about entering to music that has special meaning to you. Be it one of your favourite songs or film tracks played by violin, piano, guitar or other music. I officiated a wedding ceremony with the bride entering to a song from the sound of music. The result was exhilarating, special, personal and took the ceremony to a higher level.
Using a symbolic ritual to go beyond the traditional
Use symbolic rituals, such as a modern Celtic 17th century handfasting to go beyond the traditional, tailoring it to you. In addition there others, I.e., sand or jumping the broom, that have become more popular. There are planting rituals, perfect for couples who would like to introduce an ecological aspect. As well as, alcohol mixing rituals for lovers of wine or spirits that can include using family recipes. Feel free to swap the alcohol for something else if that´s not your thing. Weave references or actual ingredients to make your own or family symbolic ritual. Include a family cultural ritual as part of your ceremony to make it feel extra special. You will find lots of choices, but you have the opportunity to bring ideas of your own for your rituals.
Encapsulate your wedding ceremony in time and go beyond the traditional
Go beyond the traditional by including a time capsule of specific parts of your wedding ceremony. You can choose to do this during the ceremony or immediately after. Memories to encapsulate could include best wishes collected from guests who are in attendance or who were unable to be present. Additionally, include your ceremony script, vows that you made, and readings etc. You can decide where to bury your capsule and when to open it. Make a promise to each other at your ceremony to open as part of your 10th anniversary renewal of vows for instance.
Go beyond the traditional with guest participation
Having guests contribute to your wedding ceremony can also take your ceremony beyond the traditional, and mixes up the dynamics. It brings a different perspective that compliments that of your celebrant whilst offering your guests a variation in speakers. Guests can do a reading or poem individually or a number of guests can participate in the same reading. If you really want to get everyone involved why not include a reading that all guests can read together guided by your celebrant. This way you can feel the love from your guests as they participate and your guests feel included and have memories that they can share too.
Include readings or poems that speak to you
Having aspects that resonate with you are what makes your ceremony go beyond the traditional and feel personal. But it´s about thinking outside the box, do you both share a favourite book or music. Incorporate the collective things you share, such as readings and poems from your favourite film for instance. Captain Corelli´s Mandolin by Shawn Slovo is a great example of how you can create interest. If you have pets, why not include a reading or poem that speaks about love. From poems like Taylor Mali´s ” How falling in love is like owning a dog”, to poems about your hobbies. It´s a question of finding something that speaks to you in your style, there´s so many to choose from.
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin “Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion, it is not the desire to mate every second minute of the day, it is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every cranny of your body. No, don’t blush, I am telling you some truths. That is just being “in love”, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.”
by Shawn Slovo
Get creative with your vows
The manner in which vows are said can be humorous and yet have profound meaning to you both. However, it´s possible to be creative whether your declaration is bold or heartfelt. You´ve heard “it´s the little things” and that´s so true. Start off with the things that you love about your partner. Focus on how they are there for you in daily life and the way their attributes compliment yours. In addition you can talk about how they have enhanced your life or perspective of life. Consider your vows as your promises to each other and decide how to share them, publicly or privately.
Presentation of rings
By far one of my favourite parts of the ceremony is the ring exchange. If you want to go beyond the traditional you can include your pets in this part. I.e., if you have a dog they could be your ring bearer with support from friends and family. Another lovely ritual is a ring warming, where guests warm your rings during the ceremony, imparting love and best wishes for your future. By the time the rings are collected and arrive to you, they are so full of love and energy. The ring warming ritual is perfect whether your having a symbolic wedding in Spain, the UK or other location.
To sum up
In conclusion, it is clear that there are many ways to make your wedding ceremony unique and special. Going beyond the traditional route and adding creative elements can be a great way to make your day even more memorable.
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