Unity Ceremonies

In a unity candle ceremony the two mothers light the tapers and the couple lights the pillar together after the vows; this set includes the stand, so it can actually stand on the altar table. Check the venue's open-flame policy first: outdoors the tapers blow out, which is why many couples switch to sand or a cord. In Filipino ceremonies lighting the candles is the candle sponsors' role.

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Someone has to light 80 votives in ten minutes before guests walk in, and the one lighter in a pocket is always empty. Charge both the night before and give one to whoever is on candle duty. Many venues ban open flame, so confirm before buying real candles.

Pairs with the unity candle.

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In a sand ceremony each partner, and children in a blended family, pours a colour into one vessel that is sealed and kept; this kit ships with the sand and four pouring vases, so nothing has to be added. Choose a colour per person and practise the pour once so the layers stay distinct.

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A braided cord tied around your joined hands, from the Celtic tradition and now common in many ceremonies.

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In a wine box ceremony each partner writes a sealed letter, and during the ceremony the letters, a bottle and two glasses go into a box that is latched shut to be opened on an anniversary. This one fits three bottle widths, so the glasses go in beside the wine; some couples add letters from guests at the reception before it closes.

~$30 · Prices are approximate and can change. Check the shop for today's price.

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A letter to each other on the morning of the wedding is the memory couples mention most, and a plain heavyweight card works for any couple without a printed 'to my bride'. The same box covers the thank-you notes for the wedding party.

For the letters that go in the wine box.

~$25 · Prices are approximate and can change. Check the shop for today's price.

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In a ring warming, the rings pass from guest to guest during the ceremony so each person can hold them and wish you well before the exchange; all it takes is a secure pouch and a short line in the program. Assign someone to make sure the pouch gets back to the best man before the vows, and for a large wedding use the ring box at the entrance with a sign instead.

~$5 · Prices are approximate and can change. Check the shop for today's price.

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