Symbolize Your New Family Bond
If you are bringing children into the marriage, bestow a token such as a family medallion in a ritual that includes
them; or let them join in lighting a family candle to represent the new bond you all share.
Honor Your Families
Perhaps the most powerful symbol is one that honors a family member or tradition. Brides can wear heirlooms
from her or her husband's family, such as a bridal gown, a wedding ring, or a special piece of jewelry. Pouring
libations, an African tradition where water is poured out on the ground or into a bowl to honor ancestors who
are now in the earth, is also incredibly moving during a ceremony. And remember those who have passed by
sharing a poem or prayer they taught you, or by lighting candles or incense in their memory.
Symbols That Show Your Personality
For a casual fun wedding, brides and grooms have been known to wear their favorite frocks - those that reflect
their true selves; a favorite color, style, designer and even Hawaiian shirts and plastic leis. Forego the
traditional wedding march in favor of Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon" or another favorite melody. Ask your guests
to wear your favorite colors, or choose an unusual cake decorated to reflect your new home.
Symbolize Your Unity
Exchange gifts reflecting what you love about each other. Share foods from your cultures to represent your
bond to each other and your heritage. Exchange roses that symbolize your feelings and say "I love you" and
promise to do the same in the future whenever you have challenges, as a way to always profess your love for
one another. Sign a ceremonial marriage contract and ask your guests to add their names to the scroll.
Cultural Symbols
Do some research into your and your spouse's heritage. These age-old traditions are often simple yet powerful.
Make Japanese good luck origami cranes, use a Huppah for all faiths made by friends and family; or take a cue
from Orthodox and Jewish traditions and circle the ceremonial table to reinforce your marital bond. Jump the
broom to honor your African-American heritage.
Take Cues From Your Surroundings
Reflect the season of your marriage by using blooming flowers from a backyard garden. Your choice of location -
whether a quiet garden, a dramatic hilltop or a busy public square can be a symbol of your personalities and the
values you share.
By Wendy Schwimmer
WedAlert.com
If you are bringing children into the marriage, bestow a token such as a family medallion in a ritual that includes
them; or let them join in lighting a family candle to represent the new bond you all share.
Honor Your Families
Perhaps the most powerful symbol is one that honors a family member or tradition. Brides can wear heirlooms
from her or her husband's family, such as a bridal gown, a wedding ring, or a special piece of jewelry. Pouring
libations, an African tradition where water is poured out on the ground or into a bowl to honor ancestors who
are now in the earth, is also incredibly moving during a ceremony. And remember those who have passed by
sharing a poem or prayer they taught you, or by lighting candles or incense in their memory.
Symbols That Show Your Personality
For a casual fun wedding, brides and grooms have been known to wear their favorite frocks - those that reflect
their true selves; a favorite color, style, designer and even Hawaiian shirts and plastic leis. Forego the
traditional wedding march in favor of Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon" or another favorite melody. Ask your guests
to wear your favorite colors, or choose an unusual cake decorated to reflect your new home.
Symbolize Your Unity
Exchange gifts reflecting what you love about each other. Share foods from your cultures to represent your
bond to each other and your heritage. Exchange roses that symbolize your feelings and say "I love you" and
promise to do the same in the future whenever you have challenges, as a way to always profess your love for
one another. Sign a ceremonial marriage contract and ask your guests to add their names to the scroll.
Cultural Symbols
Do some research into your and your spouse's heritage. These age-old traditions are often simple yet powerful.
Make Japanese good luck origami cranes, use a Huppah for all faiths made by friends and family; or take a cue
from Orthodox and Jewish traditions and circle the ceremonial table to reinforce your marital bond. Jump the
broom to honor your African-American heritage.
Take Cues From Your Surroundings
Reflect the season of your marriage by using blooming flowers from a backyard garden. Your choice of location -
whether a quiet garden, a dramatic hilltop or a busy public square can be a symbol of your personalities and the
values you share.
By Wendy Schwimmer
WedAlert.com
Symbols Used in the Wedding Ceremony
As brides and grooms create wedding ceremonies that reflect who
they are as individuals and as a couple, an increasing number of them
are incorporating symbols as a visible sign of their love. Tokens of love
enable a couple to take the invisible and intangible - their love and
devotion for one another - and illustrate these feelings in a tangible
way.
Ceremony symbols can range from traditional to dramatic to the
unexpected. Below you will find suggestions on how to easily and
appropriately incorporate symbols into wedding ceremonies.
they are as individuals and as a couple, an increasing number of them
are incorporating symbols as a visible sign of their love. Tokens of love
enable a couple to take the invisible and intangible - their love and
devotion for one another - and illustrate these feelings in a tangible
way.
Ceremony symbols can range from traditional to dramatic to the
unexpected. Below you will find suggestions on how to easily and
appropriately incorporate symbols into wedding ceremonies.
| Copyright © 2009 Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison |
