Lauren here 👋🏻

Recently I was filling out a questionnaire for my wedding photographer and one of the questions was “what type of unity ceremony will you be including in your ceremony?” And I panicked because I hadn’t considered any of my options and we are a month out from the big day! If you are engaged or about to be, let me share some of our findings so you can plan better than I have!

1. The Celtic knot

Using a ribbon, rope, or scarf, this tradition shows the physical as well as spiritual bond that marriage represents through tying the couples’ hands or wrists together. Quite literally “tying the knot”. In ancient Ireland, this ceremony is also called “hand-fasting” and be tied together while you recite your vows.

2. Combining sand

This tradition is perfectly placed at a beach wedding so that you can use sand from the beach you are getting married on. It also works for blended families if you would like your children to be represented in the unity of the family. Sam went to a wedding where the couple each brought sand from their respective home countries.

3. lighting a candle

The unity candle is typically lit by each partner holding their own candles and lighting the third candle together, symbolizing two people becoming one. 

4. releasing a lantern

Best done during a dusk or night ceremony, this symbolizes sending your love out into the universe. Some like to put notes or vows inside as well!

5. The lasso

Put around the neck or head- the wedding officiant will wrap a garland of your choosing around each partner’s neck in an infinity symbol during the ceremony and then after it is removed the garland can become part of your home to be a constant reminder of your never ending love.  Traditionally, floral garlands are used in southeast Asian ceremonies, and around the head (attached with a ribbon) is usually seen during Greek weddings.

6. Pouring paint on a mini canvas

This is similar to the idea of pouring sand, but instead creates art for the walls of your home. Pick a color to represent each of you (and potentially a color for your children if they will be a part of the wedding). Combining the colors will show how two are becoming one on that day. 

7. Combining drinks

If art is not your thing, find what is! Do you like drinking wine together? Or is tea your comfort after a long day? Combine each of your favorite flavors to become one. 

8. Planting a tree

This is a great way to visualize your love growing and becoming stronger over the (many) years. Also, a great option for the more eco friendly couple!

9. The time capsule

You can add in wine, letters, objects*, and open it on important anniversary. This could be something that just the couple participates in, or the rest of the guests could be included if you’re having an intimate ceremony. Having memories to be reminded of years down the line will bring you back to the day you said “I do”.

*If you want a couple’s illustration to add to your box, just click here!

10. Jumping the Broom

This ceremony symbolizes jumping into your new life together and sweeping away your past so that you can start new as a married couple. 

Which of these ceremonies would you choose for your wedding? But most importantly, which one do I choose?!? Let me know in the comments!

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Second to the dress, your ceremony backdrop will set the vibes of your wedding and has the ability to make or break your theme. This will also be what surrounds you and your new spouse in the “first kiss” photo we all dream of hanging on our walls forever. Many people end up taking this on as a DIY project, so don’t procrastinate starting this part of the decor! Today we have put together some inspo for you based on your venue choice. 

Outdoors/Scenic Views

If you are getting married in a forest or a lush mountaintop, you will be saving a lot of money on flowers and decor! We recommend framing the focus point with a simple arch or geometric shape made of either steel or wood that you will be standing in front of in that first kiss picture.

Statement building

If you chose your venue based off of the architecture, use your favorite part as the ceremony backdrop! This could be the fire place, the staircase, or even the front door. Whatever drew you to that location in the first place should be the most photographed and shared. 

Open concept space

If you have nothing but a blank slate to work with, you get to be as creative as possible. Start from the ground up with candles, pillars, flowers, greenery, anything to create a statement. It might feel overwhelming trying to fill the space, but keep in mind that all of the pieces can be moved around to decorate for the reception during the room switch (this is also the part where it’s super helpful to have a wedding planner or designer).

Country Club

If you are getting married anywhere that other people could potentially be walking around your ceremony location, we recommend creating some sort of screen as your backdrop. This could be as crazy as an old door with chipped paint, or as classic as draped fabric surrounded by flowers.  This type of solidity really defines the space

The most important thing to remember is that your ceremony backdrop will be the center of many of your wedding photos, as it’s not only a big piece of your special day, but also the first impression of your decor style to guests and will define the theme of your wedding more than anything else. It is also good to remember that any decor you use for the ceremony can be repurposed for the reception. You don’t want all of that creativity to go to waste! We’re all about repurposing here.

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn