Unity Rituals for Weddings

Unity candles and sand ceremonies are lovely but couples do have other options. On this episode, you'll find ways to personalize the meaning of the traditional rituals and discover new rituals inspired by the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water.

Any ritual can fall flat without context. For example, the fire of a Unity Candle can symbolize the porch light a parent leaves burning until her "child" -- of whatever age -- arrives home safely. That same flame will mean something else to an Eagle Scout who had to learn how to make fire to survive.  

For a water-inspired unity ritual that blends wine, look to Wine Spectator magazine. Draw some wedding wisdom from what they have to say about the top wines of the year. 

Use silk-like butterflies for a ritual inspired by air. Unite the couple and all their guests in a unity ritual around the Om chant.

Plant a tree for a ritual inspired by earth. Or, designate personal meaning to the colors poured in a sand ceremony. Or talk about the origin of the sand if that's what distinguishes is.