Tag Archives: unity sand ceremony

01Mar2012

Is the Unity Sand Ceremony right for your wedding?

In the last month or so, we’ve received a lot of questions from brides about the unity sand ceremony and our unity sand kits. Makes sense since warm weather is approaching and this happens to be an excellent option for outdoor weddings, but there are lots of great reasons to have a unity sand ceremony!

Read more about it and whether it’s right for your wedding in our post, “What is a unity sand ceremony?”

Unity Sand Cylinders

And remember these helpful tips we missed in our last post:

• It takes one pound of sand to fill one small cylinder, and 3.5 pounds of sand to fill one large cylinder.

• If you happen to make a small mess while pouring, use a lint roller to clean it up. Works like a charm!

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01Aug2011

What is a Unity Sand Ceremony?

The unity sand ceremony is a contemporary alternative to the unity candle ceremony. Instead of lighting a candle, the couple pours different colors of sand into a unity vase. It’s a beautiful representation of union, which couples can keep long after the wedding.

What’s the history?

Some believe the history of the unity sand ceremony lies within the Native American culture, but little is known of the ceremony and its significance in the culture.

The sand ceremony as we know it today is a fairly new concept, which has made its way to television twice. In 1981, the unity sand ceremony was used on an episode of the soap opera, General Hospital. In 2003, Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter from the hit reality show, The Bachelor, used the unity sand ceremony in their $4 million wedding broadcast live for fans everywhere. Since then, the unity sand ceremony has really taken off!

How does it work?

The ceremony includes one large vase (the unity vase) and two smaller vases. It also includes one sand color for the officiant (usually white or ivory to represent your faith), one color for the bride and one color for the groom. Children from previous marriages or relationship may also have a sand color to symbolize the blending of families.

The officiant will pour his/her sand into the unity vase first, to represent a foundation of faith. Then the bride and groom will pour their sand into the unity vase at the same time. (Note: if you pour exactly at the same time, your sand will become one big mixture rather than the pretty layers you see in photos. We suggest each person taking short turns to create the layered look.)

Is it right for your wedding?

One of the best things about the unity sand ceremony is that it becomes a lasting keepsake, a constant reminder of your lives and love combined. Many couples choose this ceremony so they will have a meaningful keepsake of their special day.

The unity sand ceremony is also a great way to symbolize the blending of families. Children are able to join in the ceremony, which is important to many couples.

Sand ceremonies are also a great option for outdoor weddings and destination weddings. It fits well with natural themes and tropical locals, plus the couple doesn’t have to worry about the wind like they would with the unity candle ceremony.

It’s not for everyone…

Many couples prefer the traditional unity candle ceremony, and for good reason. The symbolic gesture of lighting a candle together is timeless. Whatever you decide, make sure the ceremony you choose best represents the love you share.

 

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27Jan2011

5 Ways to Add a Punch of Color to Your Wedding Ceremony

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1. Sprinkle colorful, silk rose petals around the guest book table, along the aisle or within

tulle draped along the pews as shown above. Silk rose petals are available in red, pink

and white at Ann’s.

 

2. Unity sand is a colorful alternative to the traditional unity candle. Ann’s offers unity

sand in tan and white, but you can find a variety of colors at www.invitationsbydawn.com.

 

3. Colored satin ribbon will soon be available by the roll on Ann’s!  So add a touch of luxurious color to anything from the bouquets to the unity candle.

 

4. Make colorful ribbon wands to replace confetti during the getaway. Find dowel rods at your local hobby (Michaels is a great choice) or home improvement store. Spray paint them a color that coordinates with your wedding and tie a few long strands of colorful satin ribbon or curling ribbon to the ends. Set them out for guests to grab as they leave.

 

5. Flowers are a classic for adding color to the ceremony, but you want something unique, right? Check out Ann’s botanical pew cones. You can fill them with real flowers, bits of greenery, autumn leaves or silk rose petals for great color and style!

 

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13May2010

The Unity Sand Ceremony….and Other Fun Ways to Use Unity Sand!

Unity sand ceremonies are becoming more and more popular as an alternative to unity candle ceremonies. Many couples are choosing unity sand over unity candles for outdoor ceremonies or for the joining of two families.

Unity Sand Ceremony

Here’s how the unity sand ceremony works:

The couple needs one large, clear vase and two small, clear vases. A white or ecru sand is usually chosen as the base to represent the couple’s religious foundation. Then the bride picks a color of sand for her smaller vase and the groom does the same. During the wedding ceremony, the couple pours their sand into the larger vase to symbolize their union. If children are involved, they will each receive their own vase with their own color of sand to be poured as well.

Unity sand can be used in lots of other ways though. Here are a few ideas for incorporating this cute and inexpensive decoration into your wedding:

• Centerpieces — gather some votive holders, small vases or decorative dishes and fill them with sand and sea shells to be used as table centerpieces.

• Sprinkle sand along an aisle runner to bring a beachy feel to an indoor summer wedding ceremony.

•Sprinkle sand on your guest book table or head table for a beachy feel (just be careful during clean-up).

• Get different colors of sand and set up a table for guests to make their own wedding favors. Include various sizes of clear glass bottles and vases for guests to choose from.

• Use unity sand to create weights for helium balloon decorations.

Find additional unity sand colors at our partner’s website, MyJeanM.com. Colored Unity Sand Ceremony

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