Posted by dena123
Can someone please explain what a sand ceremony is all about?? I am getting married at the reception hall and was just wondering if its something I should look into doing. I am not very religious.
Sure, well basically a sand ceremony is an alternative to lighting a unity candle together during the ceremony which is to symbolize two becoming one. Many ppl who are having outdoor ceremonies worry about the wind blowing out a unity candle and the sand ceremony is a great alternative in this way. Others look at it as a spiritual yet nondenominational option. It is also a great keepsake. And we love it bc it goes with our beachy themse and can incorporate FHs son and how we're becoming a fam. But it is not just limited to outdoor weddings, other RH brides have done sand ceremonies if they preferred it to the unity candle option (MJDoc12 did). Do a search on here for sand ceremony.
Here are some sand ceremony examples:
Sample Sand Ceremony - 1
'Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand one, representing you BRIDE and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, GROOM, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.'
Sample Sand Ceremony - 2
'BRIDE and GROOM, today you join your separate lives together. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent all that you are and all that you'll ever be as an individual. They also represent your lives before today. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.'
Sample Sand Ceremony - 3
'BRIDE and GROOM, you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and the exchange of a kiss, and this covenant is a relationship pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives. The most beautiful example of this partnership is the marriage relationship. You have committed here today to share the rest of your lives with each other. Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand one, representing you, BRIDE and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, GROOM, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.'
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Most of the time both the bride and the groom wish to leave a small amount of sand in each of their containers to symbolize that although they are now joined as one, they each remain individuals.
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When Trista and Ryan were married, they used the following text during their sand ceremony:
'Love is the eternal force of life.
Love is the force that allows us to face fear and uncertainty with courage.
But although you will be sharing one life, never forget you are two separate people.
Cherish and affirm your differences.
Love each other.
Keep your commitment primary.
Together you will laugh and cry, be sick and well, be happy and angry, share and grow.
Grow sometimes together, sometimes separately.'
'To symbolize the importance of the individuals within the marriage and the joining of two lives into one entity, 3 colors of sand will now be layered into a base.'
(Trista is handed a clear jar of Pink Sand, Ryan is handed a clear jar of Blue Sand. The minister has one small clear jar filled with a Neutral color sand and a large empty jar)
The Minister speaks again:
'We begin with a layer of Neutral Sand which symbolizes that the marriage is grounded.'
(The Minister pours a little of the Neutral Sand into the large jar)
'Then we layer the individual colors. This symbolizes that the marriage is based on the strength of the individuals.'
(Ryan poured a little of the Blue Sand in first, followed by a little more of the Neutral Sand from the minister. Trista then added a little of the Pink Sand, followed by some additional Neutral Sand from the minister).
'And now we combine the colors, which symbolizes two lives joined as one together forever.'
(Ryan and Trista simultaneously pour their remaining sand into the large jar until their jars are empty. The minister caps off the sand with the last of the Neutral Sand. The minister then holds the large jar up as if presenting to the wedding audience and places the jar to the side)
