SAND AND ROSE CEREMONY

The Sand Ceremony is one of the most common elements in many weddings.
Be it a religious service or non-traditional.  Most have heard OF
or have seen this done at least once.

Below I have posted the Standard Sand Ceremony here and I have also
included the Rose Ceremony below.  This is a twist on the sand
and works great for outdoor weddings.  The other nice thing is
it is not widely used so it is something new for your audiance.


Typical SAND CEREMONY: 
At this time, will you both take your places at the table before you.

Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these 
two individual containers of sand on the table before you.

One, representing you Marie 
all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, 
and the other representing you, Daniel, 
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 back into 
the individual containers, so too will your marriage be forever blended.
  
One in heart, one in spirit, and one in soul. 
For after today, you can never return to the old life you had before 
There will always be a part of you that will remain with the other.
 
At this time will you both pour your individual sand containers 
into the container before you on the table. 


Sand Ceremony done with kids

SAND CEREMONY: USED WHEN OUTSIDE
This is done after the rings generally but can be done anytime.

 Anicieto and Deborah
You have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of you promises and vows. 
You have also exchanged your rings. 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 ceremony itself. 
You have each freely committed to share the rest of your lives with each other today. 

And to demonstrate the uniqueness of your love for one another, 
we celebrate your new relationship and the creation of a new family 
through the pouring of these 4 individual containers of sand on the table before you now. 

 
One container represents you, Deborah

all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

One represents you, Anicieto, 

and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.


The other two containers represent your daughters,

Jonet and Julia. 

As these 4 containers of sand are poured into the larger container, 
the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, 
but will be joined together as one. 
Just as your lives have been joined today.
  
At this time, Please pour your containers now.

As you see, just as these grains of sand can never be separated 
and poured back into their individual containers, 
so too your marriage always be blended by your love 
that you all share as a newly created family.

May this container always serve as a reminder of your special day together.

~~~~~
As you see it is rather easy to include your family members in this ceremony and 
makes for a very special moment for everyone involved.
 


Rose Ceremony
In this one, the bride has the vase, and the groom has the rose to start.

Jeremy and Rachelle have chosen to share two gifts, 
The Marriage Vessel and the Rose to symbolize their 
ever growing life long commitment to each other.  

The spiritual roots of the marriage vessel and the rose 
grow out of an understanding of god 
as the potter, or creator of life (Bride hold up vase)

And God as the Gardener, or sustainer of life (Groom holds up the rose)
The vessel of clay, lovingly shaped by the potter, 
is a symbol of love's strength and endurance. 
The miracle of the vessel is that it not only protects  
but is enriched by that which it holds - the rose.

Likewise the rose born of the tiniest of seeds symbolizes 
the beauty and potential of growing in love throughout life together.
Both the vessel and the rose are individually unique 
yet when combined they create an object of even greater beauty.

Jeremy, will you hand Rachelle her rose and repeat after me please:

Rachelle, this rose represents the beauty I see in you
I thank you for the person you are
and the person I am becoming 
because of your love for me.

Rachelle, will you hand Jeremy the vessel and repeat after me:
Jeremy, this vessel represents the strength I see in you.
I thank you for the love and care you have given me
and for all we will share together in this life.

And now Jeremy, will you put the rose in the vase, 
and hold onto it together so the crowd can see it.


As your gifts bring beauty and purpose to each other
may your lives continue to enrich and strengthen one another.

Minister then takes it and places it on the table.