Beautiful Ceremony Traditions to Consider for Your Day

The ceremony is arguably the most special part of your entire wedding day, it’s the moment you commit to your partner for the rest of your lives. The best part is you can make it all your own – a memory you and your partner will cherish forever.

I always encourage my couples to add their own touches and choose their own readings and prayers as well as extra elements.

To make your ceremony extra special, there are a number of rituals and traditions you can incorporate. We have listed some of our favorites in this blog.

Write Your Own Vows

This is a well-known tradition but a firm favorite. When you include your personality in your vows, they’re far more fun and meaningful. Writing your own vows gives you the opportunity to share how you plan to care for and love your partner in your own unique way in this next phase of your relationship. Plus, it gives guests a whole other perspective on your relationship and how you think and feel as a couple.

Keep in mind though, this isn’t your wedding speech! Save that for the reception! In Ontario your vows must meet the legal requirements (your Officiant will know what that means) and should be 300 words or less. This is not the time for an epic love letter that might be moving, but isn’t actually vows.

If you want to write your own vows, let me know when you are booking me so I can send you my guide to writing your own vows as well as get your wedding colours and theme so I can make your vow books!

Plant a Tree

Many couples are choosing to plant a tree together as a symbol of their new relationship and how they will grow together. You don’t need to dig into the earth and get dirty either. You could also choose a seedling to plant in a pot or it can be as simple as you both pouring soil into a pot and adding a few seeds to it. Ask your officiant if they have scripts for this (pssst…I do!).

Make sure you have someone ready to take your freshly planted seeds home to take care of them until you are back from your wedding festivities and honeymoon!

The Champagne Toast

Instead of just sharing a kiss after you’re pronounced married, pop a bottle of champagne and toast with your guests. You don’t need to give all your guests champagne either – you can simply share a glass with your partner. What’s more, this tradition makes for some great celebratory photos that you can add to your collection.

Make sure to tell your Officiant what you have planned – in Ontario there is a specific order that we do things when it comes to when we kiss, when we sign, and when we walk back down the aisle. Your Officiant might also be on a tight timeline and time for champagne will need to be built into your ceremony based on their schedule. Don’t surprise us with this when we might need to get on the road again without delays!

Yes I have had couples spring this on me when I arrive at their wedding and have had to suggest they save that for after they have walked down the aisle so I can keep moving on with my day. Don’t do that ok?

Handfasting

Another meaningful way to highlight your union is to incorporate handfasting into your ceremony. This is done in certain cultures and religions so before you ask your Officiant to do this, make sure you have researched the meaning and cultural implications of handfasting. We don’t want to be accused of cultural appropriation just because something seems cool and trendy.

When people ask me for a handfasting I always ask which kind they would like – so far only one couple has known enough about handfasting to be able to answer that without saying “Oh…I didn’t know there was more than one kind”. Do your research before you include this sacred ritual in your marriage ceremony.

Say a Prayer as a Family

This is an especially nice tradition if you plan to have a micro wedding this year. Right before your ceremony begins, have your family surround you and pray together. This is a wonderful way to include your family in the ceremony and a beautiful way to bless your union.

When couples are devoutly Christian or another religion I always offer the option to have one of the fathers lead us in prayer as it will be much more meaningful for everyone there.

Childlike Descriptions of Love

If you are choosing to have an adult-only wedding, there is still a way to include the children of friends and family. In the months leading up to your wedding, get your guests to ask their children what love means to them. Your officiant can then incorporate these sweet and special answers into your ceremony or ask one of the parents of the children to read them as part of your ceremony.

Wine Blending

Another unique tradition that is used to symbolize how marriage is a commitment to stick together during joyful and sorrowful times is wine blending. Towards the end of the ceremony, the couple will pour sweet and dry wine into a cup to highlight their promise to each other. Sand pouring is another take on this tradition.

Wine blending works especially well at winery weddings!

Combine Family Traditions

If you and your partner have different faiths or very strong family traditions, find ways to incorporate both into the ceremony. This makes everyone feel welcomed and loved and sets the tone for your life as a married couple.

I remember a recent wedding in which the groom was Jewish and the bride was Catholic. We stood under a chuppah, they circled each other, her brother read scripture, his sister delivered the seven blessings, and his parents were in charge of the glass for the very end of their ceremony. It was the perfect blending of religions and cultures!

There are so many wonderful ways to make your ceremony even more special. Just remember, this is your wedding day, and you should always do what feels right for you. Don’t forget to inform your Officiant photographer if you plan to incorporate anything special into the ceremony and have it all planned and scripted ahead of time.

You Might Also Like:
Beautiful Ceremony Traditions to Consider for Your Day
How to Handle Divorced Parents During the Wedding Planning Process
Expert Tips for a More Picture-Perfect Wedding
What Can I Expect to Pay for a Wedding Videographer?
Photo Tips for the Expecting Bride
4 Easy Ways to Preserve Your Wedding Flowers by Yourself!
The Basics of Wedding Flowers: Where to Start
How to Build Your Confidence for Your Wedding Photos
How to Incorporate Polaroid Photos into Your Wedding
Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Videographer
Beautiful Blooms to Consider for Your Wedding Day
The Wedding Dress Photos You Didn’t Know You Needed
Wedding Traditions That You Can Absolutely Break
Who Should You Invite to Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?
Common Wedding Flower Mistakes
How to Get Wedding Tasks Done During the Week
Red Flags to Be Aware of When Searching for a Wedding Photographer
Every Couple’s Guide to Wedding Photography Styles
How to Perfect Your Wedding Registry Right from Home
How to Make Your Walk Down the Aisle a Little More Modern
The Wedding Veil – ProTips for Every Bride!
Planning Your Engagement Shoot – Who, When, Where and What!
Things Wedding Photographers Wished Every Couple Knew
Things to Consider Including on Your Wedding Website
Tips for Planning an Intimate Wedding
Understanding the Basics of Natural Light Wedding Photography
The Wedding Tasks You Really Don’t Need to Get Done Right Away
Snowy Photos Ideas for Winter Wedding Couples!
Simple Tips for Cleaning Your Engagement Ring!
Genius Photo Ideas to Liven up Your Wedding Album!
Must-Have Vendors for Your Micro Wedding
What to Do When Mom (or a meddler) Interferes with Your Wedding
Family Photos Tips for Your Wedding
Preparing for a Floral Appointment – Advice for Couples
Moments You Should Add to Your Groomsmen Photo List
The Dos and Don’ts of Wedding DIY
A Basic Guide to Your Wedding Stationery Choices
The Art of Achieving a Memorable Wedding Video
Tips for Walking Down the Aisle
How to Deal with a Dress in Distress on Your Wedding Day
How to Choose Bridesmaids Dresses that Look Great in Photos
Should You Hire a Proposal Photographer?
The Ideal Order to Book Your Wedding Vendors
Key Things to Consider When Hunting for a Resort Wedding Venue
Understanding Your Wedding Timeline
Tips for Feeling Relaxed and Confident for Your Wedding Photos
Inviting Children to Your Wedding: To Do or Not To Do?
How to Choose A Wedding Color Scheme that Photographs Well
Wedding Venue Red Flags You Should Always Pay Attention To
Tips to Help You Plan a Stylish but Budget-Friendly Wedding
Ways to Feel More Relaxed in Front of Your Wedding Photographer’s Camera
How to Experience a More Meaningful Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Photography Regrets Couple Have
Wedding Planning Myths You Should Definitely Be Ignoring
Fun Uses for Your Engagement Photos
Tips to Help You Choose the Perfect Bridesmaid Dresses
Tips to Get the Best Wedding Confetti Photos at your wedding!
Unique Ways to Honor Deceased Loved Ones at Your Wedding
My Best Tips to Enjoy More of Your Wedding Planning
The Father-Daughter Wedding Photos Brides Shouldn’t Miss Out On
6 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding
Expert Tips for Planning a Backyard Wedding
How to Handle Divorced Parents During the Wedding Planning Process
Thoughtful Touches to Add to Your Wedding Day for Your Guests
Fun Ways to Include Children in Your Wedding Day
Guide to Creating a Wedding Budget
Tips for Navigating Wedding Shows
Wedding Reception Ideas You’ll Definitely Want to Steal
The Wedding Guest ‘B’ List – The Dos and Don’ts
Tips for Organizing Your Wedding Photos
Steps to Finding Your Officiant
The Wedding Veil – What Every Bride Needs to Know
Things Your Wedding Guests Probably Won’t Remember
Wedding Ceremony Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid!
Tips to Stop Your Wedding Guests From Posting Your Photos Online!
4 Reasons to Consider a Cocktail-Style Wedding Reception
Things Your Officiant Will Want to Know!
9 Tips For Navigating a Wedding Show!
Beautiful Ceremony Traditions to Consider!
7 Things You Should Know Before Planning Your Wedding
Unconventional Wedding Decor Ideas!
5 Things to Trust Your Photographer With
Things to Consider When Choosing Your Maid of Honour
Tips for Wedding Favours Your Guests Will Love!
Wedding Photography Styles Explained!
Tip For Choosing Bridesmaids Dresses!
2020 in Review! The Year of the Wedding!
How to Keep Children Entertained at Your Wedding
Things You Don’t Want to DIY For Your Wedding
How to Set Up a Gorgeous Dessert Table
7 Photos with Your Bridesmaids You Wont Want to Miss
How to Save Money on Your Dream Wedding
Where to Begin Your Wedding Planning
5 Simple Tips to Take the Stress Out of Wedding Planning
Halloween Wedding Ideas
5 Reasons You Might Need a Wedding Planner or Coach
Things to Consider When Selecting a Wedding Venue
Why an Officiant Charges as Much as They Do
Why You Should Hire a Professional Officiant
Parental Estrangement and Wedding Drama