Sub Ceremonies

A sub ceremony is not mandatory in a wedding ceremony, but many couples like to incorporate one as it acts like a piece of theatre in the ceremony, which gives entertainment for the guests, as well as a memento for the couple to keep.

Here are some examples of the most popular:

The Unity Candle:  The bride and groom each take a lit candle and simultaneously light a third larger "unity candle."  They may blow out their individual lights, or leave them lit, symbolizing that they have not lost their individuality in their unity.  Variations:  All guests are given a candle, and the first guest's is lit.  Guests pass the flame until all are lit, and then the bride and groom together light their unity candle.  This variation typically includes a proclamation that this ceremony represents the unity of friends and family supporting the couple in their marriage.

Sand Ceremony:  Similar to the water ceremony, the bride and groom both pour different coloured sand into a glass container.  The container can then be kept in the home as a memento.

Rock / Stone Ceremony:  Each guest is asked to bring a small attractive rock to the ceremony.  The rocks can be collected in many ways: by a collection container near the entrance of the ceremony or by members of the bridal party during the wedding ceremony or by the bride and groom during the ceremony.  The rocks can then form a part of the couple's garden in their new home together (perhaps for a water feature).

Rose Ceremony:  A simple unity ceremony where the bride and groom exchange roses.  Other variations:  the families exchange roses, the bride and groom exchange roses with their families, the bride and groom exchange roses, then present their mothers with the roses.  

Wedding Bell:  A bell is rung on the wedding day, the happiest day of the couple's lives and then is placed in a central location in the home.  You can use it as your door bell in your new home, or if the couple starts to argue, one of them can ring the truce bell, reminding them both of that happiness and hopefully ending the disagreement quickly.

Thought of one of your own?  There are no rules with the sub ceremony.  If it means something to you two, then go for it!