SIGS

Personal wedding ceremony traditions

A glossary of optional rituals and spoken moments for personal, secular and non-denominational ceremonies. Choose the elements that belong to your own wedding.

Words and participation

Declaration of intent

The officiant asks whether each partner intends to marry, and each gives their answer. Confirm the wording with your officiant.

The couple’s story

An account of the couple’s relationship shared by the officiant or another speaker.

Community promise

An invitation for guests to voice their support for the couple.

Personal reading or dedication

A poem, passage or original message chosen for the ceremony. Tell us who is speaking and whether it is a surprise.

Unity rituals

Handfasting

A cord or ribbon is wrapped around joined hands as a symbolic commitment. The placement and final knot can both be meaningful photographs.

Ring warming

Guests hold the rings briefly and offer wishes or blessings before returning them for the exchange.

Unity candle

Two separate candles are used to light a central candle.

Family candle lighting

Chosen family members light the individual candles before the couple’s unity lighting.

Sand ceremony

Separate containers of sand are poured into one vessel. Children or other family members can participate if that is part of your plan.

Tree planting

The couple add soil or water to a tree as a symbolic act of growth together.

Wedding time capsule

Letters or keepsakes are sealed in a container to open on a chosen future date.

Unity glass ceremony

Glass crystals are combined during the ceremony and can later be made into a keepsake.

Unity painting

The couple combine paint on a canvas to create a shared artwork.

Faith-based choices

Foot washing

A chosen Christian ritual in which partners wash one another’s feet. Its meaning and sequence should be discussed with the person leading it.

Cord of three strands

A Christian unity ritual in which three strands are braided, with faith forming part of the symbolism. This is different from handfasting.

Renewing a commitment

Vow renewal

A celebration in which an already married couple reaffirm their promises.

Ring reaffirmation

Rings are exchanged again or acknowledged during a vow renewal.

Reading earlier vows

The couple revisit words from an earlier ceremony or anniversary.

Planning photography and video

Share the script, participants and the order of rituals. Tell us when the rings will move through the guests, where unity materials will be placed and which spoken exchanges need audio. Ask your officiant which elements fit your ceremony.

Explore the Wedding Event Dictionary

Explore heritage and traditions

Tell us about your wedding