The Unity Sand Ceremony is a classic Hawaii wedding tradition. It is a beautiful way to commemorate your marriage and make it truly meaningful. Namely, when you want to add authenticity to your big day, this is one of the ways to go!
If you are thinking about including a unity sand ceremony in your wedding celebration, you are in the right spot! While these ceremonies are not overly complicated, having a little bit of planning can really help everything run smoothly on your big day.
To make things easier, we have put together a guide that will help you understand the meaning of the unity sand ceremony, figure out its variations, and decide whether it is something you want to include in your union.
What Is The Meaning of The Unity Sand Ceremony?
A wedding sand ceremony is basically when the couple takes turns pouring sand into a shared container. The entire process is about symbolizing their lifelong commitment to each other and blending their lives into one.
A lot of couples prefer this over the unity candle ceremony, especially for outdoor weddings, since they do not have to worry about the flames being blown out by the wind. Namely, it is easier to conduct, and you can get creative with different sand colors.
The History Behind The Unity Sand Ceremony
This whole unity sand ceremony idea popped up in the late 1980s as a great alternative to the traditional unity candle, which was especially popular in Catholic weddings. The original idea involved lighting two individual candles and then using them to light a central one together.
But as more ceremonies moved outdoors, people found the flames would often get extinguished by the wind. So, using sand became a practical and meaningful option, and it also lets couples create a lovely keepsake from their special day.
It is really interesting that some couples like to use sand they have collected from beaches they have visited together. Others might include their kids in the process or use special containers that hold sentimental value, like family heirlooms.
In short, the beauty of the ceremony lies in visually representing the union of two lives into one, and it is something even kids can easily understand. They can see how pouring their individual containers into a larger vessel creates something beautiful and lasting.
What Are The Variations of The Unity Sand Ceremony?
The variations of the Unity Sand Ceremony include the Unity Candle Ceremony. In fact, the former is created from the latter as a variation. Since the Unity Candle Ceremony was not suitable for all surroundings, couples needed something that would surely work.
More precisely, the Unity Candle Ceremony is a classic tradition that has been part of weddings for a long time, whether the celebrations are fancy or more laid-back.
In this ceremony, the bride and groom each have their own candles that they use to light a single unity candle together. Sometimes, family members or others in the wedding party join in by lighting their own candles too.
However, one disadvantage to the unity candle ceremony is that it does not leave behind a lasting reminder of the couple’s union. This means that once the candle is extinguished, the moment becomes just a memory.
That is where the Unity Sand Ceremony comes in, offering something more meaningful. This ceremony usually lasts just a couple of minutes, but beautifully symbolizes the joining of two lives.
The couple pours different-colored sand from their own containers into a shared container, called the unity vase, representing their lives blending together as one. It is a wonderful way to visually illustrate how their separate paths are converging.
Plus, unlike the candle, the unity vase can be displayed at home, serving as a constant reminder of their love and commitment for years to come. In short, the Unity Sand Ceremony truly provides a cherished keepsake of their special day.
The Meaning of Sand Colors
Many couples prefer to use two different sand colors for their wedding sand ceremony, but ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired ambiance. Many of our clients end up picking colors that match their wedding theme or just their favorite hues. Since you are having a Hawaiian wedding, you can go for colors that match your surroundings.
No matter how many colors you decide to use, what matters most is that they hold meaning for you both. So, the colors themselves do not have any intrinsic meaning. They are simply an expression of your style as a couple or a way to tie everything together in your wedding.
How to Have a Unity Sand Ceremony?
When planning a Unity Sand Ceremony, the first thing you will want to do is decide who will be involved. Traditionally, it is just the couple and the officiant, but some couples choose to include parents or children to symbolize the joining of families.
So, it is a good idea to discuss this with your partner and officiant ahead of time so everyone knows their role and has a chance to prepare.
As for the ceremony itself, it usually does not take long, typically under five minutes. Actually, timing is important, so it is best to schedule it right after exchanging vows during the actual ceremony.
Remember that you will need to gather your containers and sand beforehand, aiming for clear or sentimental vases so everyone can see the beautiful mixing of the sand. And finally, when the time comes, your officiant will guide you through the script before you start pouring the sand together!
A Unity Sand Ceremony is a way to make your Hawaii wedding authentic and meaningful. It is one of the most magical Hawaii wedding customs, so if you choose to have it for your big day, you will not make a mistake!
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