(Non-inclusive list of suggestions)
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The Unity Candle Ceremony
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The unity candle symbolizes the very essence of the wedding ceremony. Two taper candles, representing the couple as individuals, are used to light a single center candle as a visible symbol of their commitment to each other. There are many variations on the ceremony and the individual details are completely up to you. Discover the different ways to show your commitment to one another using a unity candle.
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The Sand Ceremony
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If for whatever reason you choose not to use a Unity Candle during your ceremony, the sand ceremony can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to your vows. Simply find three containers, one for you and your fiancé to pour the sand into, two for each of you to pour the sand from. You can find colored or plain sand at most craft stores. After the Officiant reads the text, pour the two containers of sand into the third container simultaneously. You may wish to leave a small amount of sand in each container to symbolize that although you are now joined as one, you each remain individuals.
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The Wine Cup Ceremony
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The use of the wine cup at a wedding is an ancient tradition. It is particularly appropriate at a marriage where the background of one or both parties is of the Jewish tradition. The cup of wine is symbolic of the cup of life. As you share the cup of wine, you undertake to share all that the future may bring. All the sweetness life's cup may hold for you will be the sweeter because you drink it together. Whatever drops of bitterness it may contain will be less bitter because you share them. The couple serves each other the wine.
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The Rose Ceremony
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The Rose Ceremony is simple yet profoundly moving. The bride and groom exchange two red roses, symbolizing the giving and receiving of their love for each other throughout their entire married life. The Rose Ceremony also conveys how to use the rose and its symbolism in difficult times in order to forgive each other.
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The Breaking of the Glass
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A suggestion as to the meaning of the broken glass is that the latter comes to remind us of the fragility of human relationships. According to this view, the breaking of the glass comes as a sombre warning to the bride and groom as to the constant possibility of the breaking apart of a union that, perhaps at this moment, seems so strong and full of optimism. It should not be thought that Judaism is pessimistic, but it is blessed with a strong sense of realism in its dealings with human beings, their potential and their shortcomings. This can, in fact, lead to some very positive outcomes in a relationship. According to this interpretation of the breaking of the glass, we have here a sober warning – born not out of pessimism, but of realism.
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Broom Jumping
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Jumping the broom is a popular African-American wedding tradition that symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new. This custom stems back to the time when slaves were prevented from marrying. They developed this ritual as a way to unite in ceremony. This ceremony is a way to represent the joining together of two lives and the need for support of the marriage from this community. Jumping the broom has become one of the most popular African traditions at weddings -- traditional and African-centered. History tells us that the ancestral roots of this ritual began deep in the heart of Africa. It's original purpose and significance has been lost over the years because of the association with slavery.
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Thirteen Gold Coins
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The custom of the coins originated in Spain. Thirteen gold coins (arras)
are given to the bride by the bridegroom, signifying he will support her. Often presented in ornate boxes or gift trays, this represents the bride's dowry and holds good wishes for prosperity. These coins become a part of their family heirloom.
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