Decisions, decisions, decisions. As if planning your wedding wasn’t stressful enough, then comes in your officiant asking you all kinds of questions about your ceremony. If you’ve hired a great officiant, there should be lots of questions they ask about you, and also about your ceremony. It’s not as though we’re trying to add heaps more to your plate, but we want to make sure your ceremony is perfect, and consists of everything you could possibly want. And sometimes, couples haven’t considered everything. One of those being the unity ceremony.
What is a unity ceremony?
Simply put, a unity ceremony is a symbolic activity that's performed by the couple during the wedding ceremony. Parents, children, friends, and other loved ones may also participate in the unity ceremony, depending on what’s required or wanted by you.
A unity ceremony is a special part of the wedding where the couple has the opportunity to demonstrate a unique part of their relationship. This can be expressed through religious or cultural traditions, or it can even be something unique and created by the couple and/or the officiant.
Many people find inspiration online, through TikTok & Instagram, or they’ve seen it performed at another wedding. Either way, there are lots of options and varieties to choose from. Some require food or drink, while others may need special materials in order to perform the unity ceremony.
With that being said, I thought today I would cover some of the more unique ones that perhaps you’ve never heard of, or come across in other list. So, without further delay, I give you 8 rather unique unity ceremonies for your consideration.
The Combo Ones
1.) Fish Unity Ceremony (aka Pouring Fish)
This is fairly new to me. Recently, I had a couple reach out asking me to incorporate a fish unity ceremony in to their wedding. I told them “Let me think of something to say”. I then went on to Google, only to find out their were variations of what they were asking for, namely what some cultures call “Pouring Fish”. Who knew?? I combined some of the cultural significance in to the ceremony, and then came up with a few sentences on my own.
I mentioned how in many cultures fish represent abundance and good luck. I mentioned how the fish bowl was representing their new home. It was a fun way to incorporate goldfish in to a wedding. And who doesn’t like goldfish? (see picture above)
2.) Bubble Gum Unity
This one I’ve only performed once, and that’s because the couple told me what they had, and I created a whole new unity ceremony for them. They had found an old antique bubblegum dispenser in a shop, bought it, and knew they wanted to use it as part of their ceremony.
So, they found a bubblegum maker online, and had them create dozens of beautiful, big gumballs - blue for him, and pink for her. I then discussed how fun marriage can be, and while I did, they poured in their gumballs into the dispenser. Truly unique!!
3.) Painting Unity
Life can be colorful. It can also be messy. But either way, our individual lives mix and blend with not only our spouse, but any children we may have. This unity ceremony celebrates this aspect of life and marriage. A great one to be used by blended families. But don’t forget a drop cloth!
The Drinking Ones
4.) The Shot Ski
Here’s a fun one that incorporates shots! This one was a trending TikTok last year. Quite a few couples requested this one. In essence, when the ceremony is drawing to a close, the couple wants to take their first drink together and get the party started early.
So, they have a snow ski that that have attached 2 shot glasses to, and then the shots are poured. The couple each grab the ski together, and take the shot.
Now, what really unique, is not only are the forced to work together to take the shot, without spilling, but once the ski is lifted, and tilted for them to take their shot, the guests can see the bottom of the ski, which most couples will have their name engraved on (Think “Mr & Mrs Smith). Pretty cool way to announce your union.
5.) Whiskey Unity
As of this writing, whiskey is one of the most popular liquors in the world. Its popularity has really taken off since the pandemic lock down. People experimented with its flavors, and taste testing new variations. However, be warned, this unity requires patience.
Couples can find kits online, or at many of their local distilleries around town. It comes with the whiskey, and a mini barrel to add the whiskey in. And then you wait… you wait until your 1st anniversary, or 5th, or whenever. You then sit back and sip on the blend you created on your wedding day. Most newlyweds will write a letter to each other to be opened and read while they do. A fabulous way if reminiscing!
6.) Tequila Unity
This is for the party animal in all of us! So this first came on the scene through TikTok couple of years ago. There are many variations of this unity. Basically, once we’re just about finished up with the ceremony, I tell the guests it’s time for Tequila!
The happy couple, and their bridal party pull out a bottle, pour shots, and get the party started early! It’s an entertaining way of ending the ceremony, and kicking off the reception.
The Circle Ones
7.) Pizza Cutting
Each couple brings their own special flavors in to their marriage. With that being said, have fun with picking out the toppings you want for your pizza. Just make sure you have enough napkins!
We discuss the symbolism, and meaning, of the pizza. Then the cutting by you begins. Bump crusts, and dig in! Share with guests, or save for yourself to eat more while getting those last minute photos after the ceremony. Oh, and don’t forget: Your officiant LOVES pizza too! 😉
8.) Ring Warming
This ceremony had a rough patch during the pandemic. It was quite popular up until the start of 2020. Once COVID hit, people shied away from doing unity ceremonies that involved more than just the bride and groom. I’m glad to see this one climbing back up the charts.
Before the couple puts the rings on each others fingers, they pass around the rings to be “warmed’ by their guests. The guests are instructed to either pray, bless, or wish good luck over the rings while they hold them. By the time they make their way back up to the front, the rings have been placed in each guests hands for a special moment!
A uniquely unity for all!
As you can see, unity ceremonies can be serious, or, as the case is with this list, they can be fun and meaningful for all involved. After all, weddings should be a lively celebration! Not something you rush through just to get to the reception faster.
If you’d like to discuss how we can make your ceremony as unique, and fun, as you, contact us today!