Adding a Little Ritual to Your Ceremony
As a celebrant, I always say - when it comes to your ceremony, the world is your oyster! The sky truly is the limit. There are no rules, no regulations, and no “must-do’s.” Your ceremony is yours - completely and unapologetically.
That said, there are a few well-loved rituals and symbolic moments that couples sometimes choose to sprinkle in. They bring a little extra colour, heart, and meaning to the moment - and often come with beautiful stories or roots in tradition.
So, here are just some of the ways you can celebrate your unity in style…
Ring Warming
A lovely tradition with Christian roots, a ring warming is when your wedding rings make their way through your guests’ hands before you pop them on. Each person gives the rings a little love - traditionally a prayer or blessing, but these days more of a “good vibes and wishes” moment. By the time the rings reach you, they’re brimming with all the love and well wishes from your favourite people. How lush is that?
G&J chose to include a Ring Warming ritual in their wedding ceremony - such a special moment.
Here the rings are being passed from Mother of the Groom to the Mother of the Bride. At Agreco Farms, Crete. Photo captured by Me and Georgia Photography.
Handfasting
The OG “tying the knot!” This Celtic ritual is symbolic, meaningful, and just lovely. Your hands are bound together with cords or ribbons, and when they’re pulled apart, a knot is formed - representing your unity. Traditionally, the colours would reflect your families tartan colours or clans, but nowadays couples get creative! You might choose colours that symbolise laughter, trust, or adventure. Whether your cords are pre-plaited or woven together on the day, it’s a joyful, uplifting moment that always gets a few happy tears!
Lu and Reuben chose a handfasting as something a little different for their elopement wedding at the Bath Spa Hotel They’d travelled all the way from Mexico and wanted to include something truly special in their ceremony.
They picked red wine (a nod to their favourite drink), green (Reuben’s favourite colour), and white (Lu’s favourite — and perfectly bridal!). We had a good laugh when we realised they’d accidentally chosen the three colours of the Mexican flag!
Unity Candle
Rooted in Christian tradition, the unity candle ceremony is all about two flames becoming one. You each light a candle, then together light a central one - a gorgeous symbol of your two lives blending. It can be done in any style: elegant and engraved, or funky and fun with colourful candles! Some couples may keep their unity candle as a keepsake and light it on anniversaries - a lovely tradition to carry forward.
Jumping the Broom
Now this one’s just brilliant fun! With African and Caribbean origins, jumping the broom symbolises leaping into your new life together. You can decorate your broom, invite loved ones to hold it, and make it as fun and colourful as you like. It’s high-energy, symbolic, and always gets the crowd cheering - a proper moment of celebration!
Tree Planting
If nature is your thing, this one’s a beautiful way to honour your love of the wilderness. Planting a tree together during your ceremony (or potting one to take home) is like planting your very own special seed - something that will grow alongside your relationship. It’s a lovely, grounding moment and a gentle reminder that your love, like that tree, needs love, light, and water to keep growing strong. Plus, you’ll have something living and lasting to visit and nurture for years to come. I saw a lovely ferne tree in the gardens of Tortworth Court that had been planted during a ceremony of a couple in 1996!
Catherine and Alex planting a tree during their ceremony at the Square Club, Bristol.
While talking, Catherine’s face lit up as she laughed about her love of trees, so I knew this was perfect. We named their tree their little Mammato (new surname!) tree, and it was such a sweet moment!
Photo by Charlotte Sams Photography
Shots at the End!
Alright, so I’m not sure there’s any ancient tradition behind this one… but it’s always a bloody good time! A quick “cheers” at the end of your ceremony with a round of shots (tequila, anyone?) is such a fun way to toast your new life together. It gets everyone in the celebratory spirit from the get-go!
Shots of Klopfer for Rob & Hannah’s Ceremony at The Barn at Upcote! (Photo by Green Glass Photography)
A fun moment and a classic Dutch "quick bev!" to honor where Hannah is from!
Your Ceremony, Your Vibe!
Whatever you choose - whether you fancy weaving in one of these rituals, or you decide to keep things simple - remember this: it’s all about you two. The whole point of your ceremony is to celebrate yourselves in a way that feels perfectly “you.” There are no rules, no expectations - just good times, connection, and a moment that marks the start of your forever.
And if you fancy chatting about how to add a little magic to your ceremony, I’d absolutely love to help - do get in touch!